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Atmospheric carbon dioxide is released at all points in the process.
Above-ground organic matter contributes to soil organic-matter pools, but most organic matter that contributes to these pools is derived primarily from plant roots, which eventually are processed by soil organisms.
Practices and strategies that promote the generation of stable organic matter are varied. This includes, more aggregation, more carbon inputs from living roots, composts, manure, and less soil disturbance.
Soil organic matter accumulation occurs over long stretches of time (years, decades, even centuries or millennia). In order for net sequestration of carbon in the soil to occur, more organic matter (carbon source) must be added to the soil than is released (CO2 respiration) back to the atmosphere. Reduced tillage practices can also aid in organic matter incorporation into the soil.