Perspectives on the misconception of levitating soil aggregates

Summary

Abstract. Soil aggregation is an important process in nearly all soils across the globe. Aggregates develop over time through a series of abiotic and biotic processes and interactions, including plant growth and decay, microbial activity, plant and microbial exudation, bioturbation, and physicochemical stabilization processes, and are greatly influenced by soil management practices. Together, and through feedback with organic matter and primary soil particles, these processes form dynamic soil aggregates and pore spaces, which jointly constitute a soil's structure and contribute to overall soil functioning. Nevertheless, the concept of soil aggregates is hotly debated, leading to confusion about their function or relevancy to soil processes. We argue here that the opposition to the concept