Research Progress and Future Perspectives on Soil Carbon Sources and Stability in Mangrove Forests

Key Points

• This research aims to clarify the sources and stability mechanisms of soil organic carbon in mangrove ecosystems.
• Reviewed advancements in isotope techniques and biomarkers for tracing soil carbon sources.
• Evaluated interactions between organic carbon sources, active minerals, and their roles in carbon preservation.
• Analyzed the synergistic effects of microbial transformation and mineral protection on soil organic carbon stability.
• Multivariate tracing methods enhance accuracy in identifying soil carbon sources.
• The cooperation of microbial processes and mineral protection is critical for sustaining soil organic carbon.
• Active iron minerals significantly contribute to the stabilization of labile organic carbon, though quantification of long-term effects remains limited.