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Title: Clay surface catalysis of formation of humic substances: potential role of maillard reactions

Author
item Gonzalez, Javier

Submitted to: Clay Mineral Society
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/30/2008
Publication Date: 3/1/2009
Citation: Gonzalez, J.M. 2009. Clay surface catalysis of formation of humic substances: potential role of maillard reactions. Clay Mineral Society. 16:51-76.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The mechanisms of the formation of humic substances are poorly understood, especially the condensation of amino acids and reducing sugars products (Maillard reaction) in soil environments. Clay minerals behave as Lewis and Brönsted acids and catalyze several reactions and likely to catalyze the Maillard reaction in soil environments. An understanding of humic substance formation is necessary to develop management options to enhance soil organic matter formation and stabilization. Literature research was conducted to synthesize information available on the surface acidity of clay minerals and their catalytic role on the formation of humic-like substances via the Maillard reaction. The synthesis provides insight information on the Maillard reaction under soil environments and provides important information to scientists that investigate carbon dynamics in soils to develop or modify management options to enhance soil organic C sequestration.