Variation in lipid relative abundance and composition among different particle size fractions of a forest soil

Most studies of soil organic matter are on humic substances although a substantial contribution of lipids is generally noted for soils. Moreover, soil lipids were shown to have a relatively high resistance to biodegradation. Thus, they could provide information on organic matter sources and diagenetic processes. Soil organic matter is highly heterogeneous and different dynamic pools are in evidenced. However the links between these pools and molecular structure have not yet been established. Soil lipids were investigated in three particle-size fractions of a forest soil. Lipids were shown to be preferentially located in the finest fraction. GC-MS analysis of free lipids has revealed different main sources depending on the particle-size fraction and differential degradation. Furthermore, the results obtained for the free lipids on the one hand, and the saponified lipids on the other hand, have indicated that different preservation mechanisms for lipids occur in this soil.