Solid state ¹³C CP MAS NMR characterization of the chemical structure of terrestrial organic matter from areas with differing vegetational backgrounds

Abstract

Twelve samples of terrestrial organic matter from areas of different vegetational background were selected for study. The samples were examined with solid state ¹³C NMR using Cross Polarisation and Magic Angle Spinning (CP MAS). The examination was done on whole soil samples, because isolation and separation of humic substances may alter the chemical structure of the organic matter. The soil samples all appeared to have small amounts of aromatic and larger amounts of aliphatic compounds. This work indicates that vegetational background and degree of decay are important factors influencing the chemical structure of natural terrestrial organic matter.