The majority of carbon is transferred from plants and animals to the soil through a process called decomposition. When plants and animals die, their organic matter begins to break down and decay, releasing carbon compounds into the soil. This decomposition is mainly facilitated by soil microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which convert the organic matter into simpler and more stable forms of carbon, such as humus. These microorganisms are responsible for breaking down complex organic molecules and releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Additionally, certain soil animals, such as earthworms and detritivores, help accelerate decomposition by physically breaking down organic matter and increasing its surface area for microbial activity. Overall, the majority of carbon is transferred to the soil and stored as organic matter through the natural decomposition processes in the ecosystem.
