Definition

The carbon stored in soil in mineral forms, primarily as carbonates such as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) or from the reaction of soil minerals with atmospheric CO2. 

The gasses carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are also classed as inorganic carbon.

Unlike soil organic carbon, SIC originates from weathering of parent material or precipitation of carbonates and plays a key role in soil pH regulation and long-term carbon storage.

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