Aggregate formation via mixing rock powder and compost

Both microbial heterotrophic activity and chemical weathering are likely to be important for organo-mineral interaction at micro scale and aggregate formation. We tested this idea by experimental mixing of two types of powdered rock (basalt and granite) and leaf compost, followed by laboratory incubation under alternative wet/dry conditions. We examined the organic and inorganic chemistry as well as microbiome of the mixture after the incubation.