Arrhenius activation energy is not a useful predictor of soil organic matter transformation and its consequences for global warming

Abstract

We commend Filimonenko and Kuzyakov (2025) for addressing the complex issue of identifying rate-limiting steps in soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. Reconciling the biotic and abiotic processes governing SOM transformation is essential for predicting soil carbon losses under warming. However, three assumptions in their analysis require reconsideration to ensure accurate interpretation