Abstract:
Objectives Dissolved organic matter (DOM), as a critical component of organic fertilizers, significantly determines their multiple functions. Understanding the DOM characteristics of organic fertilizer thus becomes fundamental in estimating the impacts of organic fertilizer on soil fertility.
Methods In this study, three DOM fractions with different molecular mass of DOM<3k, DOM3k-10k and DOM>10k were obtained by ultrafiltration centrifugation from a typical organic fertilizer commonly used in Guangdong Province and then were characterized their chemical compositions, UV-visible and fluorescence spectral characteristics.
Results The DOM>10k fraction had the highest organic carbon content (22.51 g L−1). UV spectral analysis showed that the ratio of SUVA254 to SUVA280 increased with increasing molecular mass. The SUVA254 value, a key indicator of aromaticity and humification, were 5.2 and 5.7 times higher in DOM>10k and DOM<3k than those in DOM3k-10k, indicating significantly greater aromaticity and humification. Thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) further revealed compositional differences: the DOM<3k fraction was rich in ethers and esters, with aromatic carbon structures, while DOM3k-10k was dominated by alcohols and esters. Notably, DOM>10k was predominantly composed of complex aromatic compounds in both relative abundance and variety. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy combined with PARAFAC analysis showed that DOM<3k was primarily composed of humic-like substances, whereas DOM>10k contained both humic-like and fulvic-like components. Fluorescence and humification indices indicated strong humic characteristics and a high degree of humification. As molecular weight increased, autochthonous contributions decreased, suggesting reduced microbial influence.
Conclusions The DOM in the organic fertilizer was dominated by the DOM>10k fraction, which exhibited a high degree of humification. Based on compositional features, the high reactivity of DOM<3k (e.g., rich in small-molecule ethers and esters) may provide readily available carbon sources for soil microorganisms, potentially improving soil health. In contrast, the high stability of DOM>10k (e.g., high aromatic condensation) may prolong its persistence in soil, potentially enhancing carbon sequestration. These hypothesized functions require further validation through soil incubation or field experiments.