The labile and protected pools of organic matter have similarities in chemical structure.The protected nature of the protected humus is one reason its decomposition is slower.

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The protected humus is more complex and chemically stable, which makes it more resistant to decomposition compared to the labile pool of organic matter. Therefore, the protected nature of humus is one reason for its slower decomposition. Additionally, protected humus is physically inaccessible to decomposers, which also contributes to its slow decomposition.

The Labile and Protected Pools of Organic Matter Have Similarities