o:8396 Ecofunctionality of soil organic matter: a new paradigm for soil sustainability en Abstract: Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a key role in maintaining soil productivity through its positive impact on physical, chemical, and biological soil processes. It supports vital ecosystem functions such as carbon sequestration, nutrient provision, and biodiversity. Despite its importance, current research on SOM tends to emphasize its chemical properties, often overlooking its broader ecological functions. As global soils face mounting pressures and declining productivity, a paradigm shift is needed – one that redefines the conservation, management, and use of SOM in terms of its ecofunctionality. This concept encompasses the relationship between the characteristics of organic inputs and the specific ecosystem functions they sustain. To move in this direction, we must first define the key traits of organic amendments that promote desired outcomes such as enhanced carbon storage, improved nutrient cycling, or disease suppression. Equally important is identifying which ecological functions require targeted improvement. In this context, SOM should not only be evaluated for its contribution to soil fertility, but also as a proxy for the health and resilience of the soil ecosystem—providing habitat, supporting biodiversity, enabling biogeochemical cycles, and contributing to soil formation and primary productivity. In conclusion, ensuring long-term soil sustainability demands a shift in focus from chemical composition toward ecological function. Only by understanding and preserving soil ecofunctions can we truly safeguard this vital resource. soil organic matter, ecofunctionality, ecosystem preservation 1552100 978-86-80417-99-8 91552100 177872649 2025-10-22T09:34:15.672Z 44 no 46 Srđan Šeremešić Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad 46 Vladimir Ćirić Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad 46 Jordana Ninkov Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia; Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia 46 Vladan Ugrenović Institute of Soil Science 0000-0001-6642-8235 46 Bojan Vojnov Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad application/pdf 2436003 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:8396 no yes 1 70 92000004 71A05 Book of abstracts: 4th International and 16th National Congress of the Serbian Society of Soil Science: “The Soil Re-Union: Science for Healthy Soils” 20-23 October 2025, Fruške terme, Vrdnik, Serbia 69 70 2025