Soil organic matter (SOM) is the largest terrestrial carbon pool and the fundamental resource to ensure soil health and food security.The slight change in SOM stock can cause a huge impact on climate.Global warming increases primary production and the amount of plant litter and root exudates released into soils.Plant-C input will drive the formation of new SOM through the transformation of its decomposition products and the decomposition of native SOM.These processes renew soil fertility and feedback the climate changes.Understanding the processes, driving mechanisms, and controlling factors of SOM turnover is the focus and priority of related sciences.This study reviews the recent progress on SOM turnover from an ecosystem viewpoint.It highlights the role and research needs of the physical protection by soil minerals and aggregates.