Summary: Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi play an important role in soil organic matter (SOM) formation and stabilization. Previous studies have emphasized organic compounds produced by AM fungi as persistent binding agents for aggregate formation and SOM storage. This concept overlooks the multiple biogeochemical processes mediated by AM fungal activities, which drive SOM generation, reprocessing, reorganization, and stabilization. Here, we propose an updated conceptual framework to facilitate a mechanistic understanding of the role of AM fungi in SOM dynamics. In this framework, four pathways for AM fungi‐mediated SOM dynamics are included: ‘Generating’, AM fungal exudates and biomass serve as key sources of SOM chemodiversity; ‘Reprocessing’, hyphosphere microorganisms drive SOM decomposition and resynthesis; ‘Reorganizing’, AM fungi mediate soil physical changes and influence SOM transport, redistribution, transformation, and storage; and ‘Stabilizing’, AM fungi drive mineral weathering and organo–mineral interactions for SOM stabilization. Moreover, we discuss the AM fungal role in SOM dynamics at different scales, especially when translating results from small scales to complex larger scales. We believe that working with this conceptual framework can allow a better understanding of AM fungal role in SOM dynamics, therefore facilitating the development of mycorrhiza‐based technologies toward soil health and global change mitigation.

Reactive primary and secondary minerals play a critical role in the transformation and stabilization of organic matter (OM) in soil, a critical aspect that has been largely overlooked in existing literature. In this regard, we propose a new model known as the “reactive mineral sink” (RMS) to illustrate three primary mechanisms through which these minerals drive the bioprocessing, transformation, transport and stabilization of OM in soil. Firstly, from a biological perspective, reactive minerals influence enzymatic and microbial OM processing through binding enzymatic proteins or influencing the structure of microbial communities. Secondly, from a chemical standpoint, these minerals have the capacity to adsorb OM and/or coprecipitate with it, leading to a more diverse distribution of OM in the soil. This distribution, in turn, triggers OM transformation through chemical catalysis and redox reactions. Thirdly, on a physical level, reactive minerals have a substantial impact on soil architecture, aggregate dynamics, porosity development, and hydrological processes. These physical changes then affect the transport, reprocessing and stabilization of OM. The RMS model provides a conceptual framework that underscores the fundamental role of reactive minerals in driving the dynamics of OM and carbon (C) sequestration in natural soil. Furthermore, it promotes the restoration of soil biogeochemical processes and ecological resilience. We advocate for the implementation of strategies based on the RMS model to enhance the sequestration of organic C in soils for the purposes of rejuvenating soil health and mitigating CO₂ emission.