The Biochemistry and Soil Quality Group (GBCS) was established more than 40 years ago by T. Carballas and has focused its research on: a) organic matter, paying special attention to microbial biodiversity, responsible for the functioning and, consequently, , the quality of the soil and the provision of ecosystem services related to it, b) the impact of degradation processes and the implementation of soil conservation/recovery practices that promote the sustainable management of agricultural and forestry ecosystems in the new scenario of the climate change.