As noted for the presentation, this work is very interesting and is adding to our understanding and modelling of SOC protective mechanisms. The paper has already been submitted to FLRC, so no need to make changes at this stage.  However, for the future there is a need to standardise the results presented. In the work that has tried to establish an upper limit for soil C stabilisation, most studies have focussed on the Fine fraction C as the stable fraction. The results presented here are a mix of total SOC concentrations (%) and fine fraction C. The later is the preferred approach and may be important to the interpretations drawn. This needs closer inspections for any journal papers that follow.