Dear authors,

Your manuscript SOIL-2016-57, titled "Thermal alteration of soil organic matter properties: a systematic study to infer response of Sierra Nevada climosequence soils to forest fires" has been reviewed by two anonymous referees. One of them (referee #1) has recommended "minor revision" and finds that the manuscript is interesting because of its results and the comparisons that it allows to make in the context of oxygen-limited environments. This referee has suggested some simple changes in the document, which were included in his report.

Referee #2 has recommended "major revision". The main arguments are that the subject under investigation is very interesting and helps to confirm previous data, although it does not bring any innovations, and discusses that research is placed in the context of climate change. In his report, referee #2 provides more details and several comments to improve the manuscript.

After these reports, I think the manuscript may be a candidate for publication in SOIL, but needs some revision. Please review the manuscript according to the referees' comments. In your response, please include:
-A new version of the manuscript with marked changes. You can use the revision utility of your word processor or highlight changes with different colors for each reviewer.
-A report with detailed answers to each and every one of the reviewers' comments (although you have already done so separately). If you accept the change, simply reply "done". If not, reasonably explain your decision.

All the best

Antonio Jordán

Dear authors,

The reviewers have agreed that the research done and the manuscript are of excellent quality. All comments have been positive and have recommended publication. Only one of the reviewers has sent some comments about the style and grammar that I send in an attached PDF file.

I urge you to make the proposed changes and the manuscript will be accepted for publication.

Sincerely,
Antonio Jordán
Topical Editor of Soil

Dear authors,

Congratulations. Your excellent manuscript is ready for publication. It will be sent to the Executive Editor and the production department. They will contact you for any details.

Your contribution brings new light to the study of burnt soils, especially in the area of organic matter, where many research gaps still exist.

I hope you will consider SOIL for publication of your future research results.

Sincerely yours

Antonio Jordán
Topical Editor of SOIL
Executive Editor of Solid Earth

Dear authors, it is a pleasure for me to communicate that your paper is accepted for publication in SOIL.

Congratulations

Sincerely

Jorge