The manuscript by Liu et al., deals with the link between organic C distribution among different aggregate-size fractions and microbial activity in paddy soils under long term cultivation. Our knowledge on C stabilization in soil subjected to alternating redox conditions, and the role of physical protection (as well as other mechanisms of OM stabilization) in C accumulation in these soils is rather limited. This manuscript can therefore represent an important and novel contribution to our understanding of these processes in paddy soils. The concepts proposed are very interesting, the scientific approach adequate, and the data set impressive. However, the manuscript lacks focus, is rather long and often repetitive, and requires a significant work on the English