Carbon sequestration and its effect on soil quality and crop productivity

Abstract

Soil organic carbon is a vital agricultural carbon source, acting as a carbon regulator. However, understanding of soil's stocks and sequestration capacity needs improvement. Sustainable crop production can make soils more efficient carbon sinks and contribute to CO2 reduction efforts. Soil is the Earth's second biggest carbon source after the oceans. Carbon sequestration in soils involves capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, reducing its atmospheric concentration. This process can be facilitated through no-till farming, cover cropping, agroforestry, and crop rotation. Carbon sequestration enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling, promoting higher fertility and resilience to environmental stresses while helping restore soil. More significant organic carbon in soil fosters a healthier microbial community, supporting soil health. Research shows that soils with higher organic carbon content often improve crop yields and overall agricultural productivity. Organic farming, conservation agriculture, agroforestry, introduction of biochar and organic materials, and livestock integration can all increase crop production through carbon storage. This review underlines the benefits of carbon sequestration in creating resilient agricultural systems, as well as the limitations connected with its implementation. Despite challenges like widespread acceptance, technical expertise, specialised equipment, initial expenditure, regional environmental factors, and long-term soil organic carbon preservation, these techniques can improve resilience, address environmental and climate issues, and support international efforts to slow global warming.