Carbon sequestration in agriculture: A review
Author(s):
Trishala Kalyani, Anuj Singh Payal, Simran Kumari, Jyoti Bala and Faiz Akram Noori
Abstract:
As the climate crisis worsens, controlling greenhouse gas emissions has become a global priority. The agricultural industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions, making it essential to evaluate its carbon footprint and seek ways to reduce it. While many carbon footprint assessments focus on global trade or manufacturing sectors, this study focuses on the agricultural sector. Soil, comprising both organic and inorganic carbon, plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Carbon sequestration aims to transfer atmospheric carbon into soil sinks by increasing both organic and inorganic carbon components in the soil over the long term, thus improving the ecosystem's carbon balance. Indian soils are severely degraded due to conventional and intensive farming practices, impacting soil carbon stocks and underscoring the need to maintain carbon concentrations above critical thresholds to enhance soil quality. Healthy soils can significantly combat climate change because soils rich in organic matter can sequester more carbon compared to degraded or uncultivated lands. Major agronomic practices contributing to soil carbon loss include improper tillage, inadequate crop rotations, poor residue management, and lack of organic amendments and fertilizers, leading to the loss of soil organic matter as CO2.Agriculture accounts for approximately 25-30% of global greenhouse gas emissions in the form of CO2, N2O, and CH4. This study reviews various agronomic practices that could enhance carbon sequestration and improve soil's ability to act as a long-term carbon sink.
How to cite this article:
Trishala Kalyani, Anuj Singh Payal, Simran Kumari, Jyoti Bala, Faiz Akram Noori. Carbon sequestration in agriculture: A review. Pharma Innovation 2024;13(10):27-33.