Soil carbon plays a vital role in maintaining soil fertility, boosting agricultural productivity, and combating climate change. Increasing soil carbon not only benefits farmers but also supports global environmental sustainability.
Soil carbon sequestration refers to the process of capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) and storing it in the soil as organic matter. This process reduces greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere while improving soil structure, fertility, and water-holding capacity.
India’s average soil carbon content stands at approximately 0.15%, which is significantly below the optimal range of 2% to 5% required for healthy and productive soils. This deficiency highlights the urgent need for better soil management and restoration practices.
Low soil carbon levels indicate degraded soil health. Such soils have lower water retention, reduced microbial activity, and limited nutrient availability. Consequently, crop yields decline, and the soil’s ability to act as a carbon sink diminishes, exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
There are several sustainable agricultural practices that can significantly enhance soil carbon levels, including:
• Organic and regenerative farming
• Crop rotation and intercropping
• Green manuring and use of compost
• Application of biochar
• Agroforestry and tree-based farming systems
• Conservation tillage or minimal soil disturbance
Higher soil carbon content brings multiple benefits beyond improved crop productivity. It enhances soil resilience to drought, reduces erosion, supports biodiversity, and contributes to carbon neutrality goals by offsetting emissions. Overall, it strengthens food security while promoting environmental balance.
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