Evaluation of Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential under Conservation Agricultural Practices

Abstract

Soil carbon sequestration has emerged as a key strategy for mitigating climate change while improving soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. Conservation agriculture, characterized by minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diversified crop rotations, plays a vital role in increasing soil organic carbon storage through enhanced biomass production, reduced carbon losses, and improved biological activity. By promoting the accumulation of stable organic matter, conservation agriculture contributes to long-term carbon storage, improved nutrient cycling, greater water retention, enhanced soil structure, and increased resilience of agricultural systems to climatic stresses. The evaluation of soil carbon sequestration potential involves measuring changes in soil organic carbon stocks, carbon inputs from crop residues and roots, decomposition rates, and the influence of management practices on carbon stabilization. Various assessment techniques, including soil sampling, laboratory analysis, remote sensing, simulation models, and geographic information systems (GIS), are increasingly used to estimate carbon sequestration under different agro-ecological conditions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that conservation agriculture significantly enhances soil carbon stocks compared with conventional tillage systems while simultaneously improving crop productivity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the extent of carbon sequestration depends on climate, soil type, cropping systems, residue management, and long-term management practices. Despite several implementation challenges, conservation agriculture offers considerable opportunities for sustainable land management and climate-smart agriculture. This paper evaluates the potential of soil carbon sequestration under conservation agricultural practices, highlighting its mechanisms, assessment methods, benefits, challenges, and future prospects for sustainable agricultural development.