A review of climate change mitigation and agriculture sustainability through soil carbon sequestration

Abstract

As a result of human activities such as burning fossil fuels, organic materials, and engaging in unsustainable land practices, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels have been steadily rising, heightening worldwide concerns about climate change. It is expected concentrations to grow and changes in CO₂ sequestration in agricultural soils as a result of the industrial revolution's acceleration of CO₂ emissions. These emissions have been intensified by changes in land use, such as cutting down trees, burning biomass, altering farming operations, draining natural wetlands, and using the wrong methods for managing soil. The present study utilized the systematic literature review method to investigate soil carbon sequestration options as a possible means of reducing the impact of climate change and improving agriculture sustainability. As a result of soil degradation and poor management, soil organic carbon (SOC) levels have decreased, which in turn has increased atmospheric CO₂ levels. But cutting-edge land application and modern agricultural management methods have the ability to reduce CO₂ emissions. Several methods exist for replenishing depleted SOC, such as repurposing marginal lands for restoration purposes, advocating for reduced or zero-tillage methods in conjunction with cover as well as residue crops, and introducing nutrient cycling through composting, manure usage, and other environmentally friendly approaches to managing soil and water. One holistic approach to fighting climate change is long-term soil carbon sequestration. Soil carbon sequestration offers a comprehensive and efficient strategy for reducing the impact of climate change by recharging depleted soils, increasing biomass production, cleaning surface and underground water sources, and compensating for CO₂ emissions through fossil fuels. Soil carbon sequestration presents an exciting opportunity for management of the problems caused by contemporary changes in the environment, and the adoption of these novel approaches is essential for meeting these issues.