We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Enhancing Organic Carbon Content in Tropical Soils: Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Mitigation
Summary
This review examines strategies for increasing organic carbon content in tropical soils, which naturally tend to have low levels that limit agricultural productivity. Researchers evaluated approaches including cover cropping, composting, biochar application, and reduced tillage as effective methods. The study emphasizes that building soil carbon is essential for both sustainable farming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in tropical regions.
Background: Tropical soils are characterized by low soil organic carbon (SOC) contents, which can negatively impact soil fertility, water retention, overall agricultural productivity, and food security. Objective: This paper aimed to review and synthesize the current body of literature on the restoration of SOC in tropical soils. Methods: A total of about 152 related articles were downloaded from electronic journal databases using search keywords, such as organic carbon (OC), conservation tillage, intercropping, biochar, and tropical soil. We discussed conservation tillage practices, such as reducing soil disturbance and respiration from the soils, as a means to promote soil OC sequestration. We also highlighted the importance of crop residue retention, which not only increases organic matter inputs and soil nutrients but also promotes soil water retention and reduces soil erosion. Results: Cover crops and crop rotation are identified as effective practices to cover bare ground during planting seasons, reduce erosion, and prevent nutrient losses through leaching and runoff. Additionally, we review the role of fertilizer application, manure and compost application, intercropping, agroforestry, and biochar as strategies to enhance OC content in tropical soils. We highlight the benefits of incorporating organic amendments, such as manure and compost, to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis, as a strategy to sequester OC in tropical soils. Conclusion: Overall, this review provides insights into various strategies that can be implemented to increase the OC content of tropical soils, which can have multiple benefits for soil health, agricultural productivity, and climate change mitigation. Further research and implementation of these practices can contribute to mitigating climate change, conserving soil resources, and promoting sustainable agriculture in tropical regions.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Role of soil health in mitigating climate change
This chapter reviews how healthy soils play a critical role in fighting climate change by storing carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers explain that unsustainable farming practices release stored carbon as CO2, while conservation approaches can restore soil carbon levels. The study emphasizes that sustainable soil management is essential for building resilience to climate change.
Bioresources in Organic Farming: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Systems
This review examines how bioresources such as compost, biochar, and organic amendments can support sustainable organic farming practices. Researchers assessed the benefits and limitations of various biological inputs for improving soil health, nutrient cycling, and crop yields without synthetic chemicals. The study highlights the growing need for innovative organic approaches as conventional intensive agriculture continues to degrade soil quality and threaten food safety.
Biochar as a Soil Amendment for Restraining Greenhouse Gases Emission and Improving Soil Carbon Sink: Current Situation and Ways Forward
Researchers reviewed the effectiveness of biochar as a soil amendment for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing soil carbon storage. The study found that while biochar shows promise in laboratory settings, field-scale results are mixed, with effectiveness depending on feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, and application rate.
Effects of Biochar on Methane Emissions and Crop Yields in East Asian Paddy Fields: A Regional Scale Meta-Analysis
This regional meta-analysis of 43 studies found that biochar application to East Asian rice paddies significantly reduced methane emissions while increasing soil organic carbon and crop yields. The magnitude of these benefits depended on biochar feedstock type, application rate, and soil properties.
Organic amendment in climate change mitigation: Challenges in an era of micro- and nanoplastics
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics found in organic amendments like compost, manure, and sewage sludge may undermine their effectiveness as climate change mitigation tools. Researchers found that plastic contamination in these materials can alter soil carbon cycling, potentially reducing the carbon sequestration benefits of adding organic matter to soils. The study highlights a tension between using organic waste for soil health and inadvertently introducing plastic pollution.