This document summarizes a master seminar presentation on managing organic matter content and restoring carbon levels in soil. It discusses the origin and nature of soil organic matter. The processes of decomposition are influenced by temperature, moisture, soil reaction, and nutrients. A proper C:N ratio is important for decomposition. Organic matter improves soil fertility through its effects on physical, chemical, and biological properties. Estimates show that large areas of Indian land are affected by soil degradation. Organic farming leads to higher nutrient availability and more microorganisms compared to chemical farming. Techniques for restoring carbon levels include conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and afforestation. Different regions of India have varying levels of soil organic carbon.
soil organic carbon- a key for sustainable soil quality under scenario of cli...Bornali Borah
The global soil resource is already showing a sign of serious degradation (Banwart et al. 2014) which has ultimately negative impact on sustained crop yield and environmental quality. Due to intense rainfall and concurrent rise in temperature with changing climate, the fertile top soil is prone to severe degradation with depletion of SOC. Most soils in agricultural ecosystems have lost soil C ranging from 30 to 60 t C ha-1 with the magnitude of 50 to 75% loss (Lal, 2004). Hence, restoration of soil quality through different carbon management options will enhance soil health, mitigate climate change and provide sustained agricultural production.
Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration: Importance and State of ScienceExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the Plenary 1, GSOC17 – Setting the scientific scene for GSOC17 of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Rattan Lal from Carbon Management and Sequestration Center – USA , in FAO Hq, Rome
Effect of Global Warming on Soil Organic CarbonAmruta Raut
Currently surface Temperature are rising by about 0.2 °C (0.36 °F) per decade so how it will affect soil organic carbon level and what are the different strategies to sequester carbon explain in detail
Presentation by Steve Diver from the 2012 Resilient Farmer Workshop at the Kerr Center's Cannon Horticulture Plots in Poteau, Oklahoma. Cover crops, soil organic matter, soil food web
soil organic carbon- a key for sustainable soil quality under scenario of cli...Bornali Borah
The global soil resource is already showing a sign of serious degradation (Banwart et al. 2014) which has ultimately negative impact on sustained crop yield and environmental quality. Due to intense rainfall and concurrent rise in temperature with changing climate, the fertile top soil is prone to severe degradation with depletion of SOC. Most soils in agricultural ecosystems have lost soil C ranging from 30 to 60 t C ha-1 with the magnitude of 50 to 75% loss (Lal, 2004). Hence, restoration of soil quality through different carbon management options will enhance soil health, mitigate climate change and provide sustained agricultural production.
Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration: Importance and State of ScienceExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the Plenary 1, GSOC17 – Setting the scientific scene for GSOC17 of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Rattan Lal from Carbon Management and Sequestration Center – USA , in FAO Hq, Rome
Effect of Global Warming on Soil Organic CarbonAmruta Raut
Currently surface Temperature are rising by about 0.2 °C (0.36 °F) per decade so how it will affect soil organic carbon level and what are the different strategies to sequester carbon explain in detail
Presentation by Steve Diver from the 2012 Resilient Farmer Workshop at the Kerr Center's Cannon Horticulture Plots in Poteau, Oklahoma. Cover crops, soil organic matter, soil food web
Benefits of Soil Organic Carbon - an overviewExternalEvents
The presentation was given by Mr. Niels H. Batjes, ISRIC, during the GSOC Mapping Global Training hosted by ISRIC - World Soil Information, 6 - 23 June 2017, Wageningen (The Netherlands).
Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a concept for resource-saving agricultural crop production system that strives to achieve acceptable profits together with high and sustained production levels while conserving the environment.
It is based on minimum tillage, crop residue retention, and crop rotations, has been proposed as an alternative system combining benefits for the farmer with advantages for the society.
Conservation Agriculture remains an important technology that improves soil processes, controls soil erosion and reduces production cost.
Soil management strategies to enhance carbon sequestration potential of degra...koushalya T.N
Reclamation of degraded lands has huge potential for carbon (C) sequestration to counteract the climate change. It was estimated that about 1,964 Mha of land is degraded worldwide and in India 146.8 Mha of land is degraded ( Bai et al., 2008). The major land-degradation processes in the World and in Asia are water erosion, wind erosion, salinity, alkalinity, nutrient depletion and metal pollution. Enrichment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks through sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in agricultural soils and degraded lands is important because of its impacts on improving soil quality and agronomic production, and also for adaptation to mitigation of climate change. Various management strategies like conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient management, afforestation, alternate land use, plantations and amendments and use of biochar hold promise for long-term C sequestration. It can be concluded that land degradation is a serious problem in India which need to be tackled because shrinking of land resource base will lead to a substantial decline in food grain production which in turn would hamper the economic growth rate and there would also be unprecedented increase in mortality rate owing to hunger and malnutrition.
Potassium is one of the essential major plant nutrient after nitrogen and phosphorus. Its management is more important since large amount of native k is mined by crops if it is not supplied externally. Role of potassium in increasing the yield of crops and improving the quality of produces has been in the agenda of soil scientists. It is seventh most common element in the lithosphere which contains on average 2.6% potassium.
The total potassium content of indian soils varies from 0.5 to 3.0%.Total potassium present in soils, more than 98% occurs in primary and secondary minerals.
Nutrient budgets are becoming accepted tools to describe nutrient flows within cropping system and to assist in the planning of the rotational cropping and mixed farming system
Depending on the farm management and the balance of inputs and outputs of nutrient N,P and K budgets have been shown to range from deficit to surplus in cropping system
Budgets are the outcome of simple nutrient accounting process which details all the inputs and outputs to a given defined system over fixed period of time
A soil surface nutrient budget accounts for all nutrients that enter the soil surface and leave the soil through crop uptake.
Substances containing carbon are organic matter.
Soil organic matter consists of decomposing plant and animal residues.
It also includes substances of organic origin either leaving or dead.
Biochar for sustainable land management and climate change mitigationExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the 3 Parallel session on Theme 2, Maintaining and/or increasing SOC stocks for climate change mitigation and adaptation and Land Degradation Neutrality, of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Ms. Annette Cowie, from UNCCD – SPI - Australia, in FAO Hq, Rome
This presentation was presented during the Plenary 1, Opening Ceremony of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Luca Montanarella from EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre, in FAO Hq, Rome
Benefits of Soil Organic Carbon - an overviewExternalEvents
The presentation was given by Mr. Niels H. Batjes, ISRIC, during the GSOC Mapping Global Training hosted by ISRIC - World Soil Information, 6 - 23 June 2017, Wageningen (The Netherlands).
Conservation Agriculture (CA) is a concept for resource-saving agricultural crop production system that strives to achieve acceptable profits together with high and sustained production levels while conserving the environment.
It is based on minimum tillage, crop residue retention, and crop rotations, has been proposed as an alternative system combining benefits for the farmer with advantages for the society.
Conservation Agriculture remains an important technology that improves soil processes, controls soil erosion and reduces production cost.
Soil management strategies to enhance carbon sequestration potential of degra...koushalya T.N
Reclamation of degraded lands has huge potential for carbon (C) sequestration to counteract the climate change. It was estimated that about 1,964 Mha of land is degraded worldwide and in India 146.8 Mha of land is degraded ( Bai et al., 2008). The major land-degradation processes in the World and in Asia are water erosion, wind erosion, salinity, alkalinity, nutrient depletion and metal pollution. Enrichment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks through sequestration of atmospheric CO2 in agricultural soils and degraded lands is important because of its impacts on improving soil quality and agronomic production, and also for adaptation to mitigation of climate change. Various management strategies like conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient management, afforestation, alternate land use, plantations and amendments and use of biochar hold promise for long-term C sequestration. It can be concluded that land degradation is a serious problem in India which need to be tackled because shrinking of land resource base will lead to a substantial decline in food grain production which in turn would hamper the economic growth rate and there would also be unprecedented increase in mortality rate owing to hunger and malnutrition.
Potassium is one of the essential major plant nutrient after nitrogen and phosphorus. Its management is more important since large amount of native k is mined by crops if it is not supplied externally. Role of potassium in increasing the yield of crops and improving the quality of produces has been in the agenda of soil scientists. It is seventh most common element in the lithosphere which contains on average 2.6% potassium.
The total potassium content of indian soils varies from 0.5 to 3.0%.Total potassium present in soils, more than 98% occurs in primary and secondary minerals.
Nutrient budgets are becoming accepted tools to describe nutrient flows within cropping system and to assist in the planning of the rotational cropping and mixed farming system
Depending on the farm management and the balance of inputs and outputs of nutrient N,P and K budgets have been shown to range from deficit to surplus in cropping system
Budgets are the outcome of simple nutrient accounting process which details all the inputs and outputs to a given defined system over fixed period of time
A soil surface nutrient budget accounts for all nutrients that enter the soil surface and leave the soil through crop uptake.
Substances containing carbon are organic matter.
Soil organic matter consists of decomposing plant and animal residues.
It also includes substances of organic origin either leaving or dead.
Biochar for sustainable land management and climate change mitigationExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the 3 Parallel session on Theme 2, Maintaining and/or increasing SOC stocks for climate change mitigation and adaptation and Land Degradation Neutrality, of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Ms. Annette Cowie, from UNCCD – SPI - Australia, in FAO Hq, Rome
This presentation was presented during the Plenary 1, Opening Ceremony of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Luca Montanarella from EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre, in FAO Hq, Rome
Soil fertility is the backbone of agriculture systems and plays a key role in determining food quantity and quality. The intension of soil fertility management is to improve soil buffering capacity and to reduce soil degradation. Soil health is fundamental for a healthy food production. It provides essential nutrients, water, oxygen and support to the roots, all elements that favor the growth and development of plants for food production. Now the Indian population is 1.37 billion (Census India gov.in) Land area availability is 3.287 million km2. Net cultivable area is 143 million ha. Degraded land in India around 141 million ha. Per capita land availability is 0.3 ha per farmer (Indian express Nov 6,2009). Food grain supply 234.0 million tons, food grain demand 236.2 million tones (Praduman Kumar et al.,2016). In the year 2019 Global Hunger Index(GHI), India ranks 102nd out of 117 qualifying countries. With a score of 30.3, India suffers from a level of hunger that is serious (Global Hunger Index Organization). Nearly 1 billion people around the world suffer from hunger. Soil management is important, both directly and indirectly, to crop productivity, environmental sustainability, and human health (Mittal et al., 2008). To achieve future food security, the management of soils in a sustainable manner will be the challenge, through proper nutrient management and appropriate conservation practices. Such as maintain soil organic carbon, effective utilization of natural resources, use of non-monetary input like LEISA etc., will be the better option to fulfils the ever-growing population’s food and nutritional security.
Biochar is a product rich in carbon that comes from the pyrolysis of biomass, generally of vegetable origin. It is obtained by the decomposition of organic matter exposed to temperatures between 350-600°C in an atmosphere with low oxygen availability (pyrolysis), which can be slow, intermediate or fast. The objective of this review is to show how biochar (BC) can be obtained and its effects on the physicochemical properties of soils and physiological behavior of cultivated plants. However, most studies reported positive effects of biochar application on soil physical and chemical properties, soil microbial activities, plant biomass and yield, and potential reductions of soil GHG emissions. This review summarized the general findings of the impacts of biochar application on different aspects from soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties, to soil nutrient availabilities, plant growth, biomass production and yield, greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, and soil carbon sequestration. The biochar applications in soil remediation in the past years were summarized and possible mechanisms were discussed. Finally, the potential risks of biochar application and the future research directions were analyzed to verify the mechanisms involved in biochar-soil-microbial-plant interactions for soil carbon sequestration and crop biomass and yield improvements.
Andre Leu, Chairman of the Organic Federation of Australia, declares that organic farming is the most natural form of "Carbon Farming" and explains why.
Soil Biology relates to the organisms within soil that carry out a wide range of processes that are important for soil health and fertility
These organisms decompose and recycle soil organic matter (SOM), improve nutrient availability and soil structure, transmit or prevent diseases, and degrade pollutants.
The total number of organisms, species diversity and their activity will fluctuate with changes in the soil environment.
These living organisms can be classified by size into:
macrofauna (> 10 mm) such as earthworms, termites and other large insects
mesofauna (range in size from 200 um to 10 mm) such as mites and collembola (or springtails)
microfauna (20 - 200 um) such as protozoa and nematodes
microflora such as fungi and bacteria
Collectively, these groups make up the soil biota and the total mass of organisms comprises the soil biomass
70 - 80% of soil biota exists in the top 10cm of soil
In 1 gram of soil, there is potentially over100,000 different species and greater than10 million different individuals
Different types of soil biology have different roles and functions:
Ecosystem engineers such as ants and earthworms that primarily alter the physical structure of soil but also have an influence on the overall rates of nutrient cycling and energy flows.
Litter transformers that fragment plant litter & improve availability to microbes
Importance of soil biology: For farmers there are 3 components to consider in terms of why soil biology is important:
the natural processes themselves (engineers, litter transformers & microfood web processors)
the impact of management on these processes
the combined effect on plant performance
Soil biology provides both direct and indirect benefits to the environment in that they can:
Decompose plant residues
Regulate plant nutrient supply and loss (e.g. N, P, K, Fe)
Improve soil structure (aggregate stability)
Degrade pesticides and herbicides
Regulate water quality (e.g. filters nutrients)
Capture and release greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide)
Organic matter decomposition (By this process, plant and animal residues are broken down by micro-organisms into more simpler compounds, other slimy compounds, other slimy intermediate products organic acids and more resistant compound humus. All these products combinedly influence the physical and chemical properties of soil and hence the plant growth).
(a) De-nitrification process carried out by a particular micro-organisms and causes loss of gaseous nitrogen
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
Soil Organic Matter Content and Restoring Soil carbon Levels
1. .
Master Seminar
On
Managing Organic Matter Content and Restoring Carbon Levels in
Soil
PRESENTED TO PRESENTED BY
Prof. Dr . Tarence Thomas Mutyalu Sheshu
Dr . Arun A. David 20MSASSAC029
Dr . Narendra Swaroop M.Sc. Ag. (Soil Science and
Dr . Amreen Hasan (Advisor) Agricultural Chemistry)
DEPARTMENT OF SOIL SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY
NAINI AGRICULTURALINSTITUTE
SAM HIGGINBOTTOM UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE,
TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCES, NAINI, PRAYAGRAJ, UTTARPRADESH,
211007, INDIA
2021
Course Tittle :- Master Seminar
Course Code:- SSAC-780
2. CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Origin
• Nature and Composition
• Process of Decomposition
• Factors affecting Decomposition
• C:N Ratio
• Role of Organic Matter in Soil Fertility
• Significant Properties of Organic Matter
• Estimates of land area affected by diverse soil degradation
processes
• Soil Properties Under Organic farming And Chemical Farming
• Restoring Organic Carbon Content
• SOC in Different physiological Regions
• Conclusion
• References
3. Introduction
• SOM content, being an energy source and habitat for biota is an improtant determinant
of soil health. Through its impact on Soil physical, chemical and biological properties.
• SOM content in agricultural soils in India is often below the critical limit of 2% in the
root zone because of widespread use of extractive farming practices, low input of
organic fertilizers, and prevalence of soil degradation by erosion, salinization and other
processes
• Thus agronomic productivity, water quality, renewability, soil biodiversity and other
services have been caused by poor soil health.
• Thus there is an urgent need in restore SOM content, as well as enhance and sustain
soil health through adoption of recommended management practices
Source: Lal (2020)
4. Origin
Soil Organic Matter is mainly Originated from Plant tissues, leaves, roots of trees, shrubs,
grasses and other parts etc.,
Primary - Plants
Secondary- Animals
Animals are generally considered secondary of Organic matter certain forms of animal life,
particularly earthworms, centipedes, insects and ants
They play an improtant role in the turn over of plant residues
Green Material
Dry Matter (25%)
C,O,H and Ash
Carbohydrates, Sugars,
Cellulose, Hemi cellulose
and ligins
Water (75%)
Source: Das (2019)
6. Process Of Decomposition
Stage 1
Decomposition of easily degradable substances partial conversion to CO 2 and body
Tissue
Stage 2
Cellulose and other Carbohydrates utilised with further loss in weight
Formation of new body tissue part of previous biomass minimized
Stage 3
Further decrease in cellulose initiation of ligin decomposition further loss in weight
of Biomass
Stage 4
Further Cycling for plant residues about one third of the carbon will remain in the soil
at the end of the growing season
7. Factors Affecting Decomposition
Temperature
Cold periods retard plant growth and organic matter decomposition. Warm summers may
permit plant growth and humus accumulation.
Soil Moisture
Extremes of both arid and anaerobic conditions reduce plant growth and microbial
decomposition. Near or slightly wetter than field capacity moisture conditions are most favorable for
both processes.
Soil Reaction
Soil Reaction influence the activity of soil micro-organisms and hence influence the
decomposition organic residues.
Nutrients
Inadequate amount of nitrogen in the soil slows down the decomposition of organic
matter
Soil Texture
Soils higher in clays tend to retain larger amounts of humus. Soil texture indirectly
influence the rate of organic matter decomposition.
8. C:N Ratio
It is an intimate relationship between Organic matter and nitrogen contents of soils. The ratio of
weight of Organic carbon material is Known as C:N Ratio
C:N ratio of soil equilibrium values, the figure for humus, roughly 10:1
Although it varies from 8:1 to 12:1 generally in Arable Soils
Importance
• It is the store house of nutrients including major,
secondary and micro-nutrients
• It acts as a source of food and energy for soil
micro-organisms
• It improves physical, chemical and biological
properties of soils
9. Role of Organic Matter in Soil Fertility
• Organic matter influence the soil colour, due to the presence of adequate amount of organic
matter in soil, the colour will be dark brown or black
• Organic matter binds soil particles (Sand, Slit and clay) into structural units called
aggregates
• The rate of infiltration and percolation of water is enhanced by application of organic
matter in soil, drainage conditions of soil may improve the application of organic matter
• Water holding capacity is increased by application of organic matter
• Organic matter increases the ability of soil to resist erosion it reduces surface run-off by
providing infiltration
• Organic matter can be considered as a store house of various nutrients, essential to plant
growth.
• Organic matter serves as a source of energy for both macro and micro Organisms helps in
performing various beneficial functions
Ex:- Nitrogen fixation
10. Significant Properties of Organic Matter
• High levels of bio-available nutrients for plants
Vermicompost contains most nutrients in plant available forms such as
‘Nitrates’ (N) ‘phosphates (P), Soluble potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg)
• High Level of beneficial soil micro Organisms
• Rich in Growth Hormones
• Rich in Humic acids
• It is free of pathogens
• It is free of toxic chemicals
• It protects plants against various pests and diseases
• Include biological resistance in plants
Source: Das (2019)
11. Estimates of land area affected by diverse soil degradation
processes In India
Source:- Bhattacharyya et al. (2015); ICAR/NAAS (2010); ISRO (2018) Lal (2020)
12. Chemical and biological properties of
soil
Organic Farming
(Use of Composts
organic matter)
Chemical Farming
(Use of Chemical
Farming)
Availability of Nitrogen (kg/ha) 256.0 185.0
Availability of Phosphorous (kg/ha) 50.5 28.5
Availability of Potash (kg/ha) 489.5 426.5
Azotobacter (1000/gm of soil) 11.7 0.8
Phospho bacteria (100000/kg of soil) 8.8 3.2
Carbonic biomass (mg/kg of soil) 273.0 217.0
Source: Shane (2007)
Farm soil properties under Organic farming and Chemical farming
14. Why to Restore SOM
• SOM content being an energy source and habitat, it is an
improtant determinant of Soil Health
• Through its impact on Soil physical, chemical and biological
properties, SOM content and its dynamics also determines
numerous ecosystem services
• SOM content in Agricultural soils in India is often below the
critical limit of 2% in the root zone because widespread use of
extractive farming practices, low input of organic fertilizers,
and prevalence of soil degradation by erosion, salinization and
other processes
• Thus agronomic productivity, water quality, and renewability ,
soil biodiversity and other services have been several
disservices are caused by poor soil Health Thus, there is an
urgent need to restore SOM content and as well as enhance
and sustain soil health through adoption of recommended
practices
Source:- Lal (2020)
15. Restoring Organic Carbon Content
Restoring SOC content in degraded soils requires adoption of technologies which can
create a positive soil/ecosystem
This implies that the biomass input into soil must exceed the losses of carbon through
erosion, mineralization, leeching, harvest, tillage and farm operations.
• Conservation agriculture (CA) reduce mulch on soil surface, complex rotations
including a cover crop during the off-season, and INM
• Strategic grazing and integration of crops with trees and livestock
• Agroforestry based on site-specific choice of trees
• Afforestation of degraded and denuded lands
Most agricultural soils, especially those prone to erosion and other degradation
processes, have a large Carbon sink capacity because these soils are depleted of their
original SOC stock.
Source:- Lal (2020)
16. Agricultural and forestry Systems to
Sequester Soil Organic carbon
Improvement of Soil Quality and Functionality
Conservation
Agriculture
• No-till
• Residue Retain
• Complex
Rotations
• INM
Integration of
Crops with trees
and livestock
• Complex
Systems
• Eco-
Intensification
Agroforestry
Systems
• Agro-silo
• Silver-Pastoral
• Agro-silvo-
Pastoral
Afforestation by
Site-specific
Species
• Restoration of
Degraded lands
• Conserving soil
and water
On
Management
Practices which
Decrease Losses of
SOC
Land use Systems
which Enhance
Input of Biomass
into soil
Strengthening
of
Ecosystem
Services
Saving
of
Land
for
nature
Soil Organic Carbon for Improvement of Soil Quality and functionality
Source:- Lal (2020)
18. Conclusion
• Therefore, the objective is to deliberate the importance of restoring SOC
content in the root zone on soil health and the attendant strengthening of the
provisioning of some essential ecosystem services.
• This also provides some suggestions regarding the policy guidelines that may
encourage and incentive farmers in India to adopt recommended management
practices that lead to SOC sequestration and restoring of soil health
• Low SOM content of agro-ecosystems, often <0.1% in the root zone, must be
enhanced and sustained by Adoption of RMPs (e.g., Convention Agriculture ,
agroforestry, complex farming systems)
• Focus on nutrition-sensitive agriculture necessitates a closer look at the
‘fertilizer addiction’. While chemical fertilizers can never be completely
replaced. Restoration of Soil health through increase in SOC content may
enhance the use efficiency of fertilizers and reduce the rate of application
• According to USLE annual losses 4.9 Gt of soil & 11.54 Tg of SOC leads to
Emission of 34.6 Tg CO2 in atmosphere
19. References
Rattan Lal (2020) Managing Organic matter for Restoring Health and Ecosystem Services of
Soils of India, Journal Indian Socicty of Soil Science , Vol.68, 1-11
Das D.K (2019) Introductory Soil Science, Kalyani publishers, Fourth Edition, 420-459
Bhattacharyya. T(2000) Organic carbon stock in Indian soils and their geographical
distribution, Current Science, Vol.79, 5-10
Bhattacharyya. T (2007) Changes in levels of carbon in soils over years of two important food
production zones of India, Current Science, Vol.93, 12-25
Singh (2009); Earthworms Vermicompost Masters Degree Project Report, Griffith University,
Australia
Shane, R.K. (2007). Vermicompost, RAU, Pusa, Bihar, 88.
