Carbon Sequestration and Stabilisation Mechanisms in the Agricultural Soils: A Review

Rapidly increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) initiate unprecedented changes in climate systems, leading to severe ecological and economic disruptions. Climate change mitigation is possible through a reduction in net GHG emission by the process of carbon sequestration. Storage of carbon in a stable solid form through direct and indirect fixation in soil leading to carbon sequestration can result in an annual growth rate of 0.4% in the soil carbon stock and significantly reduce CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. The long term sequestration of carbon, viz, carbon stabilization is possible through both abiotic and biotic factors. This research paper aims to establish a literature review about the role of different agricultural management strategies for carbon sequestration and their stabilization mechanisms. Agricultural practices such as tillage, fallow elimination, erosion control and methane mitigation reduce carbon loss while crop management, nutrient management, land use systems, agro forestry and nano technology enhances carbon inputs. These agricultural management practices can facilitate carbon stabilization by acting through both biotic and abiotic mechanisms.