Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics under Regenerative Agriculture Practices in Semi-Arid Regions
Abstract
Semi-arid regions, covering approximately 40% of global land surface, face significant challenges in maintaining soil organic carbon (SOC) due to harsh climatic conditions and intensive agricultural practices. Regenerative agriculture offers promising solutions for enhancing SOC sequestration and improving soil health in these vulnerable ecosystems. This study investigated SOC dynamics under various regenerative practices including cover cropping, integrated livestock grazing, no-till systems, and agroforestry across five semi-arid regions over a 10-year period. Soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm depth and analyzed for total SOC, particulate organic matter (POM), mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM), and microbial biomass carbon. Results demonstrated that regenerative practices increased SOC by 18-45% compared to conventional systems, with the greatest improvements observed under integrated crop-livestock systems (0.8-1.2 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Cover cropping enhanced SOC accumulation rates by 25-35%, while no-till practices reduced SOC losses by 40-60%. Agroforestry systems showed the highest SOC stocks (45.2±3.8 Mg C ha⁻¹) but required longer establishment periods. Microbial biomass carbon increased by 30-50% under regenerative management, indicating improved soil biological activity. These findings suggest that regenerative agriculture practices can effectively restore SOC in semi-arid regions, contributing to climate change mitigation while improving agricultural sustainability and resilience.
How to Cite This Article
Dr. Rattan Lal (2023). Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics under Regenerative Agriculture Practices in Semi-Arid Regions . Journal of Soil Future Research (JSFR), 4(1), 12-18.