Abstract

Background: Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health, fertility, and climate regulation. The adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) practices has been promoted as an alternative to conventional agriculture (CV) for enhancing SOC sequestration and improving soil quality.

Objective: This study aims to compare the effects of conventional and conservation agriculture practices on soil organic carbon content, distribution, and dynamics across different agroecological zones.

Methods: A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted using data from 85 field studies published between 2010-2024, covering various crops, soil types, and climatic conditions. SOC measurements were analyzed at different soil depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm) under both agricultural systems. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, regression analysis, and effect size calculations.

Results: Conservation agriculture showed significantly higher SOC content compared to conventional agriculture, with mean increases of 18.3% ± 4.2% in the top 15 cm of soil. The greatest differences were observed in semiarid regions (24.7% increase) and clay soils (21.5% increase). Long-term studies (>10 years) demonstrated more pronounced benefits, with SOC accumulation rates of 0.52 Mg C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ under CA compared to 0.18 Mg C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ under CV practices.

Conclusion: Conservation agriculture practices consistently enhance soil organic carbon sequestration across diverse agroecological conditions. The magnitude of benefits increases with time, soil clay content, and implementation of multiple CA principles simultaneously