Enhancing Soil Organic Carbon Storage through Sustainable Agricultural Practices: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Soil organic carbon is a central indicator of soil health and a key component of agricultural sustainability because it influences soil fertility, aggregation, water retention, nutrient cycling and carbon storage. This systematic review synthesises evidence on the role of sustainable agricultural practices in enhancing soil organic carbon storage, with particular attention to Indian agro-ecosystems. The review considered studies and reports addressing conservation tillage, crop-residue retention, cover cropping, green manuring, organic amendments, agroforestry, crop diversification and integrated nutrient management. The reviewed evidence indicates that practices which increase organic inputs and reduce soil disturbance generally improve soil organic carbon accumulation compared with conventional management. Conservation tillage and residue retention support surface carbon enrichment by reducing aggregate disruption and slowing organic matter decomposition. Cover crops and green manures contribute additional biomass and root-derived carbon, while organic amendments such as farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost and biochar directly increase carbon inputs. Agroforestry systems provide continuous litter input, root turnover and deeper carbon placement, making them important for longer-term soil carbon storage. Integrated nutrient management can support both crop productivity and carbon return when organic and inorganic nutrient sources are balanced. Across the reviewed practices, combined management approaches appear more effective than isolated interventions because they simultaneously enhance carbon inputs, reduce losses and improve soil biological activity. Soil organic carbon stabilisation occurs mainly through aggregate occlusion, organo-mineral association and biochemical recalcitrance. However, the magnitude and permanence of carbon gains depend on climate, soil texture, initial carbon status, management duration and continuity of practice adoption. The review highlights the need for context-specific practice packages, reliable monitoring and long-term field evidence to support soil carbon restoration in diverse agricultural systems.