Climate Smart Soil Utilization and Management Systems in the Global South

In the Global South, soil sustainability is facing a decline as a result of the severe outcomes of changing harsh climate, including heat waves, drought stresses, and irregular rainfall patterns. This has given rise to disturbances in essential soil attributes such as soil organic carbon, nutrient mineralization patterns, soil structure, and the overall soil ecosystem. The situation has been exacerbated by inadequate management practices in response to these abrupt climate changes. Furthermore, sandy to sandy loam soils are more prone to climatic variability. Soil carbon sequestration includes the extraction of atmospheric carbon dioxide and subsequent storage of carbon biomass in vegetation and emerges as a dominant remedy to address various soil challenges. Diverse techniques, such as the application of stable organic carbon, adoption of conservation tillage, implementation of cover crops, organic mulching, intercropping practices, and the discouragement of crop residue burning, play a vital role in enhancing soil carbon contents and maintaining the soil. The intensive efforts to improve soil carbon contents contribute significantly to rendering the soil more resilient to climate fluctuations. The well-designed and economic policies enhance soil carbon through better management practices. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concept of climate-resilient soil and the different management techniques for sustainable soil production in the Global South.