Soil Amendment Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agricultural Soil

Agricultural activities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily through the release of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) from the soil. To mitigate these emissions and combat climate change, effective soil amendment strategies are crucial. Various soil amendment strategies have been investigated, including organic matter additions, biochar incorporation, and nutrient management practices. The addition of organic matter, such as crop residues, compost, and manure, enhances soil carbon sequestration, reduces CO2 emissions, and improves soil structure and fertility. Biochar has demonstrated the potential to sequester carbon in the soil for long periods while mitigating N2O and CH4 emissions even in waterlogged conditions. Furthermore, nutrient management practices, such as optimized fertilization and precision agriculture, controlled irrigation, and manure management in the case of integrated farming, can minimize GHG emissions. Soil amendment practices offer immense potential for reducing GHG emissions from agricultural fields. These need elaborate and time-trial studies for different ecogeographical locations and different types of crops.