A study published in Catena Journal, Netherlands by ICAR – National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur, Maharashtra and Research paper by Duraisamy Vasu et al., has reported that the soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) is a key indicator of soil health and an important carbon sink that helps regulate greenhouse gas emissions. A long-term study across Indian croplands (covering multiple climates, crops, and soil types) showed a 38% increase in SOCS over 24 years. SOCS gains were higher in irrigated soils (46.4%) compared to rainfed soils (27%). Plantation crops recorded the highest increase (up to 84%), with climate and cropping systems being major influencing factors. The results highlight that Indian croplands act as a net carbon sink, supporting climate change mitigation strategies.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0341816226002511