Soil Organic Carbon- an Explanation to Soil Health: a review

Abstract:

Soil organic carbon holds a prominent place among the many indicators of soil quality that are studied concerning soil health. Soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamically impacts soil quality, functionality, and health. Healthy soil is the foundation of the food system. It produces healthy crops that, in turn, nurture people. SOC dynamics is a strong determinant of global food and nutritional security. Organic matter and minerals are two natural sources from which plants obtained nutrients, whereas plant or animal material that returns to the soil; through the decomposition process, they release nutrients in the soil. In addition to providing nutrients and habitat to organisms, organic matter also binds soil particles into aggregates and improves soil’s physical environment. Soil is a living, dynamic ecosystem. Soil organic matter (SOM) is the product of on-site biological decomposition, which affects the chemical and physical properties of the soil and its overall health. Many standard agricultural practices accelerate soil organic matter decomposition and leave the soil susceptible to wind and water erosion. Through combining pasture and fodder species, conservation practices, and manuring with food and fiber crop production, mixed (crop-livestock) systems also enhance soil organic matter, ultimately SOC and soil health. Numerous soil functions and ecosystem services depend on SOC and its dynamics. Improvements in soil health increase soil’s resilience against intensive practices and extreme climatic events (e.g., drought, heatwave).

Akhilesh Singh1, Sudhir Bhadauria1, Murlidhar J. Sadawarti2