Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is vital for ecosystem health, soil fertility, and water retention. This critical component, derived from decomposed organic matter,...
SOC refers to the carbon component within soil organic matter, originating from decomposed plant and animal residues. It is a fundamental indicator of soil health and productivity.
SOC is crucial for nutrient cycling, water retention, and maintaining soil structure. It also plays a significant role in climate change mitigation by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, crop rotation, applying compost or manure, and agroforestry are effective methods for increasing SOC levels in agricultural soils.
SOC acts as a carbon sink, storing large amounts of carbon. Increasing SOC through sustainable land management can significantly reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, helping combat global warming.