Soil Organic Carbon Restoration in India
Ram Swaroop Meena, Sandeep Kumar, Seema Sheoran, Manoj Kumar Jhariya, Rajan Bhatt, Gulab Singh Yadav, K.A. Gopinath, Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao, R. Lal
Abstract
Soil organic C (SOC) is a key determinant in soil health and a novel weapon to fight against climate change, food and nutritional insecurities, and other environmental concerns. Through carbon sequestration, soil can capture the atmospheric carbon-dioxide (CO2). Considering the importance of soil C, this chapter focuses on the effective plans and policies for soil management and C restoration in agricultural ecosystems that will eventually make the country more secure in the aspects of food, nutrition, environment, and economy. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed numerous strategies to enhance soil C restoration for different agriculture systems to ensure food, environmental, and economic security. For reducing the footprints, food wastage must be reduced to sustainably reduce the C footprint. The Indian government has undertaken a good initiative for mapping of potential districts for pulses and oilseeds cultivation.