SOIL CARBON SEQUESTRATION THROUGH COVER CROPS AND REDUCED TILLAGE: A CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY FOR MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE AND IMPROVING SOIL HEALTH

Abstract

In the face of increasing climate change and declining soil health, innovative agricultural strategies are urgently needed. This review highlights the promising synergy between cover crops and reduced tillage practices as a climate-smart approach to enhance soil carbon sequestration and improve soil quality. By delving into the fundamental mechanisms of soil organic matter dynamics, including microbial mediation and carbon stabilization processes, this paper sets the stage for understanding how these practices work together to sequester carbon in soils. Drawing on robust empirical evidence from long-term field experiments and advanced modeling studies, we illustrated how cover crops, through increased residue inputs and enhanced root biomass, and reduced tillage, by preserving soil structure and moisture, together create conditions that favor significant soil organic carbon accumulation and improved nutrient cycling. Moreover, advanced methodologies such as soil sampling protocols, isotopic labeling, and remote sensing integrated with process-based models are reviewed to quantify these benefits accurately. We also explore the economic and environmental dimensions of adopting these practices through life cycle assessments and cost–benefit analyses, which underscore their potential to deliver substantial non-market benefits. Policy implications, including existing incentive structures and barriers to adoption, are critically discussed, along with strategies to overcome these challenges through targeted extension services and stakeholder engagement. This review highlights the future of sustainable farming, emphasizing precision agriculture, genetic advancements, and interdisciplinary research to refine cover cropping and reduced tillage practices. By adopting these strategies, farmers can improve soil health, store more carbon, and build resilient agricultural systems that support both the environment and long-term food security.