Regenerative Soil Management: Integrating Carbon Sequestration, Soil Health and Climate-Smart Agriculture

Abstract

Sustainable agriculture must combine the opposing needs of feeding a growing population, preserving ecosystem
functioning and mitigating climate change. Regenerative soil management is an evidence-based approach that
clearly includes carbon sequestration, soil health improvement and climate wise farming methods. In this review,
we summarize the existing research and meta-analyses to assess the effects of numerous regenerative techniques
(e.g., conservation tillage, cover cropping, diverse crop rotations, organic additions, and agroforestry) on soil carbon
storage, soil fertility, and soil resilience. The main indices of soil health and their reaction to treatment are discussed.
The history of soil research has been a shift from the old nutrient-balance paradigm toward a greater emphasis on
soils as dynamic ecosystems. Major scientific advances are emphasized, such as the development of soil organic
carbon models and the recognition of soils as major climate sink. Research has shown that good regenerative practices
may significantly increase soil organic carbon (often by several tens of percent), improve agricultural output and
water retention, and help to climate goals. This review paper synthesizes these data and argues that regenerative soil
approaches in a climate-smart framework give a viable road to healthier soils, increased food security and decreased
greenhouse gas emissions.