Purpose Soil serves is a major carbon pool and plays a pivotal role in sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change mitigation. This study evaluated the potential of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration under different land use systems (LUSs) in the Lower Shivalik Foothills of Punjab, India, with the aim of identifying effective strategies for enhancing carbon storage. Methods The six land use systems (LUSs): Khair (forestry), Guava (horticulture), Poplar-Wheat (agroforestry: 5 and 20 years), Rice–Wheat, and Maize-Wheat (agriculture) were analysed. Soil samples were collected from three depths (0-30, 30-60, 60-100 cm) to assess SOC and carbon stock, with focus on the 0-30 cm and 0–100 cm layers for carbon sequestering rates (CSRs) carbon management index (CMI), respectively. Labile carbon fractions were also quantified, including water-soluble carbon (WSC), potassium permanganate-oxidizable carbon (KMnO4-C), and oxidizable fractions i.e. Very Labile Carbon (VLC), Labile Carbon (LC), Less Labile Carbon (LLC), Recalcitrant Carbon (RC). Results The SOC and carbon stocks ranged from 2.22 to 5.21 g kg−1 and 12.31 to 22.00 Mg ha−1, respectively. Labile carbon fractions varied across systems, with sequestration rates of 0.38-0.57 Mg ha-1 yr-1 and carbon management index values from 119.83 to 229.79. The forestry, horticulture, and long-term agroforestry systems (e.g. Khair, Guava, and Poplar-Wheat) significantly outperformed conventional agriculture (Rice-Wheat and Maize-Wheat) in enhancing soil carbon storage. Conclusion The findings of this study highlight the significant role of land use systems with perennial vegetation such as forestry, horticulture, and agroforestry to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and sequestration rates in the Lower Shivalik Foothills. These systems contribute to improved soil health by increasing organic matter inputs and stabilizing carbon, which is crucial for long-term carbon storage and climate change mitigation. Therefore, promoting tree-based and integrated LUSs is essential for sustainable land management and enhancing ecosystem resilience in the region. It is recommended that farmers diversify their land use, incorporate perennial vegetation, and reduce reliance on conventional monoculture systems. Policy support and incentives for sustainable practices can further encourage the adoption of these carbon-enhancing land management strategies.

Carbon Sequestration and Management Index in Diverse Land Use Systems: Insights from the Shivalik Foothills of Punjab, in India

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发表日期：

2026年1月5日

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Harpreet Kaur,
B. S. Bhople,
G. S. Dheri,
Vijay Kant Singh

摘要

Purpose

Soil serves is a major carbon pool and plays a pivotal role in sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), contributing to climate change mitigation. This study evaluated the potential of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration under different land use systems (LUSs) in the Lower Shivalik Foothills of Punjab, India, with the aim of identifying effective strategies for enhancing carbon storage.

Methods

The six land use systems (LUSs): Khair (forestry), Guava (horticulture), Poplar-Wheat (agroforestry: 5 and 20 years), Rice–Wheat, and Maize-Wheat (agriculture) were analysed. Soil samples were collected from three depths (0-30, 30-60, 60-100 cm) to assess SOC and carbon stock, with focus on the 0-30 cm and 0–100 cm layers for carbon sequestering rates (CSRs) carbon management index (CMI), respectively. Labile carbon fractions were also quantified, including water-soluble carbon (WSC), potassium permanganate-oxidizable carbon (KMnO₄-C), and oxidizable fractions i.e. Very Labile Carbon (VLC), Labile Carbon (LC), Less Labile Carbon (LLC), Recalcitrant Carbon (RC).

Results

The SOC and carbon stocks ranged from 2.22 to 5.21 g kg⁻¹ and 12.31 to 22.00 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. Labile carbon fractions varied across systems, with sequestration rates of 0.38-0.57 Mg ha^-1 yr^-1 and carbon management index values from 119.83 to 229.79. The forestry, horticulture, and long-term agroforestry systems (e.g. Khair, Guava, and Poplar-Wheat) significantly outperformed conventional agriculture (Rice-Wheat and Maize-Wheat) in enhancing soil carbon storage.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the significant role of land use systems with perennial vegetation such as forestry, horticulture, and agroforestry to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and sequestration rates in the Lower Shivalik Foothills. These systems contribute to improved soil health by increasing organic matter inputs and stabilizing carbon, which is crucial for long-term carbon storage and climate change mitigation. Therefore, promoting tree-based and integrated LUSs is essential for sustainable land management and enhancing ecosystem resilience in the region. It is recommended that farmers diversify their land use, incorporate perennial vegetation, and reduce reliance on conventional monoculture systems. Policy support and incentives for sustainable practices can further encourage the adoption of these carbon-enhancing land management strategies.