A Review on Carbon Sequestration by Organic and Conventional Farming
摘要
Carbon sequestration is a natural process by which atmospheric carbon dioxide can be stored in vegetation, beneath the surface of earth and also in oceans. Carbon sequestration is important since due to anthropogenic activities, amount of carbon dioxide is rapidly increasing. An increase in carbon dioxide in atmosphere may enhance global warming and other phenomenon of climate change. Agricultural practices also have a vital role in carbon sequestration. Organic farming is one of the sustainable methods to conserve food, environment, and also human health. Organic farming is a unique combination of eco-friendly practices with low external inputs. It has been found that organic farming improves soil fertility by increasing organic matter. Organic farming is complemented by carbon sequestration because of its emphasis on sustainability without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, etc. Although many studies have compared organic and conventional farming in terms of crop yield, economic performance, and other factors, only a few have compared their effects on soil fertility and climate change mitigation. The current review compares the effectiveness of organic and conventional farming in sequestering carbon. The review reveals that organic farming has a greater potential for carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change, mainly because of its greater ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also increases soil carbon sequestration as compared to conventional farming. More research is currently needed to improve organic yields in developed countries and improve soil fertility through organic farming.