Carbon and nitrogen management for climate-resilient agriculture: Toward the 4p1000 target and sustainable development goals

Summary

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are crucial elements for supporting life on Earth, and are involved in two vital biological processes, namely photosynthesis and N fixation. While both elements are essential for food security, they also contribute to emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), namely CO2, N2O and CH4. Most studies on soil C sequestration focus on C, but N is also a critical factor influencing both C sequestration and GHG emissions. This brief review explores a range of crop and grassland management practices, including no-till, cover cropping, biochar application, precision nutrient management, and agroforestry, with a focus on co-optimizing SOC sequestration and N efficiency. Global studies indicate that no-tillage practices can significantly enhance C sequestration and achieve nota