Summary
This systematic review examines the complex relationships between soil management strategies (SMS) and their simultaneous impacts on soil carbon sequestration, non-CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions, and nitrogen leaching in European agricultural systems. Across 87 peer-reviewed studies, the authors find that conservation tillage, cover crops, organic amendments, and biochar generally increase SOC whilst reducing N leaching, but specific practices—particularly leguminous cover crops and certain cropping systems—create trade-offs by stimulating N₂O emissions. The review identifies substantial knowledge gaps regarding pedoclimatic context and long-term dynamics, highlighting the need for integrated assessment frameworks when selecting sustainable soil management for European agriculture.
Regional applicability
The review focuses explicitly on European agricultural contexts and soil strategies aligned with the EU's 2030 soil strategy, making findings directly applicable to United Kingdom farming policy and practice. However, UK growers should note that the magnitude and direction of trade-offs (particularly N₂O emissions from cover crops and water management) may vary with British pedoclimatic conditions, and the review calls for more region-specific experimental research to refine recommendations.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon stocks; nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions; methane (CH₄) emissions; nitrogen (N) leaching; greenhouse gas mitigation potential
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence from 87 peer-reviewed articles on how soil management strategies affect soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, non-CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions, and nitrogen leaching across European agricultural systems. It identified which management practices create synergistic effects (reducing both GHG emissions and N leaching) versus trade-offs (where SOC gains are offset by increased nitrous oxide or methane emissions).
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