Summary
This global meta-analysis of 47 studies demonstrates that conservation agriculture practices increase soil organic carbon accumulation by 12% overall in Mediterranean and humid subtropical regions, equating to approximately 0.48 Mg C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹. The response is highly dependent on baseline soil carbon status: soils with ≤40 Mg C ha⁻¹ showed 20% SOC gains, whilst those with >40 Mg C ha⁻¹ showed only 7%. The analysis identifies soil carbon content, crop residue biomass in rotations, clay content, rainfall, and latitude as key factors modulating conservation agriculture effectiveness for carbon sequestration.
UK applicability
The UK's temperate maritime climate differs substantially from the Mediterranean and humid subtropical focus of this analysis, limiting direct applicability. However, the methodological approach and findings regarding baseline SOC status and residue management strategies may inform UK soil carbon policy and regenerative agriculture guidance, particularly where UK soils have depleted organic matter.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration (Mg C ha⁻¹); SOC accumulation rate (Mg C ha⁻¹ year⁻¹); percentage change in SOC; soil clay content; annual rainfall; SOC/clay index; time under conservation agriculture
Outcomes reported
The study quantitatively synthesised 47 studies to assess how conservation agriculture (no-tillage, permanent soil cover, crop diversification) affects soil organic carbon accumulation in Mediterranean and humid subtropical climates. It measured SOC changes in the plough layer (0–0.3 m) and identified sources of variation including soil characteristics, agricultural management practices, climate, and geography.
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