Climate-smart agriculture, enhanced agroproduction, and carbon sequestration potential of agroecosystems in India: a meta-analysis

Changing climate and shifts in weather patterns have significantly affected food production systems, which is evident in the form of crop damage, reduced yield, and market instability. Water- and chemical-intensive agriculture practices have made the sector a major contributor of carbon emissions, affecting the global climate, nutrient cycling, food security, etc. The adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices can develop agricultural systems that effectively balance agricultural productivity and food security, and contribute to climate change mitigation. The present study is a synthesis of datasets from 116 published articles to assess the changes in soil and its carbon stocks while transitioning from conventional to climate-smart agricultural practices (CSA) in India. The effects of these practices in different edaphic and environmental conditions across the country have also been studied. The meta-analysis of the data was performed using OpenMEE and Jamovi software. Further, a review of existing literature on the impact of CSA practices on crop yield has also been presented. Conservational tillage, integrated nutrient management, and agroforestry-based systems increased the SOC buildup rate by 17.1%, 25.9%, and 39.2%, respectively, compared to the conventional agriculture practices. Climatic factors (temperature and precipitation); edaphic factors (soil pH, depth, and texture); and experiment duration significantly influence the sequestration potential of agroecosystems. Based on the results, the present study concludes that CSA practices curb CO2 emissions and improve soil quality and crop yield along with sequestering carbon. These practices, therefore, offer a win-win strategy for socio-economic development and achieving the target of net-zero emissions by 2070.