Soil Moisture Controls Over Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Review
This conceptual diagram shows soil moisture's role in carbon and greenhouse gas processes. Yellow arrows = CO₂ absorption during photosynthesis, red = CO₂ release during respiration, and blue = water transport in plants. Green box shows CH₄ and N₂O emissions (anaerobic) and methane oxidation (aerobic). Purple box highlights CO₂ production from decomposition and stabilization: the role of soil moisture in carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions.
Diagram by the authors
This study reviews how soil moisture influences carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions by affecting plant growth, microbial activity, and organic matter decomposition. It highlights optimal moisture levels for enhancing carbon storage while reducing emissions and explores sustainable practices to manage soil moisture for environmental benefits.
This research provides critical insights into how soil moisture affects carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions, helping to improve agricultural practices and land management strategies. It also highlights sustainable techniques to balance productivity with environmental benefits, supporting more efficient resource use and ecosystem health.
Soil moisture plays a crucial role in balancing carbon storage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in ecosystems. This research explores how variations in soil moisture influence processes like photosynthesis, microbial activity, and soil organic matter decomposition, which collectively affect carbon sequestration and the release of GHGs such as methane and nitrous oxide. The findings reveal distinct patterns of GHG emissions, with carbon dioxide peaking at moderate soil moisture levels, while methane and nitrous oxide emissions increase under higher moisture conditions. These insights emphasize the need for sustainable land management practices—such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and optimized water management—that maintain optimal soil moisture to maximize carbon storage and minimize GHG emissions. The study also highlights the potential of advanced remote sensing technologies and ground-based observations to improve soil moisture monitoring, paving the way for better prediction models. By integrating data-driven insights with sustainable practices, this work provides a foundation for more effective strategies in land management and agricultural productivity while mitigating environmental impacts.