Soil Carbon Sequestration with Improved Soil Management in Three Tribal Villages in India

Abstract

Under the National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project implemented by Indian Government, various climate resilient farm technologies (soil, water, nutrient, crop, livestock, forestry etc.) are being evaluated in 100 climatically vulnerable districts. As a part of NICRA, carbon balance was studied with EX-ACT model for three villages in Nalgonda and Khammam districts of Andhra Pradesh. The EX-ACT model computed carbon balance of 5,289 and 3,285 tonnes CO2 equivalents (t CO2 e) in Nandyalagudem and Boringthanda villages and 12,861 t CO2 e in Nacharam village. Although farmers have awareness on C-positive practices, field implementation is meager due to lack of immediate income gains. Incentive based interventions might encourage field interventions which promote soil carbon sequestration and overall C balance in the system. Reduced tillage, crop residue recycling, water, nutrient and manure management and fodder and livestock interventions have been C positive practices followed in these villages which contributed positive C balance.