Restoring particulate and mineral-associated organic carbon through regenerative agriculture

Sustainability of agricultural production and mitigation of global warming rely on the regeneration of soil organic carbon (SOC), in particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) forms. We conducted a global systematic meta-analysis of the effects of regenerative management practices on SOC, POC, and MAOC in cropland, finding: 1) no-till (NT) and cropping system intensification increase SOC (11.3% and 12.4%, respectively), MAOC (8.5% and 7.1%, respec-tively), and POC (19.7% and 33.3%, respectively) in topsoil (0 to 20 cm), but not in subsoil (>20 cm); 2) experimental duration, tillage frequency, the intensification type, and rotation diversity moderate the effects of regenerative management; and 3) NT synergized with integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems to greatly increase POC (38.1%) and cropping intensification synergized with ICL systems to greatly increase MAOC (33.1 to 53.6%). This analysis shows that regenerative agriculture is a key strategy to reduce the soil C deficit inherent to agriculture to promote both soil health and long-term C stabilization.

Automated summary

The regeneration of soil organic carbon (SOC), especially particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), is crucial for sustainable agricultural production and mitigation of global warming. Through a systematic meta-analysis, we found that regenerative management practices such as no-till and cropping system intensification can increase SOC (11.3% and 12.4%, respectively), MAOC (8.5% and 7.1%, respectively), and POC (19.7% and 33.3%, respectively) in the topsoil (0 to 20 cm). The effects of regenerative management are influenced by experimental duration, tillage frequency, intensification type, and rotation diversity. Moreover, the combination of no-till with integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems and cropping intensification with ICL systems can greatly enhance POC (38.1%) and MAOC (33.1 to 53.6%), respectively. These findings highlight the importance of regenerative agriculture in reducing soil carbon deficit, promoting soil health, and achieving long-term carbon stabilization.