Path Mechanism and Field Practice Effect of Green Agricultural Production on the Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics and Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity in Farmland Ecosystems

Xiaoqian Li, Yi Wang (), Wen Chen and Bin He
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Xiaoqian Li: School of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Yi Wang: School of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
Wen Chen: Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
Bin He: Institute of One Health Science, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Geography Science, State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-31

Abstract: Exploring the mechanisms by which green agricultural production reduces emissions and enhances carbon sequestration in soil can provide a scientific basis for greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable development in farmland. This study uses a combination of meta-analysis and field experiments to evaluate the impact of different agricultural management practices and climatic conditions on soil organic carbon (SOC) and the emissions of CO 2 and CH 4 , as well as the role of microorganisms. The results indicate the following: (1) Meta-analysis reveals that the long-term application of organic fertilizers in green agriculture increases SOC at a rate four times higher than that of chemical fertilizers. No-till and straw return practices significantly reduce CO 2 emissions from alkaline soils by 30.7% ( p < 0.05). Warm and humid climates in low-altitude regions are more conducive to soil carbon sequestration. (2) Structural equation modeling of plant–microbe–soil carbon interactions shows that plant species diversity (PSD) indirectly affects microbial biomass by influencing organic matter indicators, mineral properties, and physicochemical characteristics, thereby regulating soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. (3) Field experiments conducted in the typical green farming research area of Chenzhuang reveal that soils managed under natural farming absorb CH 4 at a rate three times higher than those under conventional farming, and the stoichiometric ratios of soil enzymes in the former are close to 1. The peak SOC (19.90 g/kg) in the surface soil of Chenzhuang is found near fields cultivated with natural farming measures. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the sustainable development of green agriculture.

Keywords: agriculture managements; soil organic carbon; greenhouse gas; emission reduction and sink enhancement; natural farming (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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