Soil Carbon Sequestration: A Mechanistic Perspective on Limitations and Future Possibilities

Saurav Das (), Sahila Beegum, Bharat Sharma Acharya and Dinesh Panday
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Saurav Das: Rodale Institute, Kutztown, PA 19530, USA
Sahila Beegum: Nebraska Water Center, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
Bharat Sharma Acharya: Southeast Organic Center, Rodale Institute, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30269, USA
Dinesh Panday: Rodale Institute, Kutztown, PA 19530, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-33

Abstract: Climate change, driven by rising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO 2 , poses the most pressing environmental challenges today. Soil carbon (C) sequestration emerges as a crucial strategy to mitigate this issue by capturing atmospheric CO 2 and storing it in soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby reducing GHG levels and enhancing soil health. Although soil is the largest terrestrial C sink, capable of storing between 1500–2400 petagrams (Pg) of C, the practical potential for SOC sequestration through regenerative practices is still widely debated. This review examines the biotic, abiotic, structural, physical, and chemical limitations that constrain soil C sequestration, along with the human dimensions that influence these processes. It explores the role of plant physiology, root architecture, microbial interactions, and environmental factors in determining the efficacy of SOC sequestration. Furthermore, it discusses the potential innovative strategies, including photosynthetic modifications, root system engineering, microbial bioengineering, and the application of advanced materials such as C-capturing minerals, poly-carboxylic compounds, and nanomaterials, to enhance C capture and storage in soils. By providing a comprehensive understanding of these factors, this review aims to inform future research and policy development, offering pathways to optimize soil C sequestration as a viable tool for climate change mitigation.

Keywords: biogeochemical limitations; climate change mitigation; microbial interactions; soil carbon sequestration; soil organic matter (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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