Sat Nov 08 22:15:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
A six-year study by ICAR scientists, analyzing over 250,000 soil samples from across India, has revealed a concerning decline in organic carbon in arable lands. This degradation is primarily attributed to the unscientific use of fertilizers and the effects of climate change. The study, published in the “Land Degradation & Development” journal, highlights the importance of organic carbon for soil health and its connection to micronutrient availability. Researchers found that temperature and elevation significantly influence organic carbon levels, with rice and pulse-based cropping systems showing better carbon sequestration. The study emphasizes the need for balanced fertilizer application, promotion of organic carbon sequestration, and incentives for farmers adopting carbon-trapping practices to mitigate climate change and improve soil health.
News Article:
Indian Study Links Fertilizer Misuse, Climate Change to Declining Soil Health
New Delhi, November 9, 2025 – A comprehensive study by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has sounded the alarm over the degradation of organic carbon in India’s arable lands, linking the issue to the unscientific use of fertilizers and the growing threat of climate change. The research, published in the international journal “Land Degradation & Development,” is based on an extensive analysis of over 250,000 soil samples collected from 620 districts across 29 Indian states.
The six-year study, led by Dr. Arvind K. Shukla of the ICAR’s Indian Institute of Soil Science, reveals a direct correlation between low organic carbon levels and micronutrient deficiencies in the soil. Researchers found that factors such as temperature and elevation significantly impact organic carbon content, with higher elevations generally exhibiting greater carbon concentration. Cropping systems also play a crucial role, with rice and pulse-based systems demonstrating better carbon sequestration compared to wheat and coarse-grain farming.
The study’s findings highlight the detrimental impact of imbalanced fertilizer application, particularly in states like Haryana, Punjab, and Western Uttar Pradesh, where excessive use of urea and phosphorus has negatively affected organic carbon levels. Conversely, states with more balanced fertilizer practices, such as Bihar, show comparatively better soil health.
Scientists warn that rising temperatures due to climate change will further exacerbate the decline in organic carbon, impacting soil health, carbon credit potential, and heat emissions. Less carbon in soil means less heat absorption, leading to increased heat reflection and a strengthened greenhouse gas effect.
To address this critical issue, the ICAR scientists are advocating for a multi-pronged approach. Recommendations include promoting organic carbon sequestration in areas with low carbon content, providing incentives to farmers who effectively trap carbon dioxide in the soil, and developing climate change mitigation strategies through innovative crop management practices. The researchers have created a comprehensive map to aid in policymaking, particularly related to carbon credits and land degradation assessment. The ICAR study underscores the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices to safeguard India’s soil health and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
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