Effect of Chemical and Organic Fertilization on Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics in Coffee Production in Ghana

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and maintaining soil fertility. This study explores the impact of organic and chemical fertilizers on SOC dynamics in coffee-growing regions of Ghana. Specifically, it examines the partitioning of SOC into particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM). Soils from five coffee farms were sampled across three treatments (organic fertilizer, chemical fertilizer, and control), and key soil properties, including bulk density, texture, pH, and SOC fractions, were analyzed. The SOC stock decreased significantly in the order of organic fertilizer> chemical fertilizer > control. Results further showed that organic fertilizer significantly improved soil pH, reduced bulk density, and enhanced the POM fraction, contributing to nutrient cycling and microbial activity. Chemical fertilizers had a modest impact on SOC stabilization, particularly increasing the MAOM fraction, which is key for long-term carbon storage. These findings highlight the differential effects of fertilizer types on SOC storage and provide insights into optimizing fertilizer use for sustainable coffee production and climate change mitigation.