Possible Implications of the Anthropocene on Climate Change and Soil Health

Anthropogenic and climatic factors influence soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties, setting the stage for agriculture's sustainability. Soil is a primary carbon sink crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making soil health essential for mitigating climate change. Healthy soil enhances climate resilience by maintaining or increasing carbon content and lowering emissions. The overuse of fertilisers pollutes the environment and inadequate application damages soil fertility and microbial activity. The conversion of forests and pastures to agricultural land has resulted in significant carbon losses from the soil. Additionally, soil sealing, air pollution, and industrial contamination all contribute to climate change. Harmful practices such as heavy tillage, land neglect, monoculture cultivation, and excessive chemical use, driven by the pressure to meet growing food demand, have led to soil compaction, degradation, pollution, and nutrient imbalances. Current mismanaged crop and soil techniques deteriorate soil quality; however, by increasing carbon storage in mineral soils and removing emissions from organic soils, sustainable management can contribute to climate neutrality. Climate change can be exacerbated by the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from unsustainable farming practices and poorly managed soils. The purpose of this study is to investigate the detrimental impacts of anthropogenic (Anthropocene) effects on the environment and soil health from a comprehensive perspective and to formulate potential recommendations. The European Union’s Green Deal, Bioeconomy, and Farm to Fork initiatives aim to sustainably transform agriculture in response to climate challenges. These strategies aim to reduce chemical pesticide use by 50%, fertilizer use by 20%, and nutrient losses by 50% by 2030 to preserve soil fertility. These management practices include efficient fertilizer use to maintain soil health and mitigate climate change effects. Restoring degraded soils and implementing conservation measures can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon storage capacity. Sustainable soil and crop management, including crop rotation, minimizing post-harvest ploughing, preserving vegetation cover, boosting organic matter, and using fertilizers sensibly, is urgently needed to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and store atmospheric carbon dioxide in soil.