Path Mechanism and Field Practice Effect of Green Agricultural Production on the Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics and Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity in Farmland Ecosystems
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 CO2 and CH4, 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 CO2 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 CH4 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.
Authors
- Yi Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1174-1922)
- Wei Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5090-9915)
- Xiaoqian Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3330-1267)
- Bin He (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1727-8132)
Institutions
- Ningbo University (CN)
- North China Electric Power University (CN)
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
- Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Agriculture
- Published
- 2025-07-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15141499
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.72
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Ningbo University
- National Key Research and Development Program of China