SUSTAINABLE NITROGEN AND CARBON CYCLING IN AFGHANISTAN AGROECOSYSTEMS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Nitrogen and carbon cycling are essential for soil fertility, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability in agroecosystems. In Afghanistan, where agriculture is vital for food security and economic stability, a thorough understanding of these cycles is crucial for developing sustainable farming practices. This study investigates nitrogen and carbon transformation processes, including fixation, mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification, emphasizing their impacts on soil health and nutrient availability. It underscores the importance of integrating traditional and modern agricultural techniques, such as crop rotation, intercropping, biochar application, and organic amendments, to enhance use efficiency and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, this research evaluates various cropping systems—monocropping, intercropping, and legume-based nutrient rotations—regarding their effects on nitrogen retention, carbon sequestration, and overall soil health. While traditional water management practices, such as karezes and Mir Ab systems, promote sustainable agriculture, modern intensive farming can lead to challenges like soil degradation and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these issues necessitates the adoption of climate- smart agriculture, improved soil conservation strategies, and enhanced policy support for sustainable land management. Future research should focus on optimizing microbial roles in nitrogen and carbon cycling, developing site-specific fertilization strategies, and enhancing water-use efficiency in Afghanistan's diverse agroecosystems. Integrating scientific advancements with indigenous knowledge is key to achieving sustainable agricultural development, thereby fostering food security and environmental resilience in the region.