Carbon Capture Potential of Peat Soils in the Abandoned Shrimp Farms of Indian Sundarbans: A Three-Decade Assessment

The present study explores the carbon sequestration potential of peat soils within abandoned shrimp farms undergoing mangrove restoration in the Indian Sundarbans. Two stations, Chemaguri and Sagar Island (South), were selected due to historical shrimp farming practices. The study measures Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) using the standard protocol over a 30-year timeline — 1992 (initiation of restoration phase), 2002 (10 years post-restoration), 2012 (20 years post-restoration) and 2022 (30 years post-restoration). SOC levels increased significantly from 0.93% to 3.02% at Chemaguri and from 0.84% to 2.97% at Sagar Island (South), indicating considerable carbon recovery due to afforestation. The findings underscore the importance of ecological restoration in reversing soil degradation and promoting carbon capture.