Soil carbon fractions and their role in climate-resilient agriculture: A review

Soil, a complex and dynamic ecosystem, is a vital support system for life on Earth. Soil carbon fractions—from transient, labile forms to persistent recalcitrant pools—play a key role in climate mitigation, soil fertility, and sustainable land management. This review synthesizes current knowledge on soil organic and inorganic carbon fractions' behavior, stability, and ecosystem functioning across climatic gradients and land use types. We evaluate their differential responses to environmental stress and human-induced disturbances, emphasizing their contributions to greenhouse gas dynamics, nutrient cycling, and soil structure. Fraction targeted analysis propose strategic interventions for enhancing soil carbon sequestration and climate resilience in agricultural systems. By realigning/refocusing carbon management around fraction-specific functionality, this review offers a conceptual framework for utilizing soil carbon in environmental and agronomic climate-smart agriculture strategies. This review highlights the relevance of soil carbon fraction management in advancing climate-resilient practices (SDG 13), enhancing sustainable agricultural productivity (SDG 2), and fostering ecosystem restoration and land sustainability (SDG 15).