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Reconciling soil health benefits with carbon sequestration value of organic carbonaceous amendments
Credit: Nanthi Bolan
A recent session of the Carbon and Soil Research International Forum brought together leading scientists to address a critical challenge in sustainable agriculture: how to improve soil health while maximizing carbon sequestration. The 22nd installment of the forum was held online on March 11, 2026, and is now available for public viewing via a recorded presentation on YouTube.
The session, titled “Reconciling soil health benefits with carbon sequestration value of organic carbonaceous amendments,” featured a keynote presentation by Nanthi Bolan, Professor of Soil Science at The University of Western Australia. The event was chaired by Professor Hailong Wang of Foshan University.
Organic carbon materials such as crop residues, compost, manure, and biosolids are increasingly used to enhance soil fertility and boost crop productivity. These materials also play a role in capturing carbon in soils, which is vital for mitigating climate change. However, as Professor Bolan explained, the relationship between soil health improvement and long-term carbon storage remains complex and not fully understood.
One key issue is that organic carbon inputs can decompose relatively quickly, releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. This process may offset their potential benefits as carbon sinks. The presentation explored how carbon distribution within these materials influences both plant growth and the stabilization of carbon in soils.
The forum highlighted emerging strategies to better align agricultural practices with climate goals. These include optimizing the composition and application of organic amendments to enhance both soil function and carbon retention.
By providing a quantitative perspective on these challenges, the session offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking sustainable solutions in agriculture.
The full recorded lecture is now accessible online. Click here: https://youtu.be/O74-UoQnRvY?si=p8K2ldZ3V9H4qLIh
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Biochar (e-ISSN: 2524-7867) is the first journal dedicated exclusively to biochar research, spanning agronomy, environmental science, and materials science. It publishes original studies on biochar production, processing, and applications—such as bioenergy, environmental remediation, soil enhancement, climate mitigation, water treatment, and sustainability analysis. The journal serves as an innovative and professional platform for global researchers to share advances in this rapidly expanding field.
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