Assessing the Role of Regenerative Practices in Enhancing Soil Carbon Sequestration in Farmlands: A Review

Abstract

Soil carbon sequestration is a pivotal process in mitigating atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and restoring ecosystem functionality in agricultural landscapes. Regenerative agriculture, a holistic land management approach, offers a scientifically validated framework to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) through biologically driven practices. Synthesises global and regional evidence on the effectiveness of regenerative practices such as cover cropping, conservation tillage, compost application, agroforestry, rotational grazing, and polyculture systems in augmenting SOC levels across various agroecological zones. The role of regenerative practices in enhancing soil carbon sequestration in agricultural lands, with a focus on empirical evidence, quantitative assessments, and co-benefits for sustainability. It synthesises findings from long-term trials, meta-analyses, and regional studies, particularly from tropical and subtropical agroecological zones. Empirical studies and meta-analyses indicate SOC accrual rates ranging from 0.2 to 2.5 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ under these practices, contingent on soil type, climate, and management intensity. In parallel, regenerative systems offer synergistic co-benefits including enhanced soil fertility, improved microbial diversity, increased water retention, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Region-specific studies, including field trials and community-scale interventions, confirm the scalability and relevance of such approaches under tropical and subtropical conditions. Despite proven environmental and agronomic benefits, widespread implementation is constrained by socio-economic, institutional, and technical barriers, such as land tenure insecurity, limited knowledge dissemination, and lack of robust measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems. The integration of remote sensing, digital soil mapping, and process-based carbon models (e.g., RothC, CENTURY) is advancing the precision and scalability of SOC assessments. Policy interventions through government schemes, international frameworks, and voluntary carbon markets are emerging to support transition pathways. Identifies future research priorities focused on multiscale modelling, farmer-led innovation, socio-economic impact assessment, and the development of climate-smart regenerative packages. By aligning science, policy, and practice, regenerative agriculture can serve as a cornerstone for sustainable land use and climate resilience.