Impact of Humic Substances on Carbon Sequestration and Soil Resilience
J. P. Devika
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
B. Rani *
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
R Gladis
Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agricultural Research Station, Thiruvalla, India.
Gowri Priya
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Ambalavayal, India.
S. Sarada
Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Intensified cultivation linked with over application of chemical fertilizers and increasing human activities have been linked to enhanced CO2 emissions, decreasing soil fertility, increasing soil degradation and declining productivity of crops. However, humic substances comprising humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin have shown beneficial effects in improving soil fertility, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing soil resilience. Being highly decomposed organic matter, these substances play a vital role in boosting soil health and promoting carbon sequestration. Elevated levels of humic substances are associated with a notable increase in soil organic carbon content. Additionally, they contribute to a reduction in the emission of major greenhouse gases. Human-induced disturbances, including land cultivation and poor land management practices both historically and currently, continue to degrade soil. Therefore, developing soils with resilient characteristics is essential to withstand such degradation. Humus contributes to the improvement of soil’s biological, physical, and chemical properties, ultimately strengthening its resilience capacity.
Keywords: Humic substances, carbon sequestration, soil resilience, humic acid, fulvic acid