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Path Mechanism and Field Practice Effect of Green Agricultural Production on the Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics and Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity in Farmland Ecosystems

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  • Xiaoqian Li

    (School of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China)

  • Yi Wang

    (School of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China)

  • Wen Chen

    (Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China)

  • Bin He

    (Institute of One Health Science, School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Geography Science, State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China)

Abstract

Exploring the mechanisms by which green agricultural production reduces emissions and enhances carbon sequestration in soil can provide a scientific basis for greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable development in farmland. This study uses a combination of meta-analysis and field experiments to evaluate the impact of different agricultural management practices and climatic conditions on soil organic carbon (SOC) and the emissions of CO 2 and CH 4 , as well as the role of microorganisms. The results indicate the following: (1) Meta-analysis reveals that the long-term application of organic fertilizers in green agriculture increases SOC at a rate four times higher than that of chemical fertilizers. No-till and straw return practices significantly reduce CO 2 emissions from alkaline soils by 30.7% ( p < 0.05). Warm and humid climates in low-altitude regions are more conducive to soil carbon sequestration. (2) Structural equation modeling of plant–microbe–soil carbon interactions shows that plant species diversity (PSD) indirectly affects microbial biomass by influencing organic matter indicators, mineral properties, and physicochemical characteristics, thereby regulating soil carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emissions. (3) Field experiments conducted in the typical green farming research area of Chenzhuang reveal that soils managed under natural farming absorb CH 4 at a rate three times higher than those under conventional farming, and the stoichiometric ratios of soil enzymes in the former are close to 1. The peak SOC (19.90 g/kg) in the surface soil of Chenzhuang is found near fields cultivated with natural farming measures. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the sustainable development of green agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoqian Li & Yi Wang & Wen Chen & Bin He, 2025. "Path Mechanism and Field Practice Effect of Green Agricultural Production on the Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics and Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity in Farmland Ecosystems," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-31, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:14:p:1499-:d:1700259
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chonggang Liu & Jiangye Li & Wei Sun & Yan Gao & Zhuyun Yu & Yue Dong & Pingxing Li, 2023. "Temporal and Spatial Variations in Soil Elemental Stoichiometry Coupled with Alterations in Agricultural Land Use Types in the Taihu Lake Basin," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Muye Huang & Chuanhui Gu & Yanchao Bai, 2023. "Effect of Fertilization on Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Global Warming Potential on Agricultural Land in China: A Meta-Analysis," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, December.
    3. Feng Tao & Yuanyuan Huang & Bruce A. Hungate & Stefano Manzoni & Serita D. Frey & Michael W. I. Schmidt & Markus Reichstein & Nuno Carvalhais & Philippe Ciais & Lifen Jiang & Johannes Lehmann & Ying-P, 2023. "Microbial carbon use efficiency promotes global soil carbon storage," Nature, Nature, vol. 618(7967), pages 981-985, June.
    4. Haoqiang Zhang & Ting Liu & Yuanyuan Wang & Ming Tang, 2019. "Exogenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase soil organic carbon and change microbial community in poplar rhizosphere," Plant, Soil and Environment, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 65(3), pages 152-158.
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