A study by ICAR found that climate change and improper fertilizer use are degrading soil organic carbon across India, impacting soil health and carbon credit systems.

A recent study by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has highlighted the detrimental effects of climate change and unscientific fertilizer use on soil organic carbon levels in India. Analyzing over 254,000 soil samples from 620 districts, the research indicates that regions with imbalanced fertilizer application, particularly in Haryana and Punjab, show a marked decline in organic carbon. The study correlates organic carbon levels with environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, and elevation, revealing that higher temperatures negatively impact carbon content. The researchers advocate for policy measures to promote organic carbon sequestration, balanced fertilizer use, and crop management strategies to mitigate climate change effects. Their findings underscore the importance of maintaining soil health for sustainable agriculture and effective carbon credit systems.