Which practice is likely to enhance soil carbon storage?

Conservation tillage is a key practice that enhances soil carbon storage. This method involves reducing the amount and frequency of tillage performed on agricultural land, which helps maintain the soil structure and prevents the disruption of soil organic matter. By minimizing soil disturbance, conservation tillage allows for greater retention of carbon in the soil.

This practice encourages the buildup of organic residues on the soil surface, which can decompose and contribute to increased soil carbon levels. Additionally, it fosters an environment that promotes beneficial soil organisms, improving soil health and further enhancing carbon sequestration. By keeping more carbon in the soil and reducing erosion, conservation tillage is a vital strategy in sustainable farming and climate change mitigation efforts.

Other practices, such as intensive tillage and frequent plowing, typically lead to increased soil erosion and the loss of organic matter, which detracts from soil carbon storage. Cover cropping can also contribute positively to soil carbon storage, but conservation tillage specifically highlights the importance of reducing tillage disturbance in achieving this goal more effectively.