The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)’s Committee on Science and Technology released a report which emphasised the importance of soil organic carbon (SOC). Write a short note on soil organic carbon. How can it help in preventing land degradation and desertification? Illustrate.

Answer: Soil organic carbon is a measureable component of soil organic matter. Organic matter makes up just 2.10% of most soil’s mass and has an important role in the physical, chemical and biological function of agricultural soils.

The carbon cycle is a fundamental part of life on earth. ‘Soil organic carbon’ (SOC) is the amount of carbon stored in the soil. It is a component of soil organic matter – plant and animal materials in the soil that are in various stages of decay.

Importance of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)

  • Soil organic carbon is the basis of soil fertility. ....

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