نوع مقاله : پژوهشی
نویسندگان
گروه زراعت، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه زابل، زابل، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Background and Objectives: Climate change and the increasing emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, represent one of the most pressing environmental challenges today. Agriculture, as one of the largest consumers of land and natural resources, plays a dual role in both carbon emissions and sequestration. Identifying crop and horticultural species with high potential for carbon fixation and return to the soil is especially important in arid and semi-arid regions such as Sistan. This study aimed to assess the carbon sequestration potential and short-term carbon cycling of key regional crops, including wheat, safflower, sesame, cowpea, and grape, and to provide strategies for improved crop management to enhance soil carbon sequestration.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Zabol County, northern Sistan and Baluchestan Province. Crop yield and cultivated area data were collected over five years (2019–2024), and climatic data were obtained from synoptic weather stations. Net primary carbon production (NPPC) of the whole plant, as well as the allocation to aboveground and belowground organs, was calculated using standard equations. Actual and potential carbon inputs to the soil were estimated based on the return of non-harvested plant residues. Harvest index, shoot-to-root ratio, and relative carbon allocation coefficients were determined for each crop. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and descriptive statistical methods.
Results: Grapevine exhibited the highest carbon sequestration potential, with substantial carbon allocated to roots and root exudates, indicating its key role in long-term carbon storage. Wheat and cowpea, with more balanced carbon distribution between aboveground and belowground organs, contributed significantly to short-term carbon cycling. Safflower and sesame, with low harvest indices, stored a large portion of biomass in non-harvested organs, providing considerable potential carbon inputs to the soil. Comparison of actual versus potential carbon inputs revealed that, on average, only 30–50% of potential carbon returned to the soil, primarily due to complete or partial harvesting of aboveground organs and inadequate residue management, such as burning of straw and stubble.
Conclusion: The findings of these search indicate that crop diversification and the integration of annual and perennial species, combined with proper residue management and conservation tillage, can significantly improve the carbon balance and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems in Sistan. Crops with low harvest indices and high residue return play a critical role in enhancing carbon sequestration and reducing atmospheric CO₂ emissions. These results can inform sustainable agricultural planning and climate change mitigation strategies in arid and semi-arid regions.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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