Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-12 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 2 broader rural development plans to ensure alignment between environmental and economic objectives. The aim is to contribute to global efforts toward carbon neutrality and sustainable development, highlighting the critical role of agriculture and rural communities in this process. 2 Current Challenges in Agricultural Carbon Management 2.1 Economic constraints Implementing green farming practices such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, and biochar applications often involves high initial costs and investments in new technologies and inputs. These practices, while beneficial for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, can be economically burdensome for farmers, especially in the short term. For instance, biochar applications, although effective in increasing SOC content by 39%, require significant financial outlay (Bai et al., 2019). Additionally, the economic returns from these practices may not be immediately apparent, leading to reluctance among farmers to adopt them (Tiefenbacher et al., 2021). The benefits of eco-friendly technologies in agriculture, such as increased SOC levels and improved soil health, often take years to materialize. This long gestation period can be a significant deterrent for farmers who need more immediate returns on their investments. For example, the new equilibrium SOC level may be achieved over 25 to 50 years, making it challenging for farmers to see the immediate benefits of their efforts (Jarecki and Lal, 2003). This delay in realizing benefits can hinder the widespread adoption of sustainable practices. Eco-labeled products, which are produced using sustainable farming practices, often struggle to gain recognition and command premium prices in the market. This limited market recognition can reduce the financial incentives for farmers to adopt green practices. Despite the environmental benefits, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved soil health, the lack of consumer awareness and demand for eco-labeled products can undermine the economic viability of sustainable agriculture (Saikanth et al., 2023). 2.2 Spatial and structural limitations The implementation of effective carbon management practices in agriculture is often hampered by the shortage of buffer zones and treatment facilities. These spatial limitations can restrict the ability to manage and treat agricultural runoff, which is crucial for maintaining soil health and enhancing carbon sequestration. For instance, the lack of adequate buffer zones can lead to increased soil erosion and nutrient runoff, negatively impacting SOC levels (Govaerts et al., 2009). Conflicts between spatial planning and carbon management goals can arise when land use priorities do not align with the objectives of carbon sequestration. For example, the conversion of agricultural land to urban or industrial use can reduce the available area for implementing carbon farming practices, thereby limiting the potential for SOC sequestration (Kåresdotter et al., 2022). Effective spatial planning that integrates carbon management goals is essential for maximizing the benefits of sustainable agriculture. A well-functioning agricultural circular economy is crucial for effective carbon management. However, disconnections in this system, such as the lack of integration between crop and livestock production or the inefficient use of agricultural residues, can hinder carbon sequestration efforts. For instance, incorporating crop residues into the soil is a promising practice for increasing SOC content, but it requires a coordinated approach that is often lacking in fragmented agricultural systems (Qiu et al., 2009). 2.3 Gaps in measurement and standardization 2.3.1 Lack of unified carbon accounting standards The absence of unified carbon accounting standards poses a significant challenge for measuring and verifying the carbon sequestration potential of different agricultural practices. This lack of standardization can lead to inconsistencies in data and make it difficult to compare the effectiveness of various practices. For example, the wide divergence in measurements regarding the influences of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices on SOC sequestration highlights the need for standardized accounting methods (Bai et al., 2019).
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