Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-12 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 3 Current frameworks for promoting low-carbon agriculture are often inadequate, lacking the necessary guidelines and support for farmers to implement sustainable practices effectively. This inadequacy can result in suboptimal adoption rates and reduced impact on carbon sequestration. For instance, while conservation agriculture has been shown to improve soil health and reduce emissions, the lack of comprehensive frameworks to support its implementation limits its widespread adoption (Francaviglia et al., 2023) (Figure 1). Figure 1 The three challenges related to the new architecture of the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) (Adopted from Francaviglia et al., 2023) Robust feedback mechanisms that monitor and evaluate the interactions between agricultural practices and environmental outcomes are essential for adaptive management. However, the absence of such mechanisms can hinder the ability to make informed decisions and optimize carbon management strategies. For example, the lack of feedback on the impacts of different carbon farming practices on nitrogen cycling and greenhouse gas emissions can lead to unintended consequences, such as increased nitrous oxide emissions (Almaraz et al., 2021). 3 Strategies for Optimizing Agricultural Systems 3.1 Structural adjustments Balancing crop and livestock systems is essential for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agricultural practices. Integrating livestock with crop production can improve soil organic carbon (SOC) levels, which is crucial for soil health and fertility. For instance, agroforestry systems that combine trees, crops, and livestock have shown significant potential in increasing carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Bhattacharyya et al., 2021; Sharma et al., 2021). Additionally, practices such as using cover crops and crop residue management can further enhance SOC levels and improve overall soil quality (Jarecki and Lal, 2003; Bai et al., 2019). These integrated systems not only boost productivity but also contribute to climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in both plant biomass and soil (Shrestha et al., 2018; Sharma et al., 2021). Implementing long-term land leasing policies can encourage green investments in sustainable agricultural practices. Such policies provide farmers with the security needed to invest in long-term soil health and carbon sequestration strategies. For example, the adoption of conservation tillage, cover crops, and biochar applications has been shown to significantly enhance SOC sequestration (Bai et al., 2019; Tiefenbacher et al., 2021). These practices require sustained efforts and investments, which are more feasible under long-term land tenure arrangements. Moreover, policies that support the conversion of marginal lands into restorative uses, such as agroforestry, can further enhance carbon sequestration and improve ecosystem services (Lal, 2004; Bhattacharyya et al., 2021).
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