Journal of Energy Bioscience 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 1-12 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/jeb 4 3.2 Branding and market systems Promoting eco-labeled products and carbon-tagged certifications can drive consumer demand for sustainably produced agricultural goods. Eco-labels and carbon certifications provide transparency about the environmental impact of products, encouraging consumers to make more sustainable choices. For instance, products from agroforestry systems, which integrate trees with crops and livestock, can be marketed as carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative, given their high potential for carbon sequestration (Jarecki and Lal, 2003; Sharma et al., 2021). Such certifications can also incentivize farmers to adopt practices that enhance SOC and reduce GHG emissions, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation (Shrestha et al., 2018; Bhattacharyya et al., 2021). Strengthening supply chains for sustainable agricultural products is crucial for ensuring that eco-labeled and carbon-tagged products reach the market effectively. This involves improving the logistics, storage, and distribution networks to handle sustainably produced goods. For example, enhancing the supply chain for products from conservation tillage and cover crop systems can ensure that these goods maintain their eco-friendly attributes from farm to table (Bai et al., 2019; Tiefenbacher et al., 2021). Additionally, creating robust supply chains for agroforestry products can help in scaling up these sustainable practices, thereby increasing their impact on carbon sequestration and GHG emission reduction (Jarecki and Lal, 2003; Sharma et al., 2021). 4 Enhancing Carbon Sequestration Potential 4.1 Soil carbon storage The application of organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, plays a significant role in enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. Organic fertilizers increase carbon inputs to the soil, which can sequester up to (714±404) kg C ha-1 y-1 (Tiefenbacher et al., 2021). The use of biochar, a form of organic amendment, has been shown to increase SOC content by 39% on average, making it one of the most effective methods for SOC enhancement (Bai et al., 2019). Additionally, organic amendments like compost emit less CO2 andN2Ocompared to raw manure, making them more environmentally friendly options (Shrestha et al., 2018). Conservation tillage practices, including no-tillage and reduced tillage, are effective in reducing soil erosion and maintaining soil structure, which in turn helps in SOC sequestration. These practices have been found to increase SOC by 5% on average (Bai et al., 2019). However, the impact of no-tillage is often limited to the topsoil (0~10 cm), and its overall effectiveness can vary based on local environmental conditions (Bhattacharyya et al., 2021). Despite these limitations, conservation tillage remains a viable strategy for enhancing soil carbon storage (Jarecki and Lal, 2003). Crop rotation practices, including the use of cover crops and ley farming, contribute to SOC sequestration by increasing the diversity of organic matter inputs to the soil. These practices help in maintaining soil fertility and structure, which are crucial for long-term carbon storage (Jarecki and Lal, 2003). Cover crops alone have been shown to increase SOC content by 6% (Bai et al., 2019). Additionally, incorporating forages and reducing bare fallow periods can further enhance SOC levels (Hutchinson et al., 2007). 4.2 Ecosystem services Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees with crops and/or livestock, are highly effective in sequestering carbon both above and below ground. These systems can sequester between 0.09 and 7.29 t C ha-1 a-1, depending on the specific practices implemented (Kay et al., 2019). Agroforestry not only enhances carbon sequestration but also provides additional ecosystem services such as biodiversity enhancement and soil erosion control (Nair et al., 2009; Sharma et al., 2021). The integration of trees in agricultural landscapes can significantly contribute to carbon sequestration and environmental sustainability (Bhattacharyya et al., 2021). Cover cropping involves planting crops that cover the soil surface, thereby reducing soil erosion and increasing organic matter inputs. This practice has been shown to increase SOC content by 6% on average (Bai et al., 2019). Cover crops also improve soil health by enhancing nutrient cycling and water retention, which are essential for long-term carbon storage (Jarecki and Lal, 2003). The use of grasses and cereals as cover crops has been particularly effective in sequestering carbon in soils (Bhattacharyya et al., 2021).
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