SUSTAINABLE NITROGEN AND CARBON CYCLING IN AFGHANISTAN AGROECOSYSTEMS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Nitrogen and carbon cycling are essential for soil fertility, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability in agroecosystems. In Afghanistan, where agriculture is vital for food security and economic stability, a thorough understanding of these cycles is crucial for developing sustainable...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Editura Universităţii din Oradea
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Natural Resources and Sustainable Development |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.nrsdj.com/issues-year-2025-1/sustainable-nitrogen-and-carbon-cycling-in-afghanistan-agroecosystems-challenges-and-opportunities.html |
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| Summary: | Nitrogen and carbon cycling are essential for soil fertility, crop productivity, and
environmental sustainability in agroecosystems. In Afghanistan, where agriculture is vital for food
security and economic stability, a thorough understanding of these cycles is crucial for developing
sustainable farming practices. This study investigates nitrogen and carbon transformation processes,
including fixation, mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification, emphasizing their impacts on soil
health and nutrient availability. It underscores the importance of integrating traditional and modern
agricultural techniques, such as crop rotation, intercropping, biochar application, and organic
amendments, to enhance use efficiency and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Additionally, this
research evaluates various cropping systems—monocropping, intercropping, and legume-based
nutrient rotations—regarding their effects on nitrogen retention, carbon sequestration, and overall soil
health. While traditional water management practices, such as karezes and Mir Ab systems, promote
sustainable agriculture, modern intensive farming can lead to challenges like soil degradation and
increased greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these issues necessitates the adoption of climate-
smart agriculture, improved soil conservation strategies, and enhanced policy support for sustainable
land management. Future research should focus on optimizing microbial roles in nitrogen and carbon
cycling, developing site-specific fertilization strategies, and enhancing water-use efficiency in
Afghanistan's diverse agroecosystems. Integrating scientific advancements with indigenous knowledge
is key to achieving sustainable agricultural development, thereby fostering food security and
environmental resilience in the region. |
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| ISSN: | 2066-6276 2601-5676 |