ORGANIC AMENDMENTS AS A STRATEGY TO ENHANCE SOIL CARBON SEQUESTRATION AND SPINACH PRODUCTIVITY

Abstract

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is an important leafy vegetable crop in Pakistan due to its high nutritional value and economic importance. However, climate change and rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations pose increasing challenges to agricultural productivity and ecosystem sustainability. In this context, soil organic matter plays a crucial role in maintaining soil ecosystem functions, regulating biogeochemical cycles, and enhancing carbon sequestration.

To assess the impact of organic amendments on soil carbon sequestration and spinach productivity, an experiment was conducted using residual soil and organic manures. The treatments included: a control with recommended inorganic fertilizers only, 1% organic amendment combined with 50% of the recommended fertilizer dose, 2% organic amendment combined with 50% of the recommended fertilizer dose, 1% organic amendment alone, and 2% organic amendment alone. The experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications at the Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

The results indicated that organic amendments significantly (p < 0.05) improved soil carbon sequestration and spinach yield compared to the control treatment. Among all treatments, the application of 2% organic amendment showed the most pronounced effects, resulting in higher soil organic carbon content, improved water use efficiency, increased infiltration rate and soil porosity, and reduced soil bulk density. Overall, the application of a 2% organic amendment proved to be the most effective strategy for enhancing soil health, increasing carbon storage, and promoting spinach growth, thereby contributing to sustainable crop production and soil management under changing climatic conditions.