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

Abstract

Spinach is a key leafy vegetable crop in Pakistan, valued for its nutritional benefits and economic importance. However, climate change and rising atmospheric CO₂ levels pose challenges to agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability. Soil organic matter is crucial for maintaining soil ecosystem functions, regulating biogeochemical cycles, and enhancing carbon sequestration.

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

Results indicated that organic amendments significantly (p < 0.05) improved both soil carbon sequestration and spinach yield compared to the control. The 2% organic amendment treatment showed the greatest benefits, enhancing soil organic carbon, water use efficiency, infiltration rate, and porosity, while reducing bulk density. Overall, the application of 2% organic amendment was most effective in promoting soil health, increasing carbon storage, and improving spinach growth, supporting sustainable crop production and soil management under changing climatic conditions.