Impact of different farming scenarios on key soil sustainability indicators driving soil carbon and system productivity of rice-based cropping systems.

This research explores the relationships among soil characteristics, carbon dynamics, and soil biome in rice-based cropping systems across four farming scenarios: conventional farming, organic farming with conventional tillage, integrated nutrient management, and conservation agriculture with zero tillage. Conducted at the International Rice Research Institute, India (2020-2022), the study analyzed physical, chemical, and biological soil parameters. The findings reveal significant effects of farming scenarios on soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), with no notable impact on bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity, or water-holding capacity.