Quantification of soil labile carbon content in lowland rice ecology amended by different bio-wastes

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a critical role in terrestrial carbon cycling and is central to preserving soil quality. The effects of bio-wastes on soil carbon storage were investigated. The SOC has different pools and fractions including microbial biomass carbon (MBC), readily mineralizable carbon (RMC), and water soluble carbon (WSC). Each has a varying degree of decomposition rate and stability. The rice straw + RDF treatment was more effective in increasing WSC, MBC, RMC concentrations than the RDF treatment alone. Therefore, it could be the best option for improving carbon storage and soil health while emerging as best bio-waste management technology in the rice–rice cropping system.