Materials-Based Approach for Enhanced Soil Carbon (C) Sequestration

The concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly CO₂, has risen significantly due to anthropogenic activities, primarily caused by excessive energy consumption, thereby accelerating climate change and global warming. CO₂ emissions from agricultural practices contribute up to 20% of the total atmospheric CO₂ concentration, underscoring the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies. Soils are both a major source of CO₂ flux and a critical reservoir capable of storing carbon (C) as organic matter (OM), a process known as soil C sequestration. Various approaches have been adopted to enhance soil C sequestration, however, intensive farming has substantially depleted soil C, reducing its capacity to act as a long-term C sink. Consequently, research efforts have focused on sustainable strategies such as cover cropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, microbial inoculation, and direct OM inputs. Among these, amending soils with naturally abundant materials, such as clay minerals, biochar, and engineered carbon-based materials has shown great promise. This review highlights recent advances in the use of nanostructured and natural nanoclay materials for soil C management. It outlines the importance of soil organic carbon (SOC), key challenges in SOC flux, the mechanisms of sequestration, and the societal implications of implementing these materials, providing groundwork for future research in this critical area.