Rapidly increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) initiate unprecedented changes in climate systems, leading to severe ecological and economic disruptions. Climate change mitigation is possible through a reduction in net GHG emission by the process of carbon sequestration. Storage of carbon in a stable solid form through direct and indirect fixation in soil leading to carbon sequestration can result in an annual growth rate of 0.4% in the soil carbon stock and significantly reduce CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. The long term sequestration of carbon, viz, carbon stabilization is possible through both abiotic and biotic factors. This research paper aims to establish a literature review about the role of different agricultural management strategies for carbon sequestration and their stabilization mechanisms. Agricultural practices such as tillage, fallow elimination, erosion control and methane mitigation reduce carbon loss while crop management, nutrient management, land use systems, agro forestry and nano technology enhances carbon inputs. These agricultural management practices can facilitate carbon stabilization by acting through both biotic and abiotic mechanisms.

Biochar refers to the black carbon that is produced by the process of slow pyrolysis and act as a vehicle of carbon sequestration from renewable and sustainable biomass. This review describes the ability of biochar to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and thus increase crop yield and productivity. Benefits of application of biochar also includes lowering of bulk density, improving porosity, aggregation, water infiltration and water holding capacity of soils. It also darkens the soil colour which affects soil surface reflectance and thus helps to moderate soil temperature. Biochar addition enhances cation exchange capacity, increases soil pH, improves the supply and uptake of nutrients, reduces nutrient leaching losses, captures NH3 and leads to reduction in volatilization loss of nitrogen thus improving nutrient availability in soils. Application of biochar can also remediate soils contaminated with heavy metals and organic pollutants. It can also facilitate microbial colonisation in soil, enhance soil microbial biomass carbon, enzyme activity and the activity of mycorrhizal fungi.