ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the work done on various aspects of land use and management practices on organic carbon dynamics in the soils of India. Organic carbon level of soils reaches a fixed equilibrium that is determined by a number of interacting factors such as precipitation, temperature, soil type, tillage, cropping systems, fertilizers, the type and quantity of crop residues returned to the soil, and the method of residues management. A common soil management practice, aimed at optimizing the soil physical environment for plant growth, is to incorporate crop residue which results in increased moisture storage, rooting depth, soil organic carbon and nutrient status, and reduced bulk density, soil temperature, soil compaction, runoff and soil erosion. Surface residues management and reduced tillage provide a favorable environment for native micro flora and fauna. The most important cultural practices are cultivation methods, fertilizer management, green manuring and organic manures and liming for acid soils.
