Ganesh Parmar, Rajesh Chaudhari and Shreyas Bhatt
Abstract
Seasonal transformations have a significant impact on Indian agriculture and the soil system. This study specifically investigates the dynamics of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), a fundamental component of soil fertility that serves as both a major sink for atmospheric carbon and the primary reservoir of plant nutrients. The rapid degradation of SOC under intensive agricultural practices and changing climatic conditions presents a significant threat to soil health and food security. To address this, our research identifies and quantifies the key fertility factors directly influencing SOC pools in arid regions. Soil samples were systematically collected from two distinct arid zones in Gujarat Koddha and Santalpur during a key seasonal period. at two depth intervals: 0-10 cm (surface layer) and 10-20 cm (sub-surface layer). Laboratory analysis was conducted to measure critical parameters, including SOC (using the Walkley-Black method), Available Phosphorus (Olsen method), Water Holding Capacity (WHC), Bulk Density (BD), and Total Nitrogen (TN) (Kjeldahl method). Our results demonstrate a significant positive correlation between SOC and other fertility indicators (TN, WHC) and a negative correlation with BD, highlighting its central role in maintaining soil structure and nutrient availability. Furthermore, a clear decline in SOC concentration was observed with increasing depth. These findings underscore the urgent need for adopting conservation agricultural practices aimed at enhancing and protecting SOC stocks. This research provides critical data for developing sustainable soil management strategies to ensure the long-term productivity and resilience of Indiaâs agricultural systems.