Carbon Sequestration and Soil Organic Matter Dynamics in Arid and Semi-Arid Ecosystems: Processes, Challenges, and Management Strategies

Arid and semi-arid ecosystems face significant challenges due to climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity. Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a critical role in maintaining soil fertility, improving water retention, and enhancing carbon sequestration. These ecosystems, characterized by limited precipitation and high evaporation rates, are highly sensitive to changes in land management practices. Therefore, understanding SOM dynamics in arid and semi-arid regions is essential for promoting sustainable land use and developing effective climate change mitigation strategies. This Research Topic aims to address these pressing issues and provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge as well as emerging solutions.

The primary goal of this Research Topic is to investigate the processes involved in carbon sequestration and soil organic matter dynamics in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. By identifying the key factors that influence SOM levels, this Topic seeks to support the development of management strategies capable of mitigating land degradation and enhancing carbon storage in these vulnerable environments. Recent advances in soil management practices—such as conservation tillage, agroforestry systems, and the application of organic amendments—will be examined to assess their effectiveness in increasing SOM content and strengthening ecosystem resilience. The inclusion of case studies from different arid and semi-arid regions will provide valuable insights into context-specific and regionally adapted approaches.

In this Research Topic, we welcome studies on the following subtopics, including but not limited to:

• Mechanisms of carbon sequestration in arid and semi-arid soils

• The role of soil organic matter in soil fertility and ecosystem sustainability

• Impacts of climate change on SOM dynamics and carbon storage capacity

• Soil management strategies to enhance SOM in dryland ecosystems

• The relationship between soil biodiversity and carbon sequestration

• Case studies on land restoration and SOM enrichment in arid and semi-arid regions

We encourage the submission of a wide range of manuscripts, including original research articles, reviews, and case studies. Contributions should aim to provide actionable and science-based insights into improving carbon sequestration and soil organic matter dynamics, with a strong emphasis on sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Case Report
• Classification
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Case Report
• Classification
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Carbon sequestration, soil organic matter, arid ecosystems, soil management, climate change mitigation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.