Fig. 1: Conceptualization of C sequestration potentials in arable land.

Usually C is lost after land-use conversion from native ecosystems (e.g., peatlands, forests, grasslands) to arable land. Future C storage in agricultural fields then depends on agricultural management practices, with options to regain C by increasing the organic matter input relative to ongoing CO₂ release at best management practice options (BMP), to maintain C stocks by continued good agricultural practice (GAP), or to lose additional C by intensifying agriculture without additional C input, usually followed by soil degradation.