Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in agricultural soils for greenhouse gas mitigation

Greenhouse gases (GHG), accumulated in the atmosphere, are the main cause of climate change. In 2017, the increase in average temperature was about 1 °C (between 0.8 °C–1.2 °C) above pre-industrial levels. Global warming refers to the increase in air surface, sea surface, and soil surface temperature and according to IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change), since the industrial revolution, C emissions are due to land use changes like deforestation, biomass burning, conversion of natural lands, drainage of wetlands, soil cultivation, and tillage. As the world population has increased, world food production has risen too with a subsequent increase in GHG emissions and agricultural production, which is worsened by climate change. Negative consequences are well known such as the loss in water availability and in soil fertility, and pest infestations which are climate change’s effects on agriculture activity. Climate change’s main aftermath is the frequency of extreme weather events influencing crop yields. As climate change exacerbates degradation processes, land management can mitigate its impact and aid adaptation strategies for climate change. About 21–37% of GHGs have been caused by the agriculture activity, so the application of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) like sustainable agriculture could be a way to reduce GHGs worldwide. The aim of this article is to review how NbS may mitigate GHG emissions from soil, with solutions defined as an integrated approach to tackle climate change and to sustainably restore and manage ecosystems, delivering multiple benefits. NbS is a low-cost tool working within and with nature, which holds many benefits for people and the environment.