Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: E018
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.E018
Published online: 22 April 2026
The influence of exogenous organic matter on carbon sequestration in poor agricultural soils
Magdalena Myszura-Dymek*1, Iwona Kamińska2 and Aysu Ece Kocaman3
1 Faculty of Agrobioengineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 7 Leszczyńskiego St., 20-069 Lublin, Poland
2 Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Lublin University of Technology, 40B Nadbystrzycka St., 20-618 Lublin, Poland
3 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Aksu Street, 55270, Samsun, Turkey
* Corresponding author: magdalena.myszura-dymek@up.edu.pl
In recent decades, significant losses of soil carbon (C) have been observed in agroecosystems due to intensified tillage, plowing, and residue removal, particularly in soils initially low in humus. Under these conditions, the addition of exogenous organic matter (EOM) is seen as a means of simultaneously restoring soils and mitigating climate change by restoring soil organic carbon (SOC) and reducing atmospheric CO₂. EOM–manure, compost, crop residues, biochar, and sewage sludge – is a key tool for increasing carbon sequestration in C-deficient soils, but the effectiveness of this process strongly depends on soil quality, application rate, soil type, and associated practices. Biogas digestate is a specific type of EOM: it provides relatively little “fresh” carbon but a large amount of readily available N, making it primarily a fertilizer in itself, and only secondarily a carrier of stable C.
The aim of the work was to review the latest scientific reports on the effects of exogenous organic matter on carbon sequestration in poor agricultural soils. Peer-reviewed articles from available databases were analyzed. The analysis showed that the highest persistence of sequestered carbon in poor soils is achieved by materials with a high proportion of stable, aromatic forms of C (biochar, well-ripened composts, composted organic waste), followed by manure and plant residues used in a system that promotes humification. In practice, the best results are achieved by combining a highly stable C carrier (biochar) with more decomposable organic fertilizers (manure, compost), which increases both short-term fertility and long-term sequestration. In summary, EOM is a key element of the strategy for restoring SOC resources in degraded and C-deficient soils, combining fertilization functions with sequestration potential.
Keywords: carbon sequestration; exogenous organic matter; poor quality soils
How to cite
Myszura-Dymek M.,, Kamińska I., Kocaman A.E., 2026. The influence of exogenous organic matter on carbon sequestration in poor agricultural soils. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.E018