Bamboo for Soil Conservation and Carbon Sequestration: A Dual Approach to Climate Mitigation

Soil erosion and climate change are two interconnected environmental challenges that threaten ecosystems, agricultural productivity and global sustainability. Bamboo, a fast-growing perennial grass with dense root systems and high biomass turnover, offers a unique dual solution by stabilizing soil and sequestering carbon. This review synthesizes existing research on bamboo’s role in controlling soil erosion, enhancing soil health, and capturing carbon in above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass and soil organic carbon pools. Evidence from diverse regions which include tropical, temperate and Himalayan ecosystems-demonstrates bamboo’s capacity to reduce erosion rates, improve microbial activity and increase long-term carbon storage. The study emphasizes the need to promote bamboo cultivation and implement sustainable management practices to maximize its environmental benefits. Future research should focus on species optimization, mixed planting systems and regional adaptation to strengthen bamboo’s role as a nature-based solution for soil conservation and climate mitigation.