Which of the following is a common method used to manage soil organic matter and combat carbon dioxide increases?

Carbon sequestration is recognized as an effective strategy for managing soil organic matter and mitigating increases in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. This process involves capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in the soil, which enhances soil organic matter and promotes beneficial microbial activity. By increasing organic matter, carbon sequestration not only improves soil fertility but also contributes to long-term carbon storage, thereby reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

In contrast, conventional tillage typically disturbs the soil structure and can lead to the loss of soil organic matter as it exposes organic materials to the atmosphere, promoting their oxidation and release as CO2. Crop rotation is a beneficial practice for managing soil health and nutrient cycles; however, it does not directly focus on carbon sequestration. Soil compaction, on the other hand, negatively impacts soil permeability and root growth, further hindering the ecosystem's ability to store carbon effectively.