Seasonal Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Sequestration of Herbaceous Vegetation and Litter Layer in Homegarden Agroforestry System of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences Campus, Prayagraj, India

Abstract

An increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, such as CO2, is what drives global warming. Strong carbon management is the first step in helping to stop climate change, safeguard human health, and create profitable businesses. A key strategy for lowering greenhouse gases emissions is carbon capture and storage. The study aimed to investigate the carbon sequestration potential of the herbaceous vegetation and litter layer in home garden agroforestry systems during the rainy season, winter season, and summer seasons in the SHUATS (Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences) Campus, Prayagraj. The total dry weight of the herbaceous layer and litter layer was measured, and the corresponding carbon sequestration values were calculated. During the rainy season, the herbaceous layer exhibited a total dry weight ranging from 0.31 kg m-2 to 0.36 kg m-2, resulting in carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.83 Mg C ha-1 to 2.13 Mg C ha-1. The litter layer had a total dry weight ranging from 0.13 kg m-2 to 0.16 kg m-2, contributing to carbon sequestration values ranging from 0.76 Mg C ha-1 to 0.92 Mg C ha-1.In the winter season, the herbaceous layer demonstrated a total dry weight ranging from 0.22 kg m-2 to 0.28 kg m-2, resulting in carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.29 Mg C ha-1 to 1.65 Mg C ha-1. Similarly, the litter layer exhibited a total dry weight ranging from 0.18 kg m-2 to 0.216 kg m-2, contributing to carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.05 Mg C ha-1 to 1.25 Mg C ha-1.During the summer season, the herbaceous layer displayed a total dry weight ranging from 0.303 kg m-2 to 0.361 kg m-2, resulting in carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.76 Mg C ha-1 to 2.10 Mg C ha-1. The litter layer had a total dry weight ranging from 0.16 kg m-2 to 0.24 kg m-2, contributing to carbon sequestration values ranging from 1.00 Mg C ha-1 to 1.32 Mg C ha-1. The results indicate that the herbaceous layer and litter layer of home garden agroforestry systems in the SHUATS Campus, Prayagraj, have the potential to sequester significant amounts of carbon during different seasons. This highlights the importance of home gardens in mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable land management practices.