Macauba Palm Research Articles

Carbon accumulation in the soil and biomass of macauba palm commercial plantations

Commercial cultivation of the Macauba palm is growing due to its agro-energy potential. This study quantified carbon stock in two macauba plantations (4.8 and 9.0 years old), considering carbon stored in soil and biomass. We assessed total organic carbon (TOC) stocks in labile (EOC and LF-C) and non-labile (NL-C) soil fractions, comparing these with a forest regenerating for over 30 years. Soil samples were collected within the palm plantation (rows and inter-rows) and the forest area at five depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–60, and 60–100 cm). The impact of plantation age and sampling position on TOC stocks and organic matter fractions across different soil layers (0–100 cm) was assessed. The Carbon Management Index (CMI) was calculated to evaluate carbon recovery. Plantation age and sampling position influenced soil TOC stocks across all depths up to 1 m. Higher TOC and NL-C soil stocks were observed in the older plantation (9.0 years) and inter-row. EOC and LF-C fractions varied by soil layer. The inter-row region of the 9.0-year-old plantation exhibited higher carbon recovery based on the CMI. Over 4.2 years of palm cultivation (between 4.8 and 9.0 years), carbon accumulation in biomass and soil reached 75.36 Mg C ha−1. These findings underscore the potential of commercial macauba plantations to enhance soil carbon stocks rapidly, particularly in inter-row areas. Plantations younger than a decade surpassed the soil carbon stock of a forest regenerating for over 30 years, highlighting significant environmental benefits of macauba cultivation, including soil and biomass carbon sequestration.

Macauba palm endocarps under compression forces considering the different treatments: A study about physical and mechanical properties for seed extraction

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) is a palm tree native to the tropical forests of North America and Brazil, with fruits that hold significant potential across agricultural and industrial sectors, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and biofuels. The spherical, drupe-like fruit consists of a fibrous peel (epicarp), pulp (mesocarp), endocarp, and seed. The endocarp, housing the seeds, is a dense, mechanically robust triaxial spheroid with high caloric value. To harness macauba potential on an industrial scale, strategies incorporating high-performance machinery are necessary, replacing rudimentary extraction methods with more rational approaches to crop development. Understanding the physical and mechanical properties of such crops is crucial for designing machines and processes for agricultural product cultivation. This study focuses on the mechanical behavior of the macauba palm endocarp for seed extraction, evaluating its geometric and mechanical properties through compressive stress analysis. Geometric properties such as endocarp characteristics, circularity, sphericity, eccentricity, and surface area were examined, alongside the influence of different endocarp treatments on rupture strengths. Compression tests on macauba fruit endocarps revealed treatment methods (control, 24, 48, and 72-h water immersion, and 10-day sun exposure) influence on mechanical properties at various strain rates (100–600 mm.min-1).Results show the macauba palm endocarp behaves as a spheroid. Immersing macauba endocarps in water increased their rupture strength during compression. However, sun exposure for 10 days rendered the fruit more fragile and less tenacious, reducing rupture force by over 40 % compared to control samples. The Deformity Modulus of macauba fruit endocarp ranged from 30.1 GPa to 53.2 GPa depending on the treatment applied.

Decomposition, biochemical composition and nutrient cycling of macauba palm in a Cerrado Entisol

Decomposition, biochemical composition and nutrient cycling of macauba palm in a Cerrado Entisol

Assessing the genetic vulnerability of Macaúba palm [Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart.] through the mating system and genetic diversity of open‐pollinated progenies

AbstractAt present, intelligent and sustainable agriculture presupposes a compromise between maximising crop yield and minimising its risk of genetic vulnerability. Breeding programmes should implement strategies that allow the development of superior genotypes and preserve genetic diversity, especially in perennial plants. The Macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a species with the potential to produce oil at a level comparable to that of the oil palm, even in water‐deficient areas, which motivates its commercial interest and drives an increase in demand for seedlings from natural populations for commercial plantations. Therefore, to evaluate the impact of this selection procedure on the reduction of genetic diversity and, consequently, the genetic vulnerability of commercial planting, in the present study we analysed the population mating system and the genetic diversity of Open‐Pollinated Progenies (OPPs) from selected seed‐trees in relation to the genetic diversity of respective native populations (NPs). To achieve this, we evaluated the mating system and genetic diversity employing 14 microsatellite markers (SSR). The mating system indices estimated for A. aculeata palm indicated that the species present a mixed mating system () with a predominance of outcrossing. However, at the population level, the outcrossing rate ranged from . The biparental inbreeding rate was considered moderate (), with some variation between populations (from 0.0005 to 0.275). The multilocus correlated paternity was , ranging from 0 to 0.112 at population level, indicating that a significant portion of the progeny consisted of half‐sibs. The results demonstrate that there was no significant loss of genetic diversity of OPPs derived from artificial selection within NPs. In the OPPs the number of alleles (Na = 2.55) was similar to that of NP (Na = 2.56). Furthermore, the mean values of observed heterozygosity (HO) between NP and OPPs were similar, with a mean of 0.366 and 0.356, respectively. In conclusion, the procedure adopted to produce commercial seedlings in the present study should not represent a high risk of genetic vulnerability. In addition, our results will provide a guidance to breeders regarding selection intensity in both natural and improved populations, aiming to optimise the advancement of generations, thereby maximising future genetic gains while preserving genetic diversity. However, we recommend verifying the outcrossing rate and genetic diversity at the population level, as these factors could have significant effects on the vulnerability of the species and the macaúba crop.

Influence of maturity and harvest region on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of oils derived from macauba fruits

Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) is a good source of vegetable oil in tropical America. Its fruits are highly suitable for biodiesel, cosmetics and food production owing to the high quality of its oil. However, the influence of maturity and harvest region on the quality of oils is not known. Thus, the chemical composition and physicochemical properties oils extracted from the macauba palm fruit at two regions of Minas Gerais and different maturity stage were investigated. C16:0 and C18:1 were the most abundant fatty acids in the mesocarp oil. C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, and C18:1 prevailed in the kernel oil. The High-Resolution Gas Chromatography analysis revealed triacylglycerols (TGs) with equivalent carbon numbers (CN) ranging between 28 and 54. TGs composed of long-chain fatty acids prevailed in the mesocarp oil (CN52 and CN54). On the other hand, the kernel showed a more complex lipid profile, containing TGs with CN between 30 and 54. The lipid content in the oils increased significantly with the ripening of the fruit and the harvest regions. Furthermore, changes in physicochemical properties were observed for both oils depending on the stage of maturity and harvest point. Macauba oils can be used in several industries, such as food and cosmetics. Thus, for its best use, the physicochemical properties of greatest interest should be evaluated in order to identify the ideal cultivation region and maturity stage.

Compounds based on iron mining tailing dams and activated carbon from macauba palm for removal of emerging contaminants and phosphate from aqueous systems.

In this work, an iron-rich residue, which is widely obtained as a by-product in the iron mining industry, and macauba endocarp, waste from the extraction of vegetable oil for the production of biofuels, were used in the preparation of different composites based on iron and carbon. The composites were obtained by manual grinding of the calcined iron residue and activated carbon prepared by the macauba endocarp followed by thermal treatment under nitrogen atmosphere. The effect of the thermal treatment was analyzed by Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction and showed that the increase in the treatment temperature promoted the formation of different reduced iron phases in the final composite, such as Fe3O4, FeO, and Fe0. These composites were used in a combined adsorption/oxidation process through photocatalysis to remove up to 93% of amoxicillin from aqueous phase. The formation of possible reaction intermediates was monitored by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and a mechanism of amoxicillin degradation was proposed. Afterward, the Fe/C composites were conducted to evaluate the impact of several parameters on phosphate adsorption processes and showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 40.3mgg-1. The adsorption capacity obtained for all the materials were greater than those found in the literature.

Strategies to improve the competitiveness of an agroindustrial system for a macauba based oil production in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

The Macauba palm has been studied because of increasing global interest in multipurpose resilient plants, with no food or energy competition. The crop encompasses an opportunity to social inclusion, profitable activity and environmental care in Brazil. However, for its production to be competitive, it demands a deeper analysis of how the Agroindustrial System (AIS) is currently organized and what is needed to go forward. The objectives of the present study were to characterize and evaluate the competitiveness of macauba AIS at the main Brazilian production region, the north of Minas Gerais State. Stakeholders engaged in fruit picking and processing segments were identified and characterized. In addition, strategic actions to strengthen this AIS were proposed. The framework used to evaluate the competitiveness of the AIS includes data gathering from field interviews, direct observations and analysis of the macauba AIS. Some challenges were picked from the direct observations such as the reliance of production on unfavourable environmental conditions, the deficiencies in technical assistance and the difficulty of farmers to access credit and public policies. Despite those hurdles, the examined AIS showed potential to expand and become competitive, promoting better conditions for the permanence of family farmers/ communities in the countryside. It is important to consider that macauba exploitation is getting to a point of transition from extractive activity to a systematized planting of the palm. Some strategies to boost this growth are better coordination among the agents acting in the AIS, establishment of more active R&D and technical assistance partnerships, capacity building/ training offerings, and provision of resources for investments intended for the sustainable development of the macauba AIS and market access.

Influence of the surface modification of granular-activated carbon synthesized from macauba on heavy metal sorption.

Adsorption on activated carbon is a promising technique for the treatment of low-concentration heavy metal pollutants in water with high efficiency and simple operation. However, commercial-activated carbon is often associated with high costs. Therefore, much attention has been given to activated carbon derived from low-cost agricultural and residual biomass. In this work, adsorption of Zn, Cd, and Pb ions in aqueous solutions was conducted using granular-activated carbon obtained from macauba palm, biomass waste of biofuel production, after surface modification using different methods. The adsorbents were obtained in granular form which facilitates all steps of the use, recovery, and reuse of the material, differently from the powdered-activated carbon normally used. The materials were characterized by using XPS, elemental analysis, N2 sorption (BET method), and zeta potential measurements. Such techniques allowed observation of the functionalization of the carbon surface. The materials presented high adsorption capacities when compared to other works in the literature, with a capacity of approximately 7.69, 8.42, and 1.63mmolg-1 for Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+, respectively. In addition, the materials showed a high capacity to be reused, removing 75% of Pb and 99% of both Cd and Zn after 4 cycles.

Production of Protein Concentrates from Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata and Acrocomia totai) Kernels by Sieve Fractionation.

Macauba palm fruits (Acrocomia aculeata and Acrocomia totai) are emerging as sources of high-quality oils from their pulp and kernels. The protein-rich macauba kernel meal (MKM) left after oil extraction remains undervalued, mainly due to the lack of suitable deoiling parameters and integrated protein recovery methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to produce protein concentrates from MKM using sieve fractionation. The deoiling parameters, comprising pressing, milling, and solvent extraction, were improved in terms of MKM functionality. The combination of hydraulic pressing, milling to 1 mm, and the hexane extraction of A. aculeata kernels resulted in MKM with the highest protein solubility (77.1%), emulsifying activity index (181 m2/g protein), and emulsion stability (149 min). After sieve fractionation (cut size of 62 µm), this meal yielded a protein concentrate with a protein content of 65.6%, representing a 74.1% protein enrichment compared to the initial MKM. This protein concentrate showed a reduced gelling concentration from 8 to 6%, and an increased emulsion stability from 149 to 345 min, in comparison to the MKM before sieving. Therefore, sieve fractionation after improved deoiling allows for the simple, cheap, and environmentally friendly recovery of MKM proteins, highlighting the potential of macauba kernels as a new source of protein.

Synchronization between photosynthetic responses to seasonality during fruit development and fatty acid profile of mesocarp oil in macauba (Acrocomia aculeata)

Macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart. Arecaceae) is a novel oil crop with wide industrial applicability. However, little is known about the photosynthetic responses to seasonality during fruit development in macauba palm and its effects on the fatty acid profile of mesocarp oil and its physicochemical and spectroscopic characteristics. The fatty acid profile changed in six fruit developmental stages (ranging from 180 days after anthesis to full ripening and dispersion). This occurred during the transition from dry to rainy season concomitant with adjustments in photosynthetic responses. The increase in mesocarp oil yield in the fruit was synchronized with the higher photosynthetic capacity at the beginning of the rainy season, being characterized by a raise in oleic acid. The dynamics of soluble solids, acidity, pH, total sugars and starch were proportional to the spectroscopic changes and allowed to determine the ideal harvest point: 360 days after anthesis, with fruits still in the bunch. The macauba palm fruits in this stage showed suitable physical and chemical characteristics for industrial use, as well as higher oil yield. The monitoring of chemical changes with Fournier transformed infrared spectroscopy techniques would aid fast and precise detection of the fruit development and its ideal harvest point.

Poly(ε-caprolactone) blended with thermoplastic waxy starch matrix reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals from Macauba (Acrocomia spp.) Rachis

Aiming at a sustainable bionanocomposites, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were extracted by acid hydrolysis from rachis fibers of macauba (Acrocomia spp.) palm trees natural of the Brazilian Pantanal. In a second step, CNCs were incorporated as reinforcement into thermoplastic waxy starch (TPS) phase blended with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), 70/30 (w/w), by higher shear rate co-rotating extrusion. Nanocomposites were formulated with 3.25, 6.5 and 13 wt% CNCs in relation to TPS mass. The nanocomposite containing only 3.25 wt% CNCs improved the mechanical tensile strength by three times and the elastic modulus by more than six times in relation to the TPS/PCL matrix, reaching values close to 12 MPa and 1 GPa, respectively. In addition, the lower amount of CNCs guaranteed the thermal stability of the TPS/PCL nanocomposites (~250 °C), showing an increase in Tonset of 20 °C in relation to the neat matrix. This effect may be associated with the interactions between TPS molecules and CNCs, as observed in the rheological measurements. Therefore, this study showed the potential of macauba as a renewable source for CNC extraction, bringing higher economic value to this plant and establishing its sustainable productive chain.

Decomposition and Release of Macauba Palm Nutrients in Areas with Different Groundwater Heights

Decomposition and Release of Macauba Palm Nutrients in Areas with Different Groundwater Heights

Viability of a macauba palm–Brachiaria grass intercropping system as an alternative to agroforestry production

In intercropping systems, shading is one of the main limiting factors for the development of plants in the understory, especially C4 plants. However, successful pasture production in silvopastoral systems can be achieved through proper spatial arrangement. This study provides fundamental information that validates the macauba-grass consortium. For 20 months, during two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, microclimatic and physical variables in an Acrocomia aculeata–Brachiaria decumbens intercropping system were monitored. The spacings of the trees were 5 m × 4 m, 6 m × 4 m, 7 m × 4 m, and 8 m × 4 m and were compared to a traditional pasture. The aboveground biomass in the intercropping system was estimated as well as its ability to assimilate atmospheric CO2 and store carbon. Macauba palm presence in the intercropping system had a regulatory effect on the microclimatic conditions of the understory, regardless of tree spacing and season. In spacing, wider, the intercropped forage biomass was satisfactory and similar to that in the monocrop pastures. The spacing 7 m × 4 m and 8 m × 4 m improved the understory microclimatic conditions, allowing efficient forage growth and thus offering livestock food and comfort. These values were equivalent to those of traditional silvopastoral systems that use woody plant species. The estimates of aboveground biomass, carbon stock, and CO2 assimilation in the intercropping system with a spacing of 8 m × 4 m were 1.6 times greater than those of traditional pastures. Therefore, here, we show for the first time that A. aculeata–B. decumbens grass intercropping system is a viable alternative agroforestry practice for tropical regions, since sufficient amounts of fodder are provided alongside beneficial environmental services, such as the efficient sequestration and storage of atmospheric carbon.

Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor: A Process Design for Interesterification of Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata) palm oil

Other than the edible oils extracted from the Acrocomia aculeata fruit, there is a growing interest in the palm to generate other high value-added products. Relatively high amounts of carotenoids (up to 378 mg kg-1) have been found in the esculent oils mechanically obtained from the fruit mesocarp. From industrial application perspectives, several processes have been proposed to modify native vegetable oils to yield high functional properties of structured lipids. For interesterified products, the thermal effects of industrial reactors are crucial in reaction mechanisms. The present study has taken into account previously estimated kinetic parameters for the overall disappearances of all-trans β-carotene in the Acrocomia aculeata oil (ko= 2.6 x 10-4 min-1; Ea = 105.0003 kJ mol-1; ΔH = 9.8 x 104 J kg-1) to develop a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) kinetic treatment that obeys first-order kinetics. A system of ordinary dierential equations - mass and energy balances - was solved by the 4th order Runge-Kutta method (GNU Octave software). Under research conditions related to interesterification processing (2 h; 393.15 K), the initial concentration of carotenoids (around 11%) showed no significant decrease. Overall, realistic processing effects and conditions have been assessed, integrating results and knowledge, improving prospects of Acrocomia aculeata as a promising source of high-quality raw material, for producing functional ingredients and food with nutraceutical properties.

Distribution and attack of pineapple mealybug to macauba palm Acrocomia aculeata

The mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an important pest of several agricultural crops and can transmit viruses, and reduce growth and production, and lead to plant mortality. Macauba palm is an oleaginous plant whose oil can be used in the production of biodiesel, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in human food. In this context, the effect of mealybug insect attacks on the development and survival of this oleaginous remains little understood. The impact of D. brevipes attacks on macauba palm was verified by comparing the development of attacked and non-attacked plants. The spatial distribution pattern of D. brevipes in the areas studied (two areas) was also evaluated. The percentage of plants attacked by D. brevipes ranged from 52–54%. Attacked plants presented lower height (112.3–138.1 cm) and smaller crown diameter (136.8–173.6 cm) than non-attacked plants (187.8–191.6 cm and 234.7–246.2 cm). The spatial distribution of D. brevipes was best represented by the Spherical model. The attack range ranged from 4.4–5.5 m; distribution pattern of attacked plants was similar in the two plots with aggregate distribution and strong spatial dependence. The spatial distribution maps indicated that sampled plants and neighboring plants showed similar occurrence of D. brevipes. The pineapple mealybug is a pest insect with great capacity to cause mortality of young macauba plants, and can compromise the production and longevity of the attacked plants.

Electrophoretic characterization, amino acid composition and solubility properties of Macauba (Acrocomia aculeata L.) kernel globulins

Macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata L.) fruits are emerging sources to produce high-quality oils from pulp and kernels. Yet, the protein-rich press cake from the kernels remains underutilized, mainly due to lacking knowledge of protein composition and properties. Therefore, our aim was to characterize the main protein fractions of Macauba kernels. The globulins were the major protein fraction (58.5% of storage proteins), which were further separated into 11 S and 7 S globulins. The subunits of both globulins presented heterogeneity in isoelectric point (5.3–8.3), revealing genetic polymorphism. The 7 S globulins were soluble at low ionic strength (0.1 mol/L), whereas the 11 S globulins required higher salt concentration (0.50–0.75 mol/L) for solubilization, independent on selected salt types. Both globulins were rich in essential amino acids, especially methionine and cysteine, making Macauba kernel proteins a valuable source to complement diets based on pulses and oilseeds.

Structure of AMF Community in an Agroforestry System of Coffee and Macauba Palm

Coffee crop in Brazil is typically grown as a monoculture. However, we hypothesized that agroforestry system is favorable association for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), affecting its community structure and potentially impacting crop productivity and agroecosystem health. This study evaluated how the microclimate, soil depth, macauba field spacing and distance between coffee plants and palms affect the structure of the AMF community. The structure of the AMF community was influenced by the soil depth, microclimate features, soil moisture, maximum air temperature, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The distance at which coffee-macauba influences ecological diversity indices of AMF, and higher diversity are related to the proximity between plants. AMF diversity (Richness and Shannon) in the agroforestry system exceeded that observed in the full-sun coffee in the 0-20 soil depth layer. Our results showed that the microclimate, soil depth, plant density, and distance between coffee from macauba affected the AMF community structure.

Dynamic behavior of the macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) fruit-rachilla system using the stochastic finite element method

The search for alternative energy sources has fomented the study of several crops. The macauba palm crop, for instance, has been highlighted because of its particular relevance in Brazil due to its wide distribution across Brazilian territory and its potential for yielding high amounts of oil per cultivated hectare. However, the species is still most commonly harvested via extractivism, which results in low yields. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the dynamic behavior of the fruit-rachilla system when subjected to mechanical vibration to gather baseline information for the subsequent development of macauba harvesting machines. The fruit-rachilla system of the species was modeled for different fruit maturation stages and plant accessions. Natural frequencies and modes of vibration were determined by the stochastic finite element method (FEM), adopting the specific mass and the modulus of elasticity of the system as random variables, which enabled us to compile a dataset of natural frequencies based on the variability of the system properties. The mean values of the natural frequencies obtained in the vibration assays were 26.02 Hz at the green maturation stage and 21.22 Hz at the ripe maturation stage. The mean values of natural frequencies found in the simulation by stochastic FEM, referring to the third mode of vibration, were 26.05 Hz at the green maturation stage and 21.23 Hz at the ripe maturation stage. We concluded that the natural frequencies of the macauba fruit-rachilla system on the basis of different plant accessions showed a decreasing behavior during fruit maturation. The modes of vibration characterized by pendulum displacement did not differ among plant accessions or between fruit maturation stages.

Data-based agroecological zoning of Acrocomia aculeata: GIS modeling and ecophysiological aspects into a Brazilian representative occurrence area

Macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd.) is an emergent oleaginous crop with undeniable economical potential that occurs naturally from south Mexico to south Brazil. Besides its oils, every biomass component from its fruit has a great manufacturing value, for either food or energy-based sectors. Thus, this paper main objective is to estimate the productive potential of eight fruit components (among oil content, weight, volume and internal structures dry mass) for a wide natural occurrence area of macauba trees, the Minas Gerais State, in Brazil. Prediction was based on six environmental attributes: terrain altitude; temperature; precipitation; solar radiation; distance from hydrography; and water deficit, utilizing Random Forest regression methodology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and ecophysiological assumptions. All eight fruit components presented high predictability. Temperature was the most influencing factor in almost all evaluated fruit components. The generated predictive maps can support decision making regarding planting orientation or industrial implantation. It is worth mentioning that a given location may have good productivity for a specific fruit component while being disadvantageous for others. This indicates the need for proper planning, management and/or cultivation objective. The study area presents a broad variety of environmental features, suggesting a promising productive potential for the entire specie natural occurrence area. Crop cultivation in adapted ecophysiological areas require fewer resources, what leads to a more sustainable agricultural system, with reduced environmental stress and risk of economic loss.

Above- and below-ground carbon accumulation in cultivated macauba palm and potential to generate carbon credits

Agriculture provides an array of ecosystem services including the sequestration and storage of carbon in the biomass of plants. Research has focused on commercial crops, especially tree crops, for their potential to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In Brazil interest is growing in the commercial cultivation of macauba (Acrocomia aculeata), a palm native to the tropical regions of the American continents with fruit that can be used as the primary ingredient in the production of oils and bioenergy. However, we did not find any prior studies that had assessed macauba’s carbon sequestration potential nor any exploration in the literature of the income generation potential for commercial macauba producers to sell carbon credits. In order to understand opportunities to commercialize carbon credits from macauba, research was needed on the palm’s long-term carbon sequestration and stock capacity. In this study we measured the accumulation of carbon in commercially cultivated macauba’s biomass both below and above-ground using a selection of plants of different ages. An assessment was also made of the crop’s potential to generate carbon credits. Macauba plants were sampled in a nursery with seedlings aged 3 and 8 months, and with more mature plants cultivated in fields aged 1.6, 4.8, and 9 years. The samples were fully harvested by complete removal (including roots and above ground structures), followed by separation, quantification and carbon analysis of the different plant biomass components. The data obtained allowed for estimating the production of carbon credits and the resulting annual income. Findings indicated a differential distribution of both biomass and carbon below and above-ground in field-cultivated macauba palms. The stock of carbon in the plants aged 9 years reached 61.6 t C ha−1 with a corresponding sequestration of 226.17 t CO2 eq ha−1. The expected generation of carbon credits of palms from 1.6 to 9 years was 28.73 t CO2eq. ha− 1 per year, which could result in an annual gross income of € 761.06 per hectare. Significant amounts of stored carbon were found in both the above and below-ground biomass, suggesting that the macauba has significant potential to generate carbon credits and contribute to the mitigation of the effects of climate change.