Species In Agroforestry Systems Research Articles

Proximity to natural forests failed to rescue a declining agroforestry tree species

The conservation of species in human-modified landscapes such as agroforestry systems is central to global conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Understanding the dynamics of key species in agroforestry systems is important for predicting the sustainability of these systems. However, the population dynamics of agroforestry tree species are often unknown, and planning for the management of these systems is generally grounded on the untested assumption that the tree component will persist over time. Here, we developed an integral projection model for Vitellaria paradoxa (Sapotaceae), one of the most important tree species in traditional agroforestry systems in West Africa. We collected three years of demographic data from six populations around the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve in Benin to parameterize this model and test the effect of populations’ proximity to natural habitats on the short- and long-term dynamics of V. paradoxa. However, models suggest that V. paradoxa populations are projected to decline at a yearly rate of 10.6% and within the next two decades, this tree will be locally extinct. We found a significant positive effect of proximity to natural forest on the long-term population dynamics, but this failed to save populations from decline. Elasticity analyses show that the best strategy to slow down such a decline includes preserving the largest mature trees. However, traditional management systems that protect shea butter trees in agroforestry systems are now replaced by increasing tree cutting to produce firewood, charcoal and carve out mortars and pestles. The decline of this key agroforestry tree poses a broader threat to long-term sustainability of agroforestry systems.

The impact of native trees, Cordia africana and Ficus sur, and the economically valuable Manihot esculenta on soil chemical properties in an agroforestry system

Native trees in agroforestry systems sustain soil properties by building up and recycling nutrients in a sustainable manner. This manuscript aimed to assess the impact of different agroforestry species on soil chemical properties. Soil samples were collected from within and outside the canopy zones of native tree species (Cordia africana, Ficus sur) and a perennial tuber crop (Manihot esculenta) in agroforestry systems at three different elevations. The results showed that, the soil chemical properties were significantly better within the canopy zones of all agroforestry species compared to outside. However, there was insignificant difference in pH between the soil inside and outside the canopy of Manihot esculenta. With a few exceptions, the evaluated soil chemical parameters exhibited minimal variations between Cordia africana and Ficus sur. Interestingly, Manihot esculenta had the least positive impact on soil chemical properties in the agroforestry system, indicating that native tree species enhance soil chemical properties more effectively than the tuber crop. The influence of agroforestry species on soil chemical properties remained consistent across all elevation ranges, suggesting that elevation does not alter the effects of agroforestry species on soil properties. In general, native trees, Cordia africana, and Ficus sur, positively contribute to soil chemical properties, while Manihot esculenta has a negative impact, particularly on cation exchange capacity, soil pH, and available potassium in comparison to the native tree species. These findings highlight the importance of using native tree species in agroforestry systems to promote healthy soil chemical properties and enhance the resilience of forest ecosystems.

Contribution of Agroforestry Systems in the Cultivation of Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) Grown in the Amazon Region of Ecuador

Agroforestry systems allow conservation of natural resources and promotion of sustainable agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Nevertheless, the benefit of the associated species that are part of these production systems needs to be demonstrated. The aim of this study was to find out the influence on the crop yield, carbon sequestration, presence of earthworms, and the nutritional contribution of legume species associated with the naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) crop in an agroforestry system. The research was carried out in the Palora Experimental Farm of INIAP, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were made up of cultivation systems (agroforestry systems with or without 50% fertilization) and monoculture as a control, with two levels of conventional fertilization (50 and 100%). In the agroforestry arrangements, Gliricidia sepium and Flemingia macrophylla were used to supply biomass. The results showed that during the three evaluation cycles, the yield of naranjilla was influenced by the quality of the biomass added to the soil and not by the amount of synthetic chemical fertilizer that was supplied. The biomass of G. sepium and F. macrophylla provided a greater amount of Mg, Mn, Zn, B, and Fe; elements that contributed to crop yield and the presence of earthworms. The results suggest that the use of legume species in agroforestry systems positively influenced naranjillla productivity, favoring sustainable agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Growth and Coppicing Ability of the Critically Endangered Agarwood (Aquilaria Malaccensis Lam.) Tree in Monoculture and Polyculture in North East India

ABSTRACT Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis Lam.) (Thymelaeaceae) is valued in many cultures because of its distinctive fragrance and its use in incense, perfumery, and traditional medicine. Large-scale harvesting from natural populations caused rapid depletion of the species in the wild, and the species is now listed as “Critically Endangered” and almost extinct in the wild. The promotion of this species in agroforestry systems may pave the way for its conservation. The present study aimed to quantify the growth and coppicing ability of agarwood under monoculture and polyculture stands. Monoculture stands aged more than 20 years, and stem girth (1.37 m above ground) of 60–70 cm had the highest growth increment of 3.73 cm yr−1. Monoculture stands (>10 years old) also recorded higher number of coppicing stocks than polyculture stands. The highest coppice growth increment (4.07 cm yr−1) was recorded in the 70–80 cm stem girth in monoculture stands. Based on the results, we recommend the promotion of agarwood trees with good coppice management in forestry programs to conserve the species while also meeting the economic needs of rural communities.

Comparative analysis of leaf litter decomposition and nutrient release patterns of bamboo and traditional species in agroforestry system in Ghana

Understanding leaf litter decomposition dynamics is imperative owing to nutrient release rates and synchronization. The overarching aim is to sustainably manage agroforestry systems and ensure environmental integrity. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the decomposition and nutrient release of leaves of different bamboo species (Oxytenanthera abyssinica, Bambusa balcooa, Bambusa vulgaris), rarely used woody perennials in agroforestry system in Ghana, and compared with commonly used agroforestry species; Albizia lebbeck, Senna siamea, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, and Eucalyptus grandis. Litterbag technique was used and freshly fallen leaves of the species (equivalent to 100 g on a dry weight basis) were collected and placed into 30 cm × 45 cm nylon litterbags with a 2-mm mesh size. The weight of the samples in the litterbags was based on local plant litter application rates (5 t dry matter ha1) for maize production in the study location. There was a total of 216 litterbags (27 per species) for the study. Eight transects spaced at 1.0 m apart were laid in a randomized complete block design and twenty-seven litter bags spaced 0.5 m apart were placed on each transect. The litterbags were buried at 2 cm depth and three samples of each species were retrieved and weighed for 210 days to determine weight loss and nutrient release. Compared with Oxytenanthera abyssinica (8 weeks) and Senna siamea (6 weeks) half-life, rate of decomposition was analogous and higher than the other species. Further, Bambusa balcooa and the other non-bamboo species showed similar rate of decomposition. However, Bambusa vulgaris had marginally slower rate of decomposition compared to the traditional species. The highest rate of N, P, K and Ca release was recorded for Albizia lebbeck. Nonetheless, rates of P, Ca and Mg release were comparable to the other non-bamboo species. Eucalyptus grandis and Bambusa vulgaris also showed dominance in initial nitrogen and lignin concentrations and release. Therefore, with the observed substantial and comparable litter quality and decomposition rate among the species, it may be imperative to consider using the bamboo species for soil amendment and green manure in agroforestry system.

Coming from elsewhere: the preponderance of introduced plant species in agroforestry systems on the east coast of Madagascar

Coming from elsewhere: the preponderance of introduced plant species in agroforestry systems on the east coast of Madagascar

Short-term modifications of mycorrhizal fungi, glomalin and soil attributes in a tropical agroforestry

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community and the Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) they produce plays important roles in maintaining soil ecosystem functions, promoting ecological restoration, and are important for monitoring changes in soil health from land use change. This research addressed the subtle modifications of AMF and GRSP in different land use types and their association with soil properties. Our objectives were: 1) to assess land use effects on AMF spore density, diversity, and composition besides glomalin fractions (EEG, easily extracted GRSP; TG, total GRSP), and 2) to quantify the relationships between glomalin, AMF community metrics, soil organic carbon (SOC), and key soil quality parameters. Soils were collected in the dry and rainy seasons of 2018 under five land uses, including: three types of agroforestry systems (AS1, AS2 and AS3), an unmanaged pasture and a secondary forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Linear mixed-effects model and multivariate analyses showed that land uses had influenced the AMF community, meanly at the family level. On the other hand, seasonality has not proved to be an essential factor that modulates the changes of the AMF community and glomalin production. The management practices had influenced AMF sporulation and the number of total species in agroforestry systems. Glomalin is a potential contributor for SOC, mainly in agroforestry systems and pasture plots. Moreover, we found a correlation between the AMF community and key soil parameters. For example, most of the AMF families and spore density were positively correlated with the stability of soil aggregates and SOC. Our findings shed light on that land-use change can shift the AMF community, glomalin and their relationship to key soil quality parameters. Moreover, the adoption of agroforestry systems indicates maintenance of biodiversity and other soil quality parameters with future implications for their use to recover degraded areas.

Incidence Attacks of Coffee (Coffee arabica L.) Pest on Agroforestry System in Liquica Regency, Timor Leste

Coffee is the main tropical commodity traded in the world with its contribution is half of the total tropical commodity exports. Pest attacks on coffee (Coffee arabica) cause a decrease in productivity. The aims of this study were: 1) to analyze the incidence attacks of coffee (C. arabica) pests, 2) to identify components and dominant species in agroforestry systems in Liquica Regency, Timor Leste. The method used was purposive sampling around 45 plots. The results showed that the incidence attacks of coffee pests were dominated by Hypoteneus hampei in coffee fruit (7,8%) and Zeuzera coffeae as a stem borer (0,13%). Coffee was planted in the agroforestry patterns with some species, such as sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria), avocado (Persea americana), vanili (Vanilla planifolia), cengkeh (Syzygium aromaticum), pepper (Piper nigrum), mango (Mangifera indica), lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), orange (Citrus sp.), porang (Amorphophallus muelleri) and banana (Musa spp.). Important value index showed the dominant species at seedling and sapling levels was C. arabica, while at pole and tree levels was P. falcataria. The most dominant shade tree on coffee was P. falcataria. Incidence attacks of coffee (C. arabica) were affected by components in agroforestry systems.

Growth, leaf gas exchange and mycorrhizal colonization of three medicinal species submitted to different irradiance levels

ABSTRACT: This study o evaluated growth, leaf gas exchange and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization in three medicinal plant species under different irradiance intensities. Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G.Lohmann, Mikania laevigata Sch.Bip. ex Baker and Varronia curassavica Jacq. were propagated by cutting and cultivated for 120 days in artificially shaded environments using black shade-type screens, obtaining four irradiance levels: 100%, 70%, 50% and 30%. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme (three plant species and four irradiation levels) with seven replicates. The three medicinal species showed higher liquid assimilation, mass growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization rates when exposed to environments with 70% light availability. In relation to physiological responses, V. curassavica presented higher photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration when submitted to 70% irradiance, being able to be cultivated in more open environments with higher irradiation levels. Conversely F. chica and M. laevigata presented shade tolerance characteristics. At the initial growth phase, the results obtained can be used as indicators to recommend the ideal cultivation environment for these species in agroforestry systems.

Benefits of Legume Species in an Agroforestry Production System of Yellow Pitahaya in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Agroforestry systems have become an alternative that promotes the conservation of natural resources and the sustainable production of fruit crops in the Ecuadorian Amazon. However, it is required to demonstrate the benefit of the companion species that make up these production systems. The objective of this research was to determine how the legume species within an agroforestry system influence the yield of yellow dragon fruit (pitahaya), carbon sequestration and nutritional contribution. The experiment was carried out in Palora (province of Morona Santiago) and organized in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were two agroforestry arrangements and the monoculture as a control treatment. Erythrina poeppigiana, Gliricidia sepium and Flemingia macrophylla were used in the agroforestry arrangements for the contribution of biomass. Results showed that during the five years of study, pitahaya yield was influenced by the quality of the leaf litter (biomass) incorporated in to the fruit crop. Biomass from E. poeppigiana and F. macrophylla as companion crops contributed a greater amount of Ca and Mg, increased C sequestration and crop yield. The results suggest that the use of legume species in agroforestry systems positively affects pitahaya productivity, enabling sustainable agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Effects of wind farms on the nest distribution of magpie (Pica pica) in agroforestry systems of Chongming Island, China

The use of wind turbines for energy generation has complex impacts on ecosystems, especially for flying wildlife. Given the importance of birds in many ecosystems and food webs, they are often used as ecological indicators to evaluate the direct (e.g., collision mortality) and indirect (e.g., habitat degradation and loss, low food available) impact of wind farms. To test the effect of wind farms on the nest distribution of magpie (Pica pica), a common bird species in agroforestry systems on Chongming Island, China, the differences in magpie nest density variables and character variables were compared between quadrats inside and outside a wind farm. The relationship between magpie nest character variables and density variables in each quadrat was also examined and the impacts of landscape variables on magpie nest density variables were clarified in each quadrat. From March to December 2019, nest density variables (including total and in-use nest density) were recorded in quadrats inside and outside a wind farm in an agroforestry system on Chongming Island, Shanghai. Three nest character variables and five landscape variables were also recorded in each quadrat. The total nest density and nesting height in the quadrats outside were significantly higher than those inside the wind farm. There was a significant negative correlation between the average nest size in the quadrats and the total nest density, and a significant positive correlation between the average nesting height in the quadrats and both nest density variables. Moreover, farmland shelterbelt network cover and the distance to the nearest wind turbine were significantly positively related to the total nest density, whereas the farmland shelterbelt network cover was significantly positively related to the in-use nest density. These results indicate a negative effect of wind turbines on the nest density of magpies, which could be addressed by the provision of more farmland shelterbelt networks inside the wind farms located in agroforestry systems on Chongming Island, China.

Beta diversity and fallow length regulate soil fertility in cocoa agroforestry in the Northern Ecuadorian Amazon

Shifting agriculture (SA), a common practice in tropical areas, involves fallow phases between crop cycles, enabling the recovery of plant communities and soil fertility. However, the reduction of fallow length adversely influences forest structure and topsoil properties. The diversification in tree composition is considered to favour suitable levels of soil fertility in agroforestry systems (AFSs). To test this idea, we investigated whether minimum tree species replacement (β- diversity) between AFSs with reduced fallow length in SA decreases nutrient loss in soils sustaining cocoa (Theobroma cacao) agrosystems. Quantitative analyses revealed that substitution of arboreal species in cocoa AFSs correlated with shifts in soil nutrients. The replacement of fewer arboreal species in AFSs under reduced uncultivated land buffers detrimental effects of intensive land-use on soil productivity. Thus, the dominance of certain tree species is essential to maintain adequate levels of nutrient cycling dynamics with extended fallow length. Similarly, other arboreal species affect soil acidity. In conclusion, the combination AFSs-SA embodies a harmonious farming system that produces food supplies and other goods for human well-being while preserving plant diversity and natural ecological corridors for native flora and fauna.

Growth, flowering and fruiting of Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess) O. Berg intercropped with green manure species in Agroforestry Systems

Besides enabling economic activity, the domestication of indigenous species in situ configures a strategy for the conservation of genetic resources in Agroforestry Systems (AFSs), as well as an ecological restoration strategy. Successful productivity and restoration through AFSs require active intervention with agroecological practices, e.g., the use of green manure. We evaluated how planting different green manure species in consortium with Guavira influences its reproductive period, growth, and productivity in different spatial arrangements. Guavira, Campomanesia adamantium, is a shrub that is native to the Brazilian Savannah and has fruticulture potential. To evaluate growth, we measured plant height and canopy cover and to evaluate fruit yield, we monitored reproductive phenology among different treatments. Guavira grows better in less dense areas with Crotalaria breviflora and Cajanus cajan rather than with Canavalia ensiformis. In all inter-row spacing of Guavira and green manure species, the reproductive phases were highly seasonal, with flowering and fruiting lasting for 2 and 4 months, respectively. Guavira plants that grew in consortium with green manure in different inter-row spacing presented different flowering times, but this difference was not reflected in fruit production. Fruiting and growth appear to be affected by inter-row spacing, as well as by the species used in the consortium. Thus, these variables must be considered carefully when implementing an agroforestry system.

Carbon accumulation in agroforestry systems is affected by tree species diversity, age and regional climate: A global meta‐analysis

AbstractAimAgroforestry is a globally practised system of land use for achieving greater and more diverse biomass production, but it has other ecological benefits, such as mitigation of climate change. Despite this, long‐term carbon (C) accumulation in different components of agroforestry systems, the drivers for C accumulation and the linkages between tree biomass and soil C stocks remain unclear.LocationGlobal.Time periodFrom 1989 to 2019.Major taxa studiedTrees.MethodsHere, we report on a global meta‐analysis based on 141 studies to identify patterns of C accumulation in tree‐based agroforestry systems compared with sole cropland and pasture.ResultsWe found that agroforestry systems had, on average, 46.1 Mg/ha (95% confidence interval, 36.4–55.8 Mg/ha) more C in tree biomass compared with sole cropland‐ or pasture‐based land uses without trees. Furthermore, agroforestry systems with multiple tree species contained greater biomass C stocks and accumulated biomass C faster than systems with a single tree species. The effect of agroforestry practices on soil C stock increased with tree age, although such increases varied among climatic zones. Agroforestry systems in tropical zones had the ability to increase soil C to peak levels quickly, whereas soil C in temperate zones increased at a slower rate but peaked at a greater overall soil C level. Our structural equation model did not detect a direct linkage between biomass C and changes in total soil C stock in agroforestry systems.Main conclusionsOur results demonstrate that planting multiple tree species in agroforestry systems is an important strategy to increase biomass C sequestration, with regional climate affecting the temporal change of soil C in response to agroforestry practices.

Variabilidad espacial de Swietenia macrophylla en sistema agroforestal de la Amazonia brasileña

La caracterización del comportamiento de la variación espacial de atributos dendrométricos de especies tropicales en sistemas agroforestales es importante para su manejo y, en ese sentido, la geoestadística se destaca por utilizar técnicas capaces de caracterizar esa variación. Se utilizaron métodos geoestadísticos para evaluar y mapear la variabilidad espacial del diámetro a 1.3 m del nivel del suelo (dap), de la altura comercial (hc) y del volumen comercial (vc) de árboles de Swietenia macrophylla King, plantadas en un sistema agroforestal en la Amazonia brasileña. El muestreo de campo se realizó con base en una cuadrícula de 50 m × 50 m, que resultó en 36 puntos sistemáticos. En cada punto, se instaló una parcela circular de 500 m2 para medir el dap y la hc. El vc fue estimado con la ecuación mejor ajustada a los datos de cubicación de 108 árboles. Luego se modelaron los patrones de distribución espacial de las variables por medio de la geoestadística y se utilizó kriging ordinario para generar mapas con predicciones e incertidumbres de las variables. El modelo de Schumacher-Hall resultó en la mejor ecuación para estimar el vc y la cuadrícula sistemática utilizada mostró ser eficiente para detectar los patrones espaciales de esas variables. Los modelos de semivariogramas ajustados demostraron la fuerte dependencia espacial del dap, de la hc y del vc, lo que permitió hacer interpolaciones precisas, generando resultados de validación cruzada sin tendencia, principalmente para vc que presentó el modelo teórico mejor ajustado.

Extinction threat to neglected Plinia edulis exacerbated by climate change, yet likely mitigated by conservation through sustainable use

AbstractForecasting the impacts of climate change on species distribution has several implications for conservation. Plinia edulis is a rare and threatened tree species from Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. In this study, we assessed the impact of global climate change on the distribution of P. edulis. Additionally, we evaluated the efficacy of the Brazilian protected network to conserve this species. Ecological niche models were built using the maximum entropy method based on occurrence records and environmental predictors. Models predicted a reduction of climatically suitable areas for P. edulis in all evaluated scenarios in the coming years. Furthermore, we observed that Brazilian protected areas (PAs) are ineffective to conserve this species. Given the fact that P. edulis is a promising tree species rarely found within Brazilian PAs and threatened by global climate change, we strongly recommend the cultivation of this multipurpose species in agroforestry systems, landscaping and homegardens in order to promote its conservation through sustainable use.

Assessing Wa-u Agroforestry in the Course of Swidden Transformation: A Case Study in Southern Chin State, Myanmar

Swidden cultivation has been gradually transformed into other types of land-uses because of economic, political and social changes. In southern Chin State, Myanmar, the traditional swidden agriculture is being replaced by Wa-u (Amorphophallus bulbifer) cultivation in the fallows due to the increasing abandonment of swidden fallows and recent development of Wa-u market access. Also, the government of Myanmar promoted community participation in commercialized agriculture and forestry activities through community-based agroforestry systems. This study was carried out in two villages in southern Chin State, Myanmar to fill the research gap about the different Wa-u cultivation methods commonly applied in swidden cultivated fallows in term of cost-benefit and biomass analysis, socio-economically and environmentally contributing to community-based agroforestry systems in the region. The cost-benefit analysis showed that a modified traditional taungya method (mTTM) produced the best profit (228,571 Kyats per acre) among the cultivation methods. Also, the biomass analysis of tree vegetation showed that the Wa-u cultivated sites by mTTM has significantly higher basal area (21.1 ± 3.57 m2ha−1) and biomass accumulation (65.4 ± 11.17 Mgha−1) than other methods. As a result, Wa-u cultivation with maintenance of the tree stands could be promoted not only for socio-economic development but also for environmental conservation. This study suggests that Wa-u is promising as an intercrop species in agroforestry systems, and can be effectively incorporated into community-based agroforestry systems.

Desenvolvimento inicial de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais no Baixo Amazonas, Pará, Brasil

Estudos sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais são importantes, pois fornecem subsídios para o manejo desses agroecossistemas. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi avaliar a sobrevivência e o crescimento em altura de mudas de espécies arbóreas em sistemas agroflorestais amazônicos submetidos a diferentes formas de preparo da área e manejo. O experimento foi conduzido em dois sistemas agroflorestais (sucessional e consórcio agroflorestal) localizados no Baixo Amazonas, oeste do estado do Pará. No consórcio agroflorestal comercial, a taxa de sobrevivência das espécies não ultrapassou o valor de 70%. No sistema sucessional a taxa de sobrevivência das espécies arbóreas implantadas foi alta com a maioria variando entre 90 a 100%. O estresse hídrico nos períodos mais secos do ano é um fator limitante na adoção de sistemas agroflorestais na região causando mortalidade das mudas. Quanto ao crescimento em altura, as espécies avaliadas obtiveram desempenhos satisfatórios em ambos os sistemas.

English

Woody species are the major components of traditional agroforestry systems. These species vary across the different types of agroforestry practices in different parts of Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess woody species across land use in three different sites around Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia. A total of 100 plots were laid out on six transect lines with sample plot size of 25 m × 25 m for 20 plots of homegarden, 19 plots of coffee farm and 20 plot of grazing land, 40 m × 40 m for 24 plots of crop field and 10 m × 10 m for 17 plots of woodlots and were calculated in hectares. Species diversity, richness, evenness, density and frequency were analyzed between land uses types and sites. The result showed that a total of 60 woody species belonging to 34 families and 54 genera were identified from these three sites. Fabaceae was the most dominant family with 11 (18.3%) species followed by Euphorbiaceae family with 7 (11.7%) species. Out of the identified species, 53.3% were trees, 45% shrubs and 1.67% climbers. In terms of species diversity, grazing lands (3.1) were more diversified than homegardens (2.87), crop field (2.555), coffee farm (0.667) and woodlots (0.643) in the overall study sites. In terms of tree and shrubs density, woodlots were the most dense (9495 stems/ha). Generally, agroforestry systems are conserving several woody species diversity in their systems and woody species varied among land use types in the study area. Practices which aimed at maintaining these woody species should be encouraged and applied to support the conservation of these species in agroforestry systems.   Key words: Agroforestry system, woody species, homegardens, crop field, grazing land, coffee farm, Jimma.

Aboveground Biomass and Carbon content of a cocoa –Gliricida sepium agroforestry system in Ghana

To help overcome the challenge faced in re-establishing cocoa in degraded lands, some agroforestry trials were established with exotic leguminous tree species to determine their suitability for cocoa cultivation. However, our understanding of biomass accumulation and carbon sequestration in such specific agroforestry practices is still limited. In this study, the above-ground biomass and carbon storage and partitioning in a gliricidia-cocoa agroforestry system was investigated. Above-ground biomass accumulation and carbon stock varied significantly between the components of the system, with the gliricidia shade trees having the highest values and the cocoa trees having the lowest. The inclusion of the gliricidia shade trees in the system increased above-ground biomass and carbon capture of the system by some 60%, a greater proportion of which was contained in the branches of the shade trees. This pattern of dry matter distribution makes the species appropriate for use as a biomass producing species in agroforestry systems and demonstrates the potential of cocoa agroforestry systems for capturing and storing more atmospheric carbon than sole cocoa systems.