Sustainable Agroforestry Systems Research Articles

Soil organic carbon fractionation, carbon index, and microbial activity under different agroforestry systems in North Eastern Himalayas, India.

The potential of soil organic carbon fractions for agroforestry systems (AFSs) is not well understood. Five distinct AFSs were tested for its impact on soil organic carbon fractionation, carbon index, and microbial activity in North Eastern Himalayas, India. The mean labile carbon (LC) ranged from 4.55 to 5.43kg soil-1 across the land use systems. Napier system observed the lowest very labile carbon (VLC) 12.36kg soil-1 in 60-75-cm depth. The mean non labile carbon (NLC) ranged from 15.67 to 16.83gkg soil-1 across the land use. Highest less labile carbon (LLC) was observed in agri-horti-silviculture (AHS) followed by agri-silvi-horticulture (ASH) land use system. The black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis land use recorded higher lability index (1.66) followed by maize + Schima wallichii (1.65) in 0-15-cm depth. Among the different land use systems, carbon pool index increased in all the depths over buckwheat + mandarin. The mean carbon management index (CMI) value ranged from 167.02 to 210.12 among the land use system. The mean CMI was highest in black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis (210.12) followed by soybean + Ficus hookerii + guava (191.56), maize + Schima wallichii (281.71), and lowest in buckwheat + mandarin (167.02). Among the AFSs, black gram + mandarin + Alnus nepalensis showed greater amount of carbon pool index, lability index, and carbon management index and, hence, considered the best sustainable agroforestry system to sequester more carbon in the Sikkim Himalaya. Such system also retained more different organic carbon fractions. The mean CMI value ranged from 167.02 to 210.12 among AFSs. Acid phosphatase activity was more during the rainy season followed by winter and summer season. Similar trends were followed by the urease activity in all the three seasons. Overall conclusion from this investigation is that SOC fractions, carbon index, and microbial activity levels are strongly influenced by the prevailing agroforestry systems.

Ethnoecological Perspectives on Agroforestry Practices for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

This research investigates the ethnoecological perspective of agroforestry practices for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Through a literature review method, we analyze relevant literature from various sources to uncover the relationship between local wisdom and agroforestry practices in addressing the challenges of climate change. Findings indicate that the ethnoecological perspective plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable and adaptive agroforestry practices by integrating local knowledge of local ecology and climate patterns with modern scientific knowledge. Agroforestry not only contributes to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage but also provides effective adaptation solutions through season-based planting arrangements and the cultivation of species resilient to extreme conditions. By recognizing the value of local wisdom and knowledge and actively involving community participation in agroforestry management, we can strengthen the resilience and sustainability of agroforestry systems in facing climate change.

Conversion of tropical secondary forest into agricultural land: consequences for soil health and environmental stability

The objective of the study was to address the impacts of tropical forest conversion into agricultural land on changes in invertebrates’ communities, as well as soil chemical properties across 2–4 texturally distinct soils in La Mé and Grand Lahou, Côte d’Ivoire. The fieldwork was carried out in the humid period on two study sites: 1– rubber landscape (secondary forest, 7-, 12- and 25-year-old rubber plantations) and 2– oil palm landscape (secondary forest, 13-, 20- and 39-year-old oil palm plantations). Three sampling stands were established on each land-use type and age class, for a total of 24 sampling stands. Over a 40–50 m transect, topsoil (0–10 cm) invertebrates were sampled by using monoliths (50 cm × 50 cm × 10 cm), following the modified ‘Tropical soil biology and fertility’ method. Soils chemical properties were also determined. The results highlighted a decrease in taxonomic richness (–35 % and –42 %), Shannon index (–32 % and –37 %), Margalef index (–34 % and –41 %), soil carbon stock (–41 % and –15 %), nitrogen stock (–38 % and –11 %) and carbon sequestration (–41 % and –15 %), respectively, after the transformation of secondary forests into rubber and oil palm plantations. The clay soils and clay sandy soils favored the development and emergence of the soil invertebrates, and allowed a higher carbon and nitrogen storage, as well as a greater carbon sequestration. Whatever the site, the soil quality was more degraded under the monoculture tree plantations compared to the secondary forests. Our findings suggest leaving residues of the previous crop on the soil surface and the incorporation of woody trees with an understory of smaller trees during the early establishment periods of monoculture tree plantations, which can create a sustainable agroforestry system with improved nutrient recycling and soil fertility.

Induced response of soil properties and Oribatid mites (Acari, Cryptostigmata) community structure after the conversion of tropical secondary forests into oil palm and rubber plantations

The aim of investigation was to address the impacts of tropical forests conversion into agricultural land on changes in Oribatid mites’ communities as well as soil physico-chemical properties across 2–4 texturally distinct soils in La Mé and Grand Lahou, Côte d’Ivoire. The fieldwork was conducted in the humid period on two study sites: 1– rubber landscape (secondary forest, 7-, 12- and 25-year-old rubber plantations) and 2– oil palm landscape (secondary forest, 13-, 20- and 39-year-old oil palm plantations). Three sampling areas were established on each land-use type and age class, for a total of 24 sampling areas. In each sampling area, soil cores for Oribatid mite’s extraction were taken at a depth of 10 cm across a 40–50 m transect. The soil physical and chemical properties were also measured. The results showed a decrease in Oribatid density (–29% and –71%), species richness (–29% and –42%), diversity (–29% and –59%), soil organic carbon (–56% and –17%), total nitrogen (–55% and –12%) and soil organic matter (–56% and –17%), and an increase in bulk density (+28% and +21%), respectively after the conversion of the secondary forests into rubber and oil palm plantations. Whatever the study site, the soil physico-chemical and biological properties were more stabilized in the clay and clay sandy textures compared to sandy clay and sandy soil textures. Our findings suggest the incorporation of woody trees with an understory of nitrogen-fixing legume species as a cover crop, which can create a sustainable agroforestry system with improved land quality.

ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT STATE OF PROTECTIVE FOREST STRIPS OF VARIOUS WINDAGE

Forest strip systems have a multifunctional effect on agricultural landscapes, stabilize the agroecological situation, and form new sustainable agroforestry systems.
 Goal. On the basis of a comparative analysis of the taxation and reclamation parameters of the protective forest strips (PLP) of various windage to assess their current state.
 The novelty of the research lies in the assessment of the state of various types of ZLN consisting of curtains, wings, modular and linear forest strips on complex chestnut soils.
 Methods. The methodology included a survey of protective forest stands, laying of permanent test areas, determination of morphometric parameters taking into account the assortment of tree species and their condition. The width of the crown space, openwork, crown closeness coefficient, optical density, etc. were determined by the method of photographic images.
 Results. Most of the plantings were planted in the period from 1988-92 of the last century. Forest strips whose age exceeds 34 years were created in an ordinary way. In addition to the main breed, shrubs were present in the composition of the bands. Many years of experience in creating forest strips in the dry steppe has revealed the dependence of plantings on the conditions of the soil cover on which they are grown. Moreover, the successful survival of PZLP on meadow-chestnut soils is linked to depressions. Edaphic conditions become an important criterion when growing LP.
 Conclusion. When the edaphic conditions are significantly complicated, due to the complexity of soils and the rigidity of the climate, it is either extremely difficult or impossible to grow durable, stable and aerodynamically efficient tree plantations from tree species. In such cases, non-linear curtain and backstage plantings may be more reliable and effective.

Embedding circularity into the transition towards sustainable agroforestry systems in Peru

Peru is promoting the adoption of agroforestry systems with the aim to halt the deforestation of tropical forests caused by smallholder farmers. However, deficient soil conservation practices and nutrient management are common among the targeted smallholders, hampering the success of this strategy. In this study, we explore the potential of valorizing municipal biowaste as compost to be used as soil amendment in coffee agroforestry systems and in silvopastoral systems. The analysis was concentrated in four Peruvian regions and the most populous city in each of them. For lands with coffee production, it was assumed that 90 kg N ha−1 (i.e., 50% of the N requirements) should come from compost, while for pastures, the requirement was 40 kg P ha−1. We found that composting could lead to large greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions compared with the current waste disposal methods (i.e., deep dumping and landfilling), as it only emits 5–10% of the GHG emissions produced with the other methods. Nonetheless, the area of agroforestry and silvopastoral systems that could be fertilized with compost obtained from the main city of each region is limited and insufficient. If all compost were to be used for the coffee agroforestry system, less than 3% of the coffee agroforestry area could be fertilized, while in the case of pastures, only 4% would be attained. Large amounts of compost could be obtained from Lima, the most populated city; however, its transportation to the agroforestry areas would increase compost GHG emissions by 15–60%. Although composting municipal food waste and loss may bring GHG benefits and should be promoted, its use as a fertilizer requires mixing with N-rich sources to improve its nutrient quality.

Assessing Tree Coverage and the Direct and Mediation Effect of Tree Diversity on Carbon Storage through Stand Structure in Homegardens of Southwestern Bangladesh

Dealing with two major challenges, climate change mitigation and biodiversity loss, under the same management program, is more noteworthy than addressing these two separately. Homegardens, a sustainable agroforestry system and a home of diverse species, can be a possible choice to address these two issues. In this study, we assessed tree coverage, and the direct and indirect effects of tree diversity on carbon storage in different carbon pools through stand structure in homegardens of southwestern Bangladesh, using Sentinel 2 and field inventory data from 40 homesteads in eight villages. An unsupervised classification method was followed to assess homegardens’ tree coverage. We found a high tree coverage (24.34% of total area of Dighalia) in homesteads, with a high overall accuracy of 96.52%. The biomass and soil organic carbon (p < 0.05) varied significantly among the eight villages, while total carbon stock did not vary significantly (p > 0.05). Shannon diversity had both direct and indirect effects on biomass carbon, upper layer soil organic carbon and total carbon storage, while basal area mediated the indirect effect. Both basal area and tree height had positive effects on biomass carbon and total carbon storage, with basal area having the strongest effect. These findings suggest that we must maintain higher diversity and tree height in order to maximize and sustain carbon storage, where tree diversity increases stand basal area and improves total carbon storage (including soil organic) in homegardens. Therefore, privately managed homegardens could be a potential nature-based solution for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation in Bangladesh.

Socio-economic benefit of rubber agroforestry system for improved livelihood in Edo State, Nigeria

Rubber Agroforestry System (RAS) is an innovative farming system contributing significantly to the livelihood of smallholders in Edo State. Data for this study were collected from 120 rubber smallholder farmers having a contiguous 2 hectares farmland with the aid of structured questionnaire using multistage sampling technique with a 3-stage design. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive, inferential, and budgetary analysis. The result revealed that majority of the RAS farmers were males, with an average mean age of 49 years and most of the RAS farmers had some level of education, they attained secondary and tertiary education with an average number of 8.3 years in education. Furthermore, the total annual revenue earned by the respondents was ₦992,500 ($ 2,756.94) with a mean annual net income of ₦527,003 ($ 1,463.90) while the return per naira invested was ₦1.69. This shows that for every ₦1 invested in the cropping combination in the RAS, there was a return of 69 kobo in the study area. Thus, RAS provides income and employment for smallholder community to be self-sufficient and economically independent. This study concludes that respondents valued RAS as an innovative sustainable agroforestry system capable of generating income and employment. Government therefore should leverage through adequate fiscal policy to enable easy credit facility by farmers

Agroforestry in the Andean Araucanía: An Experience of Agroecological Transition with Women from Cherquén in Southern Chile

Agroforestry is a practice used for the establishment of integrated production systems as an economic alternative. In Chile, the most significant experiences have been developed with rainfed farmers in the central zone, where the arboreal component is the predominant one. This study analyses the agroecological transition process of a group of women from the Andean foothills of southern Chile in the establishment of an agroforestry system based on rosehip. The field work was developed in 4 stages: (1) problem survey and definition of strategy; (2) identification of an alternative market; (3) perception of the data collection work and; (4) implementation of a demonstration unit; which included (a) workshops and meetings for discussion, reflection, and feedback on what had been done and to agree on the actions to be implemented; and (b) the development of different activities to implement the actions agreed in the workshops and meetings. The results of this research show that agroecological projects open doors to the participation, visibility, and valorization of women’s work while moving towards sustainable agroforestry systems integrated into the landscape.

Short rotation coppice of leguminous tree Leucaena spp. improves soil fertility while producing high biomass yields in Mediterranean environment

The use of woody nitrogen-fixing plant species as multipurpose and energy crops aims to enhance biomass yield while improving soil properties. Yet, the effectiveness of this option is still under debate especially the use of short rotation cropping in water and nutrient limited environments. This study investigated whether short rotation coppicing of four taxa of multipurpose biomass woody legume Leucaena spp. can improve soil conditions when grown for biomass under a Mediterranean environment. Biomass yield, mineral composition and heat value of the biomass and the mineral and organic matter content of soil were evaluated. Under favorable growing conditions, woody dry biomass production was up to 29 Mg ha−1 year−1 with slight but significant differences between the four taxa that were tested. After 11 years of cropping, the soil showed higher fertility and microbial activity compared to the uncropped plot. Leucaena cultivation increased soil nitrogen by 35 %, dehydrogenase activity by 98 %, and organic matter and carbon content (by 41 %). Annual cuttings resulted in the highest biomass production, followed by two and three year cuttings. The mineral composition and the calorific capacity of woody biomass make it suitable for commercial use as an energy source (generating on average 151 MW h ha-1 year-1). In conclusion, short rotation coppicing of nitrogen-fixing woody species results in high biomass production rates with the restoration of degraded soils, constituting a sustainable agroforestry system for rural areas.

The role of agroforestry systems in reconciling food and cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and coffee (Coffea spp. L.) production in a changing environment

Perennial export crops such as cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and coffee (Coffea spp. L.) contribute indirectly to food security by providing an income that can be used to buy food, household goods and/or supplies for the cultivation of basic food crops. Thus, any perennial crop loss incurred due to the effects of climate change will also negatively impact food security and, more generally, the livelihoods of smallholders, farmers and rural communities. It is foreseen that in the not so distant future (2050), climate change and increased land use for food crop production, to meet increasing demands for food as the world’s population increases, will negatively impact global production of perennial crops such as coffee and cocoa by reducing the availability of land suitable for their cultivation. Furthermore, the current trend towards full sun systems with excessive use of external inputs (agrochemicals, irrigation) increases the vulnerability of the cocoa and coffee sectors to climate change. To reconcile the need for food crops and the demand for export crops such as coffee and cocoa, under the scenarios of climate change and population growth, innovative production systems have to be developed. Such systems should also contribute to the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change and provide other ecosystem services such as regulation of pests and diseases. Agroforestry systems are some of the production systems which can address these manifold demands. Here, ideas for the development of competitive and sustainable agroforestry systems and the evaluation of their environmental benefits are presented and reviewed.

Variation in seed and seedling traits of <i>Faidherbia albida</i> (DEL.) A. Chev populations in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon

The once sustainable agroforestry system in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon has been abandoned and trees overexploited. A study on the variability in seed and seedling traits of Faidherbia albida (DEL.) A. Chev populations from different climatic zones was carried out. Six populations were selected from Sudanian (Poli, Garoua III, and Figuil) and Sahelian (Yagoua, Moulvoudaye and Maroua I) climatic zones and harvested seeds were transported to the experimental farm of IRAD Yagoua for pretreatment and growth experiment. Four pretreatments (98% sulfuric acid, hot water, scarification and soaking in water for 24 hours) were used to initiate the germination. After one month, the rate of germination (%) was recorded and seedlings were transplanted in three substrates for seedling growth evaluation. Growth traits (Survival, plant height, root collar diameter, number of leaves, root length, plant fresh weight and plant dry weight) were measured after three months. The experimental design was a single tree plot randomized complete block design with 30 blocks. Results indicated there was significant difference (p = 0.002) among pre-treatments for the germination. The highest rate of germination was recorded with seedlings from scarified seeds (78.33%), followed by those from seeds treated with sulfuric acid (76.67%). Seeds and seedling traits were significant among populations with Yagoua recording the highest in most of the traits measured. Scarification can assist in seed germination and movement of seeds between populations and climatic zones should be considered during conservation programs.© 2019 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Faidherbia albida, agroforestry parklands, seed pretreatments, seedling traits, conservation, Sudano-Sahelian, Cameroon

Biomass and carbon budgeting of sustainable agroforestry systems as ecosystem service in Indian Himalayas

ABSTRACTAdoption of agroforestry is paramount as a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy. The assessment of plant biomass is crucial for understanding the vulnerability of biological systems to climate change. In the present study, agroforestry systems viz., agrisilviculture (AS), agrihorticulture (AH), agrihortisilviculture (AHS) and agrisilvihorticulture (ASH) were investigated for biomass production and carbon stock in vegetation as well as in soil in the Indian central Himalaya along the elevation i.e. E1 (<1100 m), E2 (1100–1400 m), E3 (1400–1700 m), E4 (1700–2000 m) and E5 (>2000 m). Mean aboveground and belowground biomass were 73.9% and 26.1%, respectively, of total biomass (64.4 t ha−1) in agroforestry systems. Fodder and/or timber trees accounted for 31% (in AHS) to 74% (in AS) of total biomass, while fruit trees accounted for 18% (in ASH) to 73% (in AH) of total biomass. The contribution of agriculture crops to total biomass fluctuated between 19% (in ASH) and 26% (in AH). Total vegetation biomass, soil carbon and total carbon density in agroforestry systems increased significantly along the elevation, with maximum biomass at elevation E5 (32.0 t ha−1, 64.7 t C ha−1 and 96.7 t C ha−1). Total biomass of vegetation among agroforestry systems differed significantly. Soil carbon stock was highest in AHS (59.5 t C ha−1) and total carbon density (vegetation + soil) was highest in ASH (93.0 t C ha−1). Thus, in Indian Himalayas, vegetation biomass, carbon stock, soil and total carbon (vegetation + soil) stock increased along the elevation.Abbrviations: AG: aboveground; BG: belowground; WD: wood density; VOB: volume over bark; BEF: biomass expansion factor; AS: agrisilviculture; AH: agrihorticulture; ASH: agrisilvihorticulture; AHS: agrihortisilviculture; E: elevation; C: carbon; CO2: carbon-di-oxide; IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; DBH: diameter at breast height; AGBD: aboveground biomass density; BGBD: belowground biomass density; GSVD: growing stock volume density

Sustainable Agroforestry Systems for Livelihood Security and their Economic Appraisal in Indian Himalayas

Sustainable indigenous agroforestry systems are mainstay of rural agrarian economy coupled with livestock rearing in mountains of Himalayas. A 2B4D6-watershed was selected in Central Himalayas to investigate economic returns from agriculture based agroforestry systems. A detailed structured analysis revealed four types of agriculture based agroforestry systems are prevalent in the 2B4D6-watershed of Indian Central Himalaya. These agroforestry systems are profitable to farmers and can obtain more than two-fold returns from agriculture based agroforestry systems. The net return from these systems decreased in the order: Agrihorticulture > Agrihortisilviculture > Agrisilvihorticulture > Agrisilviculture. The highest benefit cost ratio from agroforestry systems was obtained at higher elevation E5 and it decreased with decrease in elevations in the order: E4 > E3 > E2 > E1. Thus, we conclude that agroforestry systems are not only sustainable but also are imperative for livelihood security of local inhabitants of Indian Central Himalayas.

Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalaya, Northeast India

Tynsong H, Tiwari BK, Dkhar M. 2018. Plant diversity of Betel Leaf Agroforestry of South Meghalaya, Northeast India. Asian J For 2: 1-11. Large areas of lowland tropical forests of South Meghalaya have been converted into betel leaf agroforestry systems by the tribal people living in the area. The betel leaf agroforestry with diverse and structurally complex shade canopies conserve a significant portion of the original forest biodiversity. The impact of land use change on the biodiversity was studied using standard vegetation analysis and biodiversity estimation methods. A total of 160 plant species were recorded in natural forests out of which 75 were trees, 40 shrubs, and 45 herbs, while in betel leaf agroforestry, a total of 159 plant species, 94 trees, 17 shrubs and 48 herbs were recorded. A total of 34 tree species, 13 shrub species, and 14 herb species were common in both the land uses. All the plant species were native species. The study revealed that the conversion of natural forest to betel leaf agroforestry in South Meghalaya has no significant impact on tree and herb diversity. However, the basal area and density are affected to some extent. The land use change has also affected the density and diversity of shrubs. The study concludes that betel leaf agroforestry in South Meghalaya developed by the indigenous War Khasi tribe through experiential learning over several generations has emerged as a fairly sustainable agroforestry system causing minimal impact on plant diversity.

Sustainable agroforestry systems and their structural components as livelihood options along elevation gradient in central Himalaya

Himalayan ecosystems are complex, with fragile environment, rugged terrain, unique topography and sensitive to regional and global changes. This region harbours a variety of agricultural practices out of which traditional agroforestry systems are of paramount importance with regard to sustainability and livelihood. In the central Himalayan region, four major traditional agroforestry systems were observed; agrisilviculture (AS), agrihorticulture (AH), agrihortisilviculture (AHS) and agrisilvihorticulture (ASH). System units in each system varied from 8 to 24 and they also differed along the elevation. Likewise, structural components varied in the systems as well as along the elevation. These systems have evolved over long periods of time as farmers have grown the trees and crop combinations for generations. These systems fulfill diverse needs for food, fodder, fruit and timber for the inhabitants of the mountains and provide a backbone to the hill economy and livelihood security for local people.

Decision making under the scope of forest policy: sustainable agroforestry systems in less favoured areas

The aim of the paper is to apply multiple criteria decision analysis in order to propose suitable agroforestry systems as a sustainable choice for the forestation of abandoned agricultural land in a mountainous, less favoured area. The promotion of regional development through the increase of wooded land is a strategic target of forest policy in the European Union. MCDA was used for the selection of the most suitable agroforestry system, taking into consideration all three pillars of sustainability: environment, society and economy. Fourteen agroforestry systems well adapted in the study area were analysed with the PROMETHEE method under six criteria: cost, expected revenue, working hours, waiting period for the first yield, water demands and fertilisers. According to the results, the most suitable agroforestry system for the study area is the combination of pomegranate with medick. The findings could be useful in forest policy planning, contributing to the forestation of less favoured areas in Greece.

Decision making under the scope of forest policy: sustainable agroforestry systems in less favoured areas

Decision making under the scope of forest policy: sustainable agroforestry systems in less favoured areas

Recovering degraded lands in the Peruvian Amazon by cover crops and sustainable agroforestry systems

This long term research is being carried out in degraded lands of low fertility conditions in the humid tropics of the Peruvian Amazon. The objective is to recover degraded lands for sustainable agriculture that was affected by shifting agriculture and overgrazed pastures. The recovering trials in three farms are fertilized cover crops with the legume Centrosema (Centrosema macrocarpum), and the establishment of th prototype agroforestry systems are based on a) woody trees with Swietenia macrophylla, Guazuma crinita (GC), Calycophylum spruceanum (CS) and Simarouba amara (SA), b) woody-fruit trees with Cedrelinga cateniformis, GC, SA, Inga edulis and Bactris gasipaes, and a c) silvopastoral system with Centrosema and woody trees with GC, SA and CS. Initial degraded compacted soils were covered with degraded grass (Brachiaria brizantha) and weeds, and the soil were very acid (80% of Al saturation) with 4 ppm of P and low soil organic matter and cation exchange capacity. Soil was weeded and fertilized with a combined fertilizer based on rock phosphate (40 kg/ha), and then Centrosema was planted followed by the plantation of trees with localized fertilization application. In three months we had 100% cover and weeds were controlled. Average Centrosema biomass in 8 months was 8.12 T/ha, and while the different trees were growing with 55 to 89 percentage of survival due to water stress, Centrosema recovered the soil compaction up to 20 cm depth. Biomass can be used as forage for small animals and to enrich soil. Mean total nitrogen accumulation in biomass was 232 kg/ha.

Citrus stand ages regulate the fraction alteration of soil organic carbon under a citrus/Stropharua rugodo-annulata intercropping system in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, China.

Soil carbon fractionation is a valuable indicator in assessing stabilization of soil organic matter and soil quality. However, limited studies have addressed how different vegetation stand ages under intercropping agroforestry systems, could affect organic carbon (OC) accumulation in bulk soil and its physical fractions. A field study thus investigated the impact of citrus plantation age (15-, 25-, and 45-year citrus) on the bulk soil organic carbon (SOC) and SOC fractions and yields of Stropharia rugoso-annulata (SRA) in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, Chongqing, China. Results indicated that the intercropping practice of SRA with citrus significantly increased the SOC by 57.4-61.6% in topsoil (0-10cm) and by 24.8-39.9% in subsoil (10-30cm). With a significantly higher enhancement under the 25-year citrus stand than the other two stands, all these citrus stands of three ages also resulted in a significant increase of free particulate OC (fPOC, 60.1-62.4% in topsoil and 34.8-46.7% in subsoil), intra-micro aggregate particulate OC (iPOC, 167.6-206.0% in topsoil and 2.77-61.09% in subsoil), and mineral-associated OC (MOC, 43.6-46.5% in topsoil and 26.0-51.5% in subsoil). However, there were no significant differences in yields of SRA under three citrus stands. Our results demonstrated that citrus stand ages did play an important role in soil carbon sequestration and fractionation under a citrus/SRA intercropping system, which could therefore provide a sustainable agroforestry system to enhance concurrently the SOC accumulation while mitigating farmland CO2 emission.