Assessing the Contribution of Citrus Orchards in Climate Change Mitigation through Carbon Sequestration in Sargodha District, Pakistan

Abstract

Adopting agroforestry practices in many developing countries is essential to combat climate change and diversify farm incomes. This study investigated the above and below-ground biomass and soil carbon of a citrus-based intercropping system in six sites (subdivisions: Bhalwal, Kot Momin, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Shahpur and Silanwali) of District Sargodha, Southeast Pakistan. Tree biomass production and carbon were assessed by allometric equations through a non-destructive approach whereas, soil carbon was estimated at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths. Above and below-ground biomass differed significantly, and the maximum mean values (16.61 Mg ha−1 & 4.82 Mg ha−1) were computed in Shahpur due to greater tree basal diameter. Tree carbon stock fluctuated from 6.98 Mg C ha−1 to 10.28 Mg C ha−1 among selected study sites. The surface soil (0–15 cm) had greater bulk density, organic carbon, and soil carbon stock than the subsoil (15–30 cm) in the whole study area. The total carbon stock of the ecosystem ranged from 25.07 Mg C ha−1 to 34.50 Mg C ha−1 across all study sites, respectively. The above findings enable us to better understand and predict the carbon storage potential of fruit-based agroforestry systems like citrus. Moreover, measuring carbon with simple techniques can produce trustworthy outcomes that enhance the participation of underdeveloped nations in several payment initiatives such as REDD+.

Agroforestry olive orchards for soil organic carbon storage: Case of Saiss, Morocco

“…The soil carbon stock (SCS) contents per hectare was calculated as follows (Eq. (2) ) [ 9 ]: Where D is the layer depth (cm).…”

“…Orchards are considered important land-use type across the globe and, are valued for their economic, ecological, and cultural importance across the world [ 9 ]. Previous studies have shown that fruit tree ecosystems, including orchards, possess soil carbon sequestration potential equivalent to forests, with a range of 240–1250 g C m −2 year −1 [ 4 ].…”

Quantification Model of Residual Biomass in Citrus Uprooting

“…There are few references to studies on the biomass contained in fruit trees. However, their valuation and characterization are very important because it allows their analysis as a carbon sink [3,4], energy resource, and to relate them to costs and application rates for different products such as water, pesticides, or fertilizers [5,6].…”