Evaluation of agroforestry systems for carbon sequestration in Konkan Region

Abstract

Agroforestry, a nature-based solution offers multifaceted benefits for sustainable development and climate change mitigation. Major objective of this study was to explores and evaluates the agroforestry systems for carbon sequestration in Konkan Region of Maharashtra state. Present study was conducted at the Research Farm of the AICRP on Agroforestry, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Dist Ratnagiri, in the year 2024. The highest carbon stock, carbon sequestration and carbon credits was was recorded in T6 - Mango based AFS which was 126.35 t/ha, 463.70 t/ha and 463.70 credit/ha respectively and lowest was reported in T2 - Malabar neem based AFS with 4.68 t/ha,17.17 t/ha and 17.17 credits/ha respectively. The study concludes that agroforestry systems, especially those involving Mango, Coconut, Asana, bamboo, and economically, it offers farmers an incentive to adopt sustainable practices through access to carbon markets for agroforestry farmers of the region. Strategic species selection, proper spacing, and management practices are essential to optimize both productivity and climate mitigation benefits.