Yield and carbon sequestration potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum) -poplar (Populus deltoides) based agri-silvicultural system

Abstract

A study was conducted during 2004–06 to assess the carbon storage by the poplar-based agri-silvicultural system and change in the soil organic carbon. There was a dire need to quantify the carbon sequestration potential of poplarbased agri-silvicultural model, besides the productivity of the system. At sixth year, total biomass in agri-silvicultural system was 25.2 tonnes/ha, which was 113.6% higher than sole wheat cultivation. Poplar tree stem alone contributed 21.99 tonnes/ha, which is very significant proportion and goes to the durable products. Net carbon storage (soil + tree/ crop biomass) was 34.61 tonnes/ha in wheat–poplar interface compared to 18.74 tonnes/ha in sole wheat cultivation (soil + crop biomass). After 6 years of poplar planting, organic carbon increased in soil (0–15 cm) by 35.6% than pure wheat crop. Though there was substantial loss in wheat crop yield under poplar but the decrease in wheat yield has been compensated by the poplar trees in terms of biomass, economics and the carbon mitigation potential.