Agroforestry systems recover tree carbon stock faster than natural succession in Eastern Amazon, Brazil

Background:

Under the global context of climate change mitigation and adaptation, forests and land use practices in carbon sequestration and ecosystem resilience in the Amazon regions is of critical importance. Understanding the effectiveness of agroforestry systems in recovering tree carbon stock contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation strategies. Therefore, this study aims to address the gaps in knowledge regarding the carbon recovery potential of agroforestry systems and their role in sustainable land use in the Amazon region.

Goals and methods:

The authors aim to evaluate and compare the recovery of above and belowground carbon stocks of agroforestry systems and secondary forests in chronosequences in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil, and to identify the impacts of structural diversity of vegetation on carbon recovery. The paper also seeks to contribute to the development of assertive climate change, restoration, and rural development policies by providing evidence-based insights into the carbon recovery potential of agroforestry systems and their role in sustainable land use in the Amazon region.

Conclusions and Takeaways:

Agroforestry systems have the potential to recover tree carbon stock faster than natural succession in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil. The study found that at 30 years, aboveground carbon recovery was 46% in agroforestry systems and 35% in secondary forests. This suggests that agroforestry systems can play a significant role in carbon sequestration and storage, contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in the region.