Carbon stocks in biomass and soils of woody species fodder banks in the dry tropics of Mexico

background

Fodder banks are a common feature of tropical silvopasture. This study evaluates the C concentration and storage in above- and belowground tree biomass and soils of fodder banks of Leucaena leucocephala, Guazuma ulmifolia, and a combination of the both species.

research goals & methods

The study was conducted in the dry region of Xmatkuil in the Yucatán peninsula. Three types of fodder banks were established (Leucana, Guazama, and mixed) with three replicates of each, at plot sizes of 50m2. Fodder harvest and measurement began after two years of growth and was conducted twice per year, during the rainy and dry season. The above- and belowground biomass was quantified by destructive sampling. We also obtained samples from 20cm deep soil pits to determine bulk density and organic carbon concentration.

conclusions & takeaways

The three types of fodder banks had similar total C storage in plant biomass and soil, but the production of foliage biomass was higher in the mixed species banks. The mixed species banks produced more foliage dry matter (DM) (6.3 t DM/ha) than the pure fodder banks. Total living biomass stocks ranged from 31.5 to 33.5 t DM/ha and did not differ between fodder bank types.