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Carbon Sequestration in European Agroforestry Systems

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Carbon Sequestration Potential of Agroforestry Systems

Part of the book series: Advances in Agroforestry ((ADAG,volume 8))

Abstract

Agroforestry systems (AFS) are recommended for Europe through the European Rural Development Council regulation 1698/2005, in recognition of their role in reducing carbon (C) emissions and promoting C sequestration which would help to fulfil the Kyoto Protocol requirements. These systems have been found to be a good tool to reduce fire risk and C release in southern European countries. The implementation of AFS could also reduce C release to atmosphere because of the value given to non-timber products, thereby reducing chances for clear cutting of trees. Furthermore, the tree component in AFS will add C into the soil through litterfall and root decomposition, which takes place at deeper soil layers than under agronomic crops or pasture. Tree management practices such as regulating tree density and planting arrangement will influence the C sequestered in the system. Compared with the tree components, the understory components of AFS have less impact on the total C sequestration. The higher inputs of residues generated by the trees in AFS than in tree-less systems may cause high soil C sequestration potential, but soil C increase depends on the incorporation and mineralization of C in the soil, which are affected by understory crop management practices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Crop Production Department, Escola Politécnica Superior, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002, Lugo, Spain

    M. R. Mosquera-Losada & A. Rigueiro-Rodríguez

  2. Soil Protection and Recultivation, Brandenburg University of Technology, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, D-03046, Cottbus, Germany

    Dirk Freese

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  1. M. R. Mosquera-Losada
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  3. A. Rigueiro-Rodríguez
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Correspondence to M. R. Mosquera-Losada .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Kau Po, Thrissur, Kerala,, 680 656, India

    B. Mohan Kumar

  2. School of Forest Resources &, Conservation, University of Florida, Newins-Ziegler Hall 351, Gainesville, 32611-0410, Florida, USA

    P. K. Ramachandran Nair

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Mosquera-Losada, M.R., Freese, D., Rigueiro-Rodríguez, A. (2011). Carbon Sequestration in European Agroforestry Systems. In: Kumar, B., Nair, P. (eds) Carbon Sequestration Potential of Agroforestry Systems. Advances in Agroforestry, vol 8. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1630-8_3

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