Biomass and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Poplar-Wheat Inter-cropping System in Irrigated Agro-ecosystem in India

Abstract

An attempt has been made to assess the productivity as well as the carbon sequestration potential of this mixture. The grain as well as straw yields were significantly lower in poplar block plantations than in the open (14 to 64% and 13 to 66% grain and straw yield, respectively under one to six year plantation). The annual productivity of poplars was recorded maximum after fourth year and later the annual wood increment decreased (42.4, 39.8 and 35.6 m 3 /ha/yr after 4 th , 5 th and 6 th year, respectively). The enrichment of soil through litter and roots enhanced the organic carbon in the surface layer of soil (0-15 cm) under poplar blocks as compared to open fields with wheat crop only. The carbon storage potential in agroforestry system was recorded very high in comparison to sole crop. The carbon storage in agroforestry system increased with the age of the plantation and the major contribution came from the timber, roots and litter (37.30 mg/ha after six years). However, wheat crop yield decreased under poplar but this may be compensated by the poplar trees in terms of biomass, economic returns and the carbon sequestration potential.