Agroforestry Models for Carbon Sequestration

Agroforestry models for carbon sequestration are designed to estimate the potential of agroforestry systems to capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Some notable models include ¹ ²:

• CO2FIX Model: A user-friendly tool for dynamically estimating carbon sequestration potential in forest management, agroforestry, and afforestation projects. It’s a multi-cohort ecosystem-level model based on carbon accounting of forest stands.
• CARAT Model: An innovative tool for quantifying carbon sequestration in various contexts, including agroforestry.
• Yield-SAFE Model: Includes carbon tools to assess carbon sequestration potential.

Types of Agroforestry Models

• Silvopasture: Integrating trees into pastures to promote ecosystem services and carbon sequestration.
• Alley Cropping: Planting crops between rows of trees to enhance biodiversity and carbon storage.
• Forest Farming: Cultivating crops under a forest canopy to promote ecosystem services.

Benefits of Agroforestry for Carbon Sequestration

• Carbon Storage: Agroforestry systems can store carbon in biomass, soil, and products.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Agroforestry can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Agroforestry can provide income-generating opportunities and support sustainable livelihoods ³ ⁴.

Assessment and Estimation

• Remote Sensing: Using satellite remote sensing data to estimate area under agroforestry and assess carbon sequestration potential.
• Allometric Models: Developing and improving allometric models to estimate aboveground biomass and carbon sequestered in agroforestry plantations ⁵ ⁶.