The role of agroforestry trees in carbon storage and climate change mitigation: A review

Abstract

Agroforestry not only play an important role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration but also enhance agricultural production. The study investigates how tree-based agricultural systems with conventional farming methods function for atmospheric carbon sequestration. Agroforestry systems align adaptation and mitigation segments through their dual roles as a major carbon pool while improve soil quality, minimizing deforestation rates and boosting ecological self-sustainability. Agroforestry systems like agri-silvicultural systems, silvopastoral systems, home gardens and block and boundary plantations act as effective carbon sequestration systems across the globe. Several studies highlighted the carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry systems that simultaneously improve biodiversity levels and farmer economic conditions along with soil fertility improvements. Agroforestry systems depend on trees for their essential role as carbon capture agents that fight global warming due to elevated CO₂ levels. Different parameters including plant species determination alongside maintenance methods and ecological conditions influence how much carbon forests readily absorb into these systems. Additional scientific research must focus on improving carbon sequestration measurement methods alongside species optimization choices while examining system longevity effects. Beyond policy adoption agroforestry requires climate mitigation benefits like carbon credits as financial incentives to enhance overall farmer acceptance. The review shows how agroforestry functions as a sustainable land-use technique, which delivers important environmental and economic advantages and societal advantages.