Carbon stock of an Alfisol under agroforestry system

Abstract

Agroforestry systems (SAFs), when well managed, contribute, in a sustainable way, to the recovery
of carbon from the atmosphere and can increase soil carbon stocks (ECS). Considering
the importance of agroecological SAFs to the family agriculture, the objective of this study was
to evaluate the ECS and soil density (Ds) of an Alfisol conducted under SAF, native forest and
orchard, located in Embrapa, Pelotas, RS. Soil samples were collected in the lines and between
the lines of SAF, in an area adjacent to SAF (native forest), and an orchard area of Campomanesia
xanthocarpa. The ECS was calculated considering the Ds, the carbon content and
the thickness of each layer sampled. It was observed that SAF accumulates similar amounts
of soil carbon as soil under natural vegetation, up to 0,20m. The SAF contributes significantly
to the carbon soil fixation and reduction of the Ds in the soil interlayer, favoring environmental
sustainability.