Agroforestry Systems as Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Land Management Models in the Tarai Region of Kumaun Himalaya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i6A/171284Keywords:
Agroforestry systems, Carbon sequestration, Net primary productivity, Tarai region, Soil health, Sustainable land management.Abstract
Agroforestry systems are increasingly recognized as sustainable land-use strategies that simultaneously enhance agricultural productivity, maintain ecological stability and improve climate resilience. This study evaluated biomass, productivity, carbon sequestration, crop yield and soil nutrient dynamics across three agroforestry systems in the Tarai region: agrisilviculture (AS), agri-horticulture (AH) and homegarden system (HG). Seasonal variation in productivity and weed diversity reflected differences in system structure, species composition and management intensity. Among the systems, agri-silviculture (Populus deltoides) recorded a total biomass of 89.94 ± 4.44 t ha-1, grain yield of 5350 ± 131.92 kg ha-1 and the highest carbon sequestration rate of 2.53 ± 0.12 t C ha-1 yr-1. Agri-horticulture (Litchi chinensis) exhibited the highest biomass (114.31 ± 4.38 t ha-1) and carbon sequestration of 2.27 ± 0.15 t C ha-1 yr -1. Home garden system, characterized by diverse perennial species such as Mangifera indica and Syzygium cumini, showed comparatively lower biomass (69.94 ± 3.24 t ha-1) and NPP (0.17 ± 0.12 –1.97 ± 0.50 t ha-1 yr-1) but demonstrated superior soil fertility, with higher surface soil increment of phosphorus (3.43 ± 0.21 kg ha-1 ) and potassium (13.1 ± 0.43 kg ha-1). Annual nutrient increment was higher in the topsoil (0–15 cm), indicating stronger surface-driven nutrient cycling. Overall, agroforestry systems in the Tarai region demonstrate substantial potential for carbon sequestration while simultaneously supporting agrobiodiversity and long-term soil health, thereby reinforcing their role as effective climate-resilient and sustainable land-use systems.
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