Agrossilvipastoril systems such as timber production options and carbon stock

Abstract

In Agrossilvipastoril systems trees are cultivated together with agricultural crops or animals, aiming at multiple uses therefore constituting a viable option for better soil use. Thus, reversing the processes of degradation of natural resources, to increase the availability of wood, food and environmental services and emerging as a sustainable alternative to the currently used wood production systems. Here we investigate the effect of the Silvi-agricultural and Silvi-pastoral systems on dendrometric data, mean annual increment (MAI), CO₂ sequestration, wood density and anatomical features of Croton floribundus and Guazuma ulmifolia trees. The highest values of DBH (1.3 m from the ground), tree volume, volume per ha and MAI were observed in the silvi-agricultural system. Among the systems, Croton floribundus presented higher values compared to Guazuma ulmifolia in the silvi-agricultural system. While in the silvi-pastoral system, greater DBH and consequently greater volume of trees, volume per ha and MAI occurred in G. ulmifolia when compared to C. floribundus. CO₂ sequestration values corroborated the MAI, with higher values in the silvi-agricultural system. Wood properties are affected in part by the type of system. We report shorter fibers with thicker walls in the silvi-agricultural system for Croton floribundus. Additionally, we show that it is possible to associate the planting of short-cycle crops with the production of trees to obtain wood, increase the carbon stock and still be aligned with the criteria of Environmental, Social, and Governance. Results that encourage the practice of agroforestry systems with multiple sources of income.