Carbon storage potential of cacao agroforestry systems of different age and management intensity

This study was carried out in Traditional and Innovative Cocoa Agroforestry Systems (CAS) of the Central Region of Cameroon. The aim was to assess carbon sequestration potential and tree species richness of each CAS. Sampling was done in 82 plots of 25 x 25 m in Traditional and Innovative CAS of different age classes. In addition to cocoa trees, associated trees with dbh >= 10 cm were inventoried. Aboveground biomass was evaluated using the non-destructive method for cocoa trees and woody plants and destructive method for herbaceous plants, litter and roots. A total of 5843 individuals belonging to 25 families, 35 genera and 39 species were inventoried in these CAS. The most represented species were Elaies guineensis and Carica papaya in Innovative CAS, Citrus sinensis and Dacryodes edulis in Traditional CAS. In the study area, species richness found in all Traditional and Innovative CAS sampled was respectively 38 and 6. Basal area and shade trees density of Innovative CAS were respectively 4.7 m(2).ha(-1), and 21 trees.ha(-1) against 38, 13.7 m(2).ha(-1) and 84 trees.ha(-1) in Traditional CAS. The total carbon stock of Traditional CAS represented three-times more (138.1 t C.ha(-1)) that of Innovative CAS (46.9 t C.ha(-1)). Carbon stock increased significantly with age of Innovative CAS whereas in Traditional CAS, there were no significant differences. Innovative CAS are less preferable as a basic model in the REDD+ process compared to Traditional CAS in carbon storage and biodiversity conservation contexts.