Assessment of Tree Biomass and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Pongamia Pinnata (L.) Pierre Clones Under an Agroforestry System
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ija.2026.28.02.06Keywords:
Climate change, Clones, Pongamia, Biomass and Carbon sequestrationAbstract
Global warming driven by rising atmospheric CO₂ has intensified the need for effective carbon sequestration strategies, where trees like Pongamia pinnata play a vital role due to higher biomass production, nitrogen-fixing ability, and soil restoration potential. The study was conducted at UAS, Bengaluru to evaluate the growth performance, biomass production, and carbon sequestration potential of Pongamia clones. The experiment comprised eight pongamia clones, planted at 5 m × 5 m spacing in a randomised block design (RBD) with three replications. Growth parameters, including tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH) and canopy spread were recorded periodically from 2020 to 2026. After six years of planting, RAK-2015-10 consistently performing better in tree height (4.98 m) and DBH (14.25 cm). Maximum canopy spread is noticed in RAK-2015-01 (4.63 m N-S and 4.31 m E-W). Carbon sequestration potential of pongamia clones varied significantly based on growth and biomass production. In the first year, RAK-2015-01 recorded the highest volume, total biomass and carbon sequestration (7.41 m3, 7.66 t ha⁻¹ & 14.04 t ha⁻¹). From the 2nd to 6th year, RAK-2015-10 consistently showed the highest volume and carbon sequestration potential, reaching 40.43 m3 and 76.58 t ha⁻¹. RAK-2015-07 exhibited the lowest and non-significant carbon sequestration throughout the study period. RAK-2015-10 pongamia clone significantly enhanced biomass production and carbon sequestration, making it a viable strategy for climate change mitigation under agroforestry systems in the study area.
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