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Agroforestry: A Sustainable Land-Use Practice for Enhancing Productivity and Carbon Sequestration in Madhupur Sal Forest, Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Mst. Sohela Afroz

    (Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh)

  • S. M. Kamran Ashraf

    (Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh)

  • Md. Tanbheer Rana

    (Tropical and International Forestry, Georg-August-University, 37073 Göttingen, Germany)

  • Saleha Khatun Ripta

    (Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh)

  • Sumaiya Binte Rahman Asha

    (Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh)

  • S. M. Sanjida Tasnim Urmi

    (Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh)

  • Kimihiko Hyakumura

    (Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan)

  • Kazi Kamrul Islam

    (Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh)

Abstract

This paper explores the role of agroforestry in sequestering atmospheric carbon in the tropics and subtropics, specifically in the Madhupur Sal forest of Bangladesh. Agroforestry, combining trees with crops on agricultural lands, is recognized for its potential to act as a carbon sink and enhance productivity. The study assesses various agroforestry practices, including acacia–pineapple–turmeric–papaya, acacia–pineapple–ginger–banana, and sal–pineapple–aroid combinations. This study innovatively assessed both the carbon sequestration and economic viability of agroforestry in the Madhupur Sal forest, presenting a sustainable land-use model that balances environmental benefits and farm profitability. The research reveals improved farm productivity in these agroforestry systems, with different tree species sequestering varying amounts of carbon. Acacia species, ranging from 12 to 25 ft in height, sequestered an average of 23.35 lbs/year, while sal species ( Shorea robusta ), with trees 45 to 61 ft tall, sequestered 49.80 lbs/year on average. Factors such as tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), number of leaves, and branches influence carbon sequestration. The paper suggests that the carbon sequestration (CS) potential of agroforestry results in greenhouse gas emission reduction in Bangladesh. By emphasizing the profitability of these practices alongside carbon sequestration, the study encourages the adoption of agroforestry as a sustainable and economically viable strategy.

Suggested Citation

  • Mst. Sohela Afroz & S. M. Kamran Ashraf & Md. Tanbheer Rana & Saleha Khatun Ripta & Sumaiya Binte Rahman Asha & S. M. Sanjida Tasnim Urmi & Kimihiko Hyakumura & Kazi Kamrul Islam, 2025. "Agroforestry: A Sustainable Land-Use Practice for Enhancing Productivity and Carbon Sequestration in Madhupur Sal Forest, Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3697-:d:1638033
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Murad Ahmed Farukh & Kamona Rani & Sayed Mohammed Nashif & Rimi Khatun & Lotifa Tamanna Toma & Kimihiko Hyakumura & Kazi Kamrul Islam, 2023. "Carbon Stock Mapping Utilizing Accumulated Volume of Sequestrated Carbon at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Louis Verchot & Meine Noordwijk & Serigne Kandji & Tom Tomich & Chin Ong & Alain Albrecht & Jens Mackensen & Cynthia Bantilan & K. Anupama & Cheryl Palm, 2007. "Climate change: linking adaptation and mitigation through agroforestry," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 12(5), pages 901-918, June.
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