Soil and tree biomass carbon sequestration potential of silvopastoral and woodland-pasture systems in North East Scotland

摘要: Managing agricultural land for carbon sequestration becomes more important with rising needs greenhouse gas mitigation measures. Woodland establishment in upland grasslands can be a sink, but soil losses have also been observed. Dedicated woodland plots and silvopasture are two contrasting strategies to achieve increased stocks. We compared the potential of approaches three tree species (Hybrid Larch, Scots Pine Sycamore) planted on permanent pasture an farm North East Scotland, 24 years after planting. Soil organic was measured A (~0–30 cm) B (~30–50) horizons. The fractionated into labile, protected resistant pools. Litter layers were biomass estimated using allometric equations. found that total stocks (A plus horizon) similar did not differ significantly between treatments, both coniferous tended greater stock followed by woodland, whereas Sycamore had treatment; least stock. stored labile fractions litter layer than all which levels stabilized carbon. Biomass per treatments species, hectare basis Land management comparison shows large proportions grassland would need converted provide benefits as integrative silvopastoral system.