Agroforestry for Carbon Neutrality: An Effective Pathway to Net Zero

Abstract

Agroforestry is a promising strategy to achieve carbon neutrality and net zero emission, aiming towards the balance between greenhouse gas emissions and equal amount of carbon removal through sequestration Among several methods of carbon sequestration, agroforestry stands out for its unique ability to simultaneously sequester carbon while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions associated with chemical fertilizer use in conventional agriculture. These systems store carbon through multiple pathways like, in above-ground biomass, below-ground root systems, and enhanced soil organic carbon accumulation while maintaining the agricultural productivity. Acknowledged under the afforestation and reforestation programs of the Kyoto Protocol, agroforestry has attracted interest for its several advantages from both industrialized and developing countries for its multifaceted benefits, including its potential to combat desertification and reduce anthropogenic emissions. Beyond carbon sequestration, it enhances soil fertility, supports biodiversity conservation, and provides economic diversification for farmers through multiple income streams. The role of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) negotiations in extending the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period has further strengthened agroforestry's position in global climate action, particularly through the development of REDD offset credits in compliance carbon markets. The World Agroforestry Centre defines agroforestry as a dynamic, ecologically based natural resources management system that integrates trees on farms and in the agricultural landscape, diversifying and sustaining production for increased social, economic, and environmental benefits. The Association for Temperate Agroforestry (AFTA) defines it as an intensive land management system that optimizes the benefits from biological interactions created when trees and/or shrubs are deliberately combined with crops and/or other natural resources. This review article critically examines agroforestry's crucial role as an effective pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality and net zero goals, synthesizing current knowledge and future prospects.