Work

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Plantations Across Climatic Gradients in Togo

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The current study seeks to estimate the carbon sequestration capability of a cashew plantation in Togo as a function of climate gradient. The research was conducted in the Guinean and Sudanian climatic zones, on farmers' cashew plantations. The study was run from March to October 2023. This study was carried out in ten (10) cashew farms (five per climatic zone) which have ten years old. Cashew trees were classed based on their diameter at breast height (0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15 cm, and > 15 cm). To measure carbon stock in the biomass, allometric equations were utilized, and soil carbon stock was assessed using laboratory analysis. The Guinean zone has a higher soil carbon stock (86.89 ± 4.06 t C/ha) compared to the Sudanian zone (80.23 ± 3.78 t). The same trend can be observed in the various cashew tree components (trunk, branches and leaves). In general, the tree trunk had 79% of the carbon supply, compared to 19% and 2% in the branches and leaves, respectively. Carbon sequestration in the soil varies depending on the climatic zone and the soil depth (0-25 cm; 25-50 cm). Cashew-based cropping systems might be deemed carbon-efficient.

Source: International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

DOI: 10.9734/ijecc/2025/v15i14672

Authors: Kossi-Messan Jacques AGBOKA, Dodiomon SORO, Komi AGBOKA

Institutions: West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use, University of Lomé, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny

Language: English

Topic: Forest ecology and management

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use