Modeling the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Multifunctional Agroforestry-Based Phytoremediation (MAP) Systems in Chinandega, Nicaragua

Elisie Kåresdotter, Lisa Bergqvist, Ginnette Flores-Carmenate, Henrik Haller and Anders Jonsson
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Elisie Kåresdotter: Department of Physical Geography and Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
Lisa Bergqvist: Department of Ecotechnology and Sustainable Building Engineering, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden
Ginnette Flores-Carmenate: AB Hjortens Laboratorium, 831 48 Östersund, Sweden
Henrik Haller: Department of Ecotechnology and Sustainable Building Engineering, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden
Anders Jonsson: Department of Ecotechnology and Sustainable Building Engineering, Mid Sweden University, 831 25 Östersund, Sweden

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 9, 1-14

Abstract: Global sustainability challenges associated with increasing resource demands from a growing population call for resource-efficient land-use strategies that address multiple sustainability issues. Multifunctional agroforestry-based phytoremediation (MAP) is one such strategy that can simultaneously capture carbon, decontaminate soils, and provide diverse incomes for local farmers. Chinandega, Nicaragua, is a densely populated agricultural region with heavily polluted soils. Four different MAP systems scenarios relevant to Chinandega were created and carbon sequestration potentials were calculated using CO2FIX. All scenarios showed the potential to store significantly more carbon than conventional farming practices, ranging from 2.5 to 8.0 Mg CO 2 eq ha −1 yr −1 . Overall, carbon sequestration in crops is relatively small, but results in increased soil organic carbon (SOC), especially in perennials, and the combination of crops and trees provide higher carbon sequestration rates than monoculture. Changes in SOC are crucial for long-term carbon sequestration, here ranging between 0.4 and 0.9 Mg C ha −1 yr −1 , with the most given in scenario 4, an alley cropping system with pollarded trees with prunings used as green mulch. The adoption rate of multifunctional strategies providing both commodity and non-commodity outputs, such as carbon sequestration, would likely increase if phytoremediation is included. Well-designed MAP systems could help reduce land-use conflicts, provide healthier soil, act as climate change mitigation, and have positive impacts on local health and economies.

Keywords: phytoremediation; carbon sequestration; multifunctional land use; nature-based solution; agroforestry; climate change mitigation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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