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

Mst. Sohela Afroz, S. M. Kamran Ashraf, Md. Tanbheer Rana, Saleha Khatun Ripta, Sumaiya Binte Rahman Asha, S. M. Sanjida Tasnim Urmi, Kimihiko Hyakumura and Kazi Kamrul Islam ()
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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

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-16

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.

Keywords: agroforestry; carbon sequestration; productivity; Madhupur Sal Forest; sustainable land-use practice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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