Carbon stock appraisal of naturally growing trees on farmlands in plain zone districts of Chhattisgarh, India

The study was conducted to assess the current carbon stock status and future potential of existing agroforestry systems in Chhattisgarh, India. A total 60 plots of 0.4 ha each were selected in 15 villages of three districts (Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa and Mungeli) of Chhattisgarh plain zone in a randomized sampling to determine tree density, species composition and tree growth. It was found that the existing trees on agricultural fields varied from 9.5 to 14.5 trees ha(-1), abundant with Butea monosperma (Lam.) Jaub (36%), Acacia nilotica (L) Willd. Ex. Delile (16%), Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn (11%) and Albizia procera (L.) Benth (6%). The average growing stock (volume) found minimum 7.30 m(3) ha(-1) (Janjgir-Champa) to maximum 13.97 m(3) ha(-1) (Mungeli). The current number of trees can be increased to 38 45 trees ha(-1) as the farmers of the areas showing willingness for planting indigenous trees in crops fields. The estimated total current tree carbon stock ranged from 15.81 q ha(-1) to 171.71 q ha(-1) in sampled villages, while the mean maximum carbon stock estimated 6.35 Mg ha(-1) for Bilaspur and minimum carbon stock 3.10 Mg ha(-1) for Janjgir-Champa district. The potential carbon stock in agroforestry trees estimated lowest 12.43 Mg ha(-1) in Janjgir-Champa and highest 21.71 Mg ha(-1) in Bilaspur District. The current level of mean carbons stock 5.08 Mg ha(-1) can be enhanced to 17.18 Mg ha(-1) by achieving potential tree density in farmers' field. Overall, there is a scope for about 238% increment in tree carbon stock from the current level in study areas through agroforestry interventions.