Biomass production and carbon sequestration potential of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) under dryland environment

Abstract

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is a fast-growing evergreen tree species adopted to wide range of climatic condition and especially suitable for dryland areas. A study was conducted to quantify its potential for carbon sequestration. The study concentrated on estimating biomass and carbon stock of 10-year-old Azadirachta indica plantation under different diameter classes. Biomass production of neem was recorded maximum in root (258.1 t ha-1) followed by primary branch, secondary branch, stem and leaf under 20-30 cm diameter class. The 10-year-old neem plantation showed carbon sequestration potential of about 31.82 kg C tree- 1 (88.15 t C ha-1) in above ground biomass and 17.97 kg C tree-1 (49.78 t C ha-1) in below ground biomass. The maximum average CO2 equivalent was recorded in root followed by primary branch, secondary branch and stem. The carbon dioxide equivalent showed an increasing trend with increased diameter classes.