Influence of the tree species on soil parameters and carbon sequestration in silvopastoral systems, Molinopampa district, Amazonas region, Peru

Abstract

Silvopastoral systems (SPS's) represent a sustainable alternative to extensive or intensive cattle ranching, which has contributed to soil degradation and deforestation in the Peruvian Amazon. This research was carried out in Molinopampa, Amazonas, Peru, and evaluated the influence of Alnus glutinosa, Pinus patula, and Cupressus lusitanica on various soil parameters and carbon sequestration. Three plots with live fences composed of 18-year-old trees were selected. The average diameter at breast height (DBH) was 33.8 cm for A. glutinosa, 20.86 cm for P. patula, and 31.28 cm for C. lusitanica. The results show that A. glutinosa stored more carbon in its biomass (151.82 kg/tree) compared to C. lusitanica (117.41 kg/tree) and P. patula (64.13 kg/tree). C. lusitanica and P. patula also showed higher edaphic fertility, with significantly higher phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) values compared to A. glutinosa. P ranged between 1.19 and 102.77 ppm and K between 105.7 and 720.9 ppm. As for pH, A. glutinosa exhibited more acidic soils with a range of 3.39 to 4.74. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that C. lusitanica and P. patula were related in all edaphic parameters, while A. glutinosa had a deficit in N, C and organic matter. These findings highlight the potential of C. lusitanica and P. patula to improve soil quality and CO₂ sequestration in silvopastoral systems.

Keywords

• Biomass
• Carbon
• Live fences
• Edaphic parameters
• Silvopastoral systems
• Sequestration