Comparison of Carbon Stock Potential of Different ‘Trees Outside Forest’ Systems of Palakkad District, Kerala: A Step Towards Climate Change Mitigation

ABSTRACT Carbon stock options to mitigate climate change have become a significant area of interest as every possible way to address this global issue is being explored. Afforestation and ecosystem restoration activities are widely adopted to improve the potential of the land in carbon storage. The Kerala State Action Plan on Climate Change proposed the ‘Trees outside forests (Tof)’ as an effective mechanism to mitigate climate change. Due to its discrete distribution and non‐uniformity, there are fewer attempts to measure the potential of these systems. Palakkad district of Kerala has a discrete climate due to the Palaghat gap and the absence of a coastal line. The district also has a major population depending on agriculture. This study tried to determine and compare the carbon (C) stock potential of the three ‘Trees outside forest (Tof)’ conditions prevailing in the Palakkad district, Kerala. The carbon stock by standing biomass and soil of four sites of undisturbed natural vegetation, monoculture plantation, and home garden were estimated using allometric equations and computations. The natural vegetation was found to have a higher carbon stock potential (238.58 Mg ha −1 ) compared with monoculture plantation (166.23 Mg ha −1 ) and human habitat (74.87 Mg ha −1 ). Also, natural vegetation's soil organic carbon content was much higher than monoculture plantations and home gardens. The study also estimated the soil deterioration index of each land use compared with the natural vegetation and barren land. The results of the study suggested that land use has a great influence on soil quality and carbon stock potential. Proper management of these Tof systems can enhance their productivity and contribute accountable support towards mitigating climate change.