Estimation of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions and aboveground carbon stocks in agroforestry cacao production systems in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon

The increase in global climate variability due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) has endangered both the environment and human health.In this context, it is important to quantify the carbon balance of anthropogenic activities, in terms of both carbon emission and carbon fixation.The aim of this study was to estimate the anthropogenic CO 2 emissions and aboveground carbon stocks in agroforestry systems of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) in the southern Peruvian Amazon, specifically in Madre de Dios.Nine agroforestry systems (AFS) of 4-7 years of age were selected, composed of T. cacao in association with timber, non-timber and fruit tree species.CO 2 emissions were estimates based on interviews with landowners, considering fuels, fertilizers, herbicides, and domestic use of firewood, charcoal, gas and electricity.To estimate carbon stocks, we calculate aboveground biomass, litter biomass and biomass of annual cocoa bean production.The density of T. cacao varied between 530-1160 individuals/ha with ten other associated species at lower densities.The aboveground carbon stock in AFS ranged from 7.7 to 13.7 Mg/ha and the carbon fixation rate ranged from 1.5 to 3 Mg/ha/year.Total emissions ranged from 0.12-2.15Mg CO 2 e/ha/yr, with fuel use being the main source of emissions (up to 98%).Fixation rates ranged from 12.8-23.8Mg CO 2 e/ha/year.Carbon dioxide emissions fixation rates were significantly higher than emissions in every AFS.The results suggest that AFS did not have a negative impact on the environment.The study highlights the importance of AFS within the context of climate change and the increasing environmental impact of conventional agricultural systems.The study shows that the assessed AFSs had a positive overall aboveground carbon balance.Emission rates were low, and fuel use was present in all the AFS and represented the largest source of CO 2 emissions.Therefore, by harboring tree species, the AFS would allow for climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.