Characteristics and Contribution of Citrus Orchards to Carbon Storage in Southern Senegal

Abstract

The mitigation of climate change and its adverse consequences is highly ur- gent. This study assesses the carbon sequestration potential of citrus orchards in southern Senegal. The authors measured dendrometric parameters for 120 trees across five citrus species, three sites, and three age classes, using allome- tric equations to estimate above-ground biomass and carbon stocks. The key finding is that carbon storage varies significantly by site, species, and age, with one site (Kabadio) and two species (orange, mandarin) showing the highest potential. Diameter was found to be the strongest predictor of above-ground biomass and carbon stock, while tree height was a weaker indicator, likely due to management practices like pruning. The results suggest that citrus planta- tions can contribute to carbon sequestration in addition to their economic and food functions.