The role of two different training systems in affecting carbon sequestration capability in hazelnut orchards

Abstract

As a part of a larger study concerning the carbon sequestration capability by hazelnut orchards in Italy, we analyzed the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) removed over the year from the atmosphere through the net assimilation rates in two hazelnut orchards in Piedmont (i.e., the second region in Italy for surface and production). In particular, considering the key role played by the structural traits in affecting carbon sequestration potential, we assessed the impact of two different training systems widely diffused in the region: single trunk in orchard_A and bush-like in orchard_B. The results showed that plants in orchard_A and orchard_B sequestered 10.6 ± 1.8 and 25.7 ± 4.2 kg (CO₂) plant⁻¹ month⁻¹, respectively. Higher CO₂ sequestration in the plants in orchard_B was due to their higher leaf area index relative to plants in orchard_A. The mean CO₂ sequestration from orchard_A and orchard_B per area was 4.25 ± 1.72 and 8.57 ± 3.41 Mg (CO₂) ha⁻¹ month⁻¹, respectively. We also estimated the total amount of CO₂ emission by the management over the entire production season in 157.335 kg CO_2eq ha⁻¹ by summing the contribution of diesel fuel, machinery and fertilization practices and considering that the total amount of CO₂ sequestered by the two hazelnut orchards over the entire study period was estimated in 26 Mg (CO₂) ha⁻¹ in orchard_A, and in 51 Mg (CO₂) ha⁻¹ in orchard_B, they had an effective positive role as carbon sink at this local level.

Keywords

Hazelnut orchard / Training systems / Carbon sequestration / Leaf area index

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Funding

Università degli Studi di Pavia