Carbon Sequestration Potential of Breadfruit Trees
Breadfruit trees, scientifically known as Artocarpus altilis, play a significant role in climate-smart agriculture due to their carbon sequestration capabilities. These long-lived tropical trees, originating in Papua New Guinea and widespread in Polynesia, are important for both food security and environmental sustainability. A study focused on breadfruit in Hawai‘i revealed that these trees, while on the lower end of carbon sequestration among broadleaf tropical trees, can sequester approximately 69.1 tons of carbon per hectare in their above-ground biomass over a 20-year period. This is achieved through practices like reduced tillage and co-cropping, which enhance both above-ground and soil carbon storage. Furthermore, breadfruit’s nutritional profile and socioeconomic benefits make it a valuable crop. However, the development of carbon accounting protocols for breadfruit and similar crops is still evolving, necessitating further research to fully harness their potential in carbon mitigation efforts.
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