ETD

• agroecology
• agroforestry
• carbon sequestration
• closed chamber method
• greenhouse gases
• pasture
• poplar

The purpose of the experiment was to compare an agro-silvo-pastoral system and a mixed arable system to evaluate whether there are any differences between the two in terms of greenhouse gas emissions from the soil (CH4, N2O, and CO2), biomass production, LAI and coverage. These differences are evaluated both between and within the two systems.
Biomass, coverage and LAI were measured in 2 epochs in 25 different points per field, while GHGs were measured in 4 epochs in 12 points per field. When data was analyzed, 3 zones in the field were distinguished: pitch (Pi), central (Ce) and field (Fi).
Results showed that cover percentage was higher on AR system, while LAI resulted significantly higher only in Ce position on April.
Regarding dry weight production, Fi position had a positive effect in AR system throughout all sampling dates, while AF production was generally higher, though the difference was not always significant.
Regarding emissions, overall CH4 results showed no differences between the two systems on Small collar, while the trend suggested slightly higher emissions on AR; this trend can also be observed on Large collar, with significant differences in some cases.
No differences were found in CO2 and N2O emissions from the soil between the two systems, nor within the systems.
Soil CH4 and CO2 fluxes were not affected in a significant way by the experiment, but trend of non significantly higher values in AF system was observed regarding CO2 flux. Statistically higher fluxes of N2O were observed In AF system on Small collar.