Argan orchards (aged 2 to 10 years) managed under extensive systems in the Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve were studied to assess carbon stocks in the main ecosystem components (aboveground argan tree biomass, leaf litter, herbaceous vegetation, and soil). The study, conducted across six sites between 2021 and 2023, combined morpho-physiological and dendrometric measurements with structural equation modeling to analyze interactions among compartments. Carbon stocks were estimated according to IPCC guidelines (2006, revised in 2019).
The results show an increase in carbon stock in argan tree biomass with age (from 0.003 to 1.938 t C ha⁻¹ between 2 and 10 years). Contributions from litter (0.36–8.51 kg C ha⁻¹) and herbaceous biomass (0–0.56 t C ha⁻¹) remain limited. Soil constitutes the main carbon reservoir, with stocks ranging from 10.12 to 80.5 t C ha⁻¹ (0–30 cm) and from 8.49 to 75.94 t C ha⁻¹ (30–60 cm).
These results highlight the dominant role of soil in carbon sequestration and emphasize the potential of extensive arganiculture for ecosystem restoration and climate change mitigation. They also confirm the relevance of integrating these systems into national climate strategies and carbon valuation mechanisms, particularly in arid regions.
Ref. Oumasst A., Tiouidji F. E., Chabbi N., et al. 2026 - Evaluating the dynamics of carbon accumulation in extensive argan orchard ecosystems in arid regions. Ecological Processes (2026) 15:6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s13717-025-00666-1
Posted by Jean-Paul Peltier.