High-yield potential of carbon and biodiversity-rich cocoa agroforests in Bahia, Brazil
摘要
Improving agricultural productivity while safeguarding ecosystem services and social well-being has become increasingly urgent under current climate constraints. Cocoa represents a relevant case within this context, as it is widely cultivated by smallholders in biodiverse tropical countries through agroforestry systems. However, we still lack information on how to simultaneously optimize ecosystem services, particularly carbon storage, and crop yield. To address this, we evaluated aboveground carbon stocks and cocoa yield in 47 agroforestry farms in southern Bahia, Brazil, aiming to identify management strategies that support both high productivity and high carbon storage. Our approach involved: (i) estimating aboveground carbon and examining its relationship with landscape forest cover, shade levels, and a composite management index (fertilization, weeding, pruning, and cocoa tree density); (ii) modelling cocoa yield as a function of forest cover, vegetation structure, carbon stock, shade, and management intensity; (iii) assessing the effect of individual management practices on yield; and (iv) identifying the combination of management conditions associated with achieving 500 kg ha⁻1, estimating the magnitude of adjustments needed to reach this benchmark. Shade levels were the primary driver of carbon storage, concentrating approximately 93% of the carbon in their biomass. Trees were predominantly native and contributed to biodiversity conservation while representing potential assets for participation in carbon markets. For productivity, the management index was the most influential factor in the first model. The second model showed that weeding, pruning, and combined organic and chemical fertilization significantly enhanced yield, whereas cocoa density did not significantly influence productivity. To exceed the 500 kg ha⁻1 threshold, farms required at least organic fertilization three times per year (or chemical fertilization once per year), seven pruning events per year, three weeding events per year, and a minimum density of 810 cocoa trees per hectare. Importantly, these practices were compatible with maintaining high shade, indicating that ecological benefits and yield gains can be achieved concurrently. Strengthening technical assistance and targeted financial incentives may help enhance productivity in cocoa landscapes while supporting environmental goals.