TITLE:
Characteristics and Contribution of Citrus Orchards to Carbon Storage in Southern Senegal
AUTHORS:
Joseph Saturnin Diémé, Landing Diedhiou, Saboury Ndiaye, Alioune Ndiaye, Ibrahima Ndiaye, Lémou Ndiaye, Fatima Guissé, Yaya Diatta, Mamadou Ndao, El Hadji Mamadou Dieye, Lansana Sané, Safiétou Diedhiou
KEYWORDS:
Citrus Orchards, Above-Ground Biomass, Carbon Stock, CO2 Sequestration, Climate Change
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Resources,
Vol.17 No.1,
January
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: The mitigation of climate change and its adverse consequences is highly urgent. This study assesses the carbon sequestration potential of citrus orchards in southern Senegal. The authors measured dendrometric parameters for 120 trees across five citrus species, three sites, and three age classes, using allometric equations to estimate above-ground biomass and carbon stocks. The key finding is that carbon storage varies significantly by site, species, and age, with one site (Kabadio) and two species (orange, mandarin) showing the highest potential. Diameter was found to be the strongest predictor of above-ground biomass and carbon stock, while tree height was a weaker indicator, likely due to management practices like pruning. The results suggest that citrus plantations can contribute to carbon sequestration in addition to their economic and food functions.