Vermicompost Effects on Carbon Sequestration of Paulownia Elongata in Agroforestry System

Saman Zaman; Rukhsana Kausar; Sama  Allah Khan; Umar Farooq

Authors

Saman Zaman Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad
Rukhsana Kausar Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad
Sama Allah Khan Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Islamabad
Umar Farooq Range Management and Forestry, PARC Islamabad

Keywords:

Paulownia Elongata, Vermicomposting, Carbon Sequestration, Agroforestry, Soil Fertility

Abstract

In a controlled agroforestry system, this study evaluated the effects of vermicompost-silt mixtures (30:70, 40:60, and 50:50 ratios) on the growth and carbon sequestration potential of hybrid Paulownia elongata. Compared to other ratios and the control, the 50:50 treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased plant height (25 inches), stem diameter (0.87 cm), and biomass (13.22 g/plant). According to soil analysis, the 50:50 mixture had the highest carbon stock (6.61 g/plant) and improved potassium (582.67 mg/kg) and organic matter (1.12%) contents. These findings show that Paulownia growth and carbon capture are maximized by balanced vermicompost application, providing a sustainable method for agroforestry in nutrient-deficient soils.

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