Carbon sequestration potential of Italian orchards and vineyards

From 2004 to 2012 carbon (C) fluxes between the soil-vegetation system and the atmosphere in apple, grape, olive and orange orchards planted in different Italian regions were measured. Above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP) ranged from 4 (olive) to 9 (apple) Mg C ha-1. Alley grass contribution to total ANPP significantly varied among the systems, reaching a maximum of 60% in vineyards. The harvest index ranged from 46% for apple, to 58% for orange, 60% for grape and 41% for olive, while abscised leaves accounted for 30% of ANPP, on average. Soil respiration fluxes ranged from 6 (orange) to 10 (grape) Mg C ha-1. Results indicate the potential of these fruit crop to sequester atmospheric C.