Carbon Sequestration and Productivity Potential of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Hybrids and Varieties under Coastal Eco-System of Maharashtra

Field experiment was carried out at All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms, Regional Coconut Research Station, Bhatye (DBSKKV, Dapoli), Maharashtra, (India) during the period of 2004-2016 to assess the carbon sequestration and productivity potential of twelve coconut hybrids and three varieties which was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Results showed that the two hybrids viz, GBGD x ECT (127.6 nuts/palm/year) and COD x LCT (108.0 nuts/palm/year) are superior with respect to nut production followed by WCT x MYD (107.6 nuts), ECT x GBGD (106.9 nuts) and the standard variety ‘Pratap’. Furthermore, the coconut orchard substantially contributed towards improving the above and below ground carbon stock. The above ground standing biomass and carbon stock recorded was the highest in the variety East Coast Tall (312 kg/plant and 27.32 t/ha, respectively) followed by hybrid WCT x GBGD (308.69 kg/plant and 27.01 t/ha, respectively) and the lowest was in hybrid MYD x ECT (138.71 kg/plant and 12.14 t/ha, respectively). The highest soil carbon stock 39.12 t/ha and 37.16 t/ha at 0-30 and 31-60 cm depth was recorded in the rhizosphere of hybrid ECT x MYD and the lowest soil carbon stock (35.52 t/ha and 34.71 t/ha) was observed in hybrid PHOT x GBGD.