ASSESSMENT OF SOIL CARBON STOCKS ACROSS DIFFERENT AGE CLASSES IN Azadirachta indica (A. JUSS.) AGROSYSTEMS IN THE FAR NORTH REGION OF CAMEROON

The Far North Region is one of Cameroon’s ecologically fragile areas. Reforestation using Azadirachta indica is among the successful initiatives that have been adopted by local communities; however, it has not been subject to an ecological assessment despite the ongoing phenomenon of climate change. The aim of this study is to assess soil carbon stocks in order to contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change in Cameroon’s arid zone. The study was conducted across four departments and focused on carbon sequestration. A split-plot design with five replicates was used. Soil samples were collected and analysed. The results show that the total soil carbon stock is approximately 85.16 tCO₂/ha, depending on the different sites. This study clearly demonstrates the important role these agrosystems play in mitigating the effects of climate change. If managed sustainably, they will act as genuine carbon sinks in the semi-arid zone of Cameroon.