Contribution of tree and crop roots to soil carbon stocks in a Sub-Sahelian agroforestry parkland in Senegal

In the Sub-Sahelian region (Senegal), Faidherbia albida trees have been maintained for years in agroforestry parklands for their numerous services offered to people and to crops. The aerial crop biomass and yield are notably greater under the tree crown, but most of this biomass is exported and does not contribute to soil carbon (C) inputs. Belowground litter inputs are crucial, but little is known about the root system distribution, productivity and contribution to soil C inputs. This study aims to assess the field heterogeneity of F. albida and crop root systems along the soil profile based on the distance to the tree to evaluate the root contribution to soil C stocks.