Introduction

Moringa oleifera, often known as the "miracle tree," is renowned for its remarkable adaptability, nutritional properties, and diverse benefits. Native to India, this drought-tolerant tree has gained global recognition, cultivated widely across regions such as Nigeria, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, South Africa, Latin America, and the Philippines (Nepal FAO, 2018). Commonly referred to as the "drumstick tree," "cabbage tree," or "mother’s best friend tree", Moringa oleifera exemplifies resilience in challenging environments, supporting sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.

Moringa tree usually has a straight long trunk (20–40 cm in diameter and 10–12 m in height) with a spreading, open crown of drooping, fragile branches and feathery foliage of tripinnate leaves. Their seeds can contain up to 30–60% oil, making these plants very productive sources for biofuel production

Biomass and Allometry for Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration in Moringa oleifera is closely tied to its biomass, with growth rates and harvesting practices playing a significant role. Allometric equations, which quantify the relationship between tree morphology and biomass, are crucial for accurate biomass estimation and, consequently, carbon storage calculations. Above-ground biomass (AGB) is typically estimated using the diameter at breast height (DBH) or total tree height, with root collar diameter (RCD) often used for younger or smaller trees (IPCC guidelines). By employing region- and species-specific equations, researchers can estimate Moringa’s biomass more precisely, especially in subtropical climates where it thrives (Valdés-Rodríguez et al., 2018).

Due to its rapid growth rate, Moringa oleifera can accumulate biomass more swiftly than many other species, enhancing its potential as a carbon sink. Its ability to sequester carbon is fifty times greater than that of Japanese cedar trees and twenty times more than general vegetation, according to studies (Thakur & Bajagain, 2018). Moreover, the tree’s adaptability in arid regions, even under drought stress, allows it to consistently produce high leaf yields, making it a valuable component in agroforestry systems.

Table 1 below summarizes the key morphological parameters observed in Moringa oleifera plantations, based on the study by Valdés-Rodríguez et al. (2018). The study analyzed 12-month-old Moringa trees grown in clay soil under a subtropical climate, measuring above- and below-ground growth characteristics. These parameters are essential for estimating biomass and carbon sequestration potential, as they reflect the tree's structural capacity for carbon storage.

Moringa as a Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Resource

Moringa oleifera is ideally suited to the Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) approach, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity, build resilience to climate impacts, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With its fast-growing nature, short rotation period, deep root system, and potential for food security and socio-economic benefits, Moringa is an invaluable asset in sustainable agroforestry systems (Thakur et al., 2020).

These characteristics enable Moringa to fulfill multiple CSA objectives:

1. Productivity and Food Security: Moringa oleifera can be intercropped with other crops to enhance yields and nutrient efficiency. For example, studies in Niger’s River Valley demonstrated that Moringa planted with crops like cucumbers, sorrel, and eggplants produced substantial net income. In other regions, combining Moringa with onions also showed economic viability (Younoussou et al., 2018).
2. Climate Adaptation and Resilience: With deep roots that access groundwater and nutrients from deep soil layers, Moringa can withstand drought conditions, providing a stable supply of food and economic resources even in arid areas.
3. Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Carbon Sequestration: Through its significant carbon absorption and storage, Moringa plays an essential role in carbon sequestration. Additionally, studies have shown that using Moringa foliage and fruits as feed for ruminants can help reduce methane emissions, offering an eco-friendly alternative for livestock nutrition and contributing to climate change mitigation.

MTBA Systems and Moringa’s Socio-Economic Impact

In Managed Tree-Based Agroforestry (MTBA) systems, Moringa oleifera contributes not only to environmental goals but also to socio-economic upliftment. For instance, research on MTBA practices in the Niger Valley has shown that crops grown alongside Moringa benefit from increased growth rates and yield. Species such as Chlorophytum borivilianum and Fernand demonstrate increased plant growth attributes when cultivated with Moringa, including plant height, leaf area, tuber width, and number of tubers per plant .

The socio-economic impact of Moringa cultivation extends to community levels, as it offers diverse products that support income generation, food security, and community health. With a rich nutritional profile, Moringa provides essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins, often used in health and nutrition interventions. The seeds’ high oil content also positions Moringa as a promising biofuel resource, further supporting renewable energy goals.

Conclusion

Moringa oleifera stands as an exemplary model for climate-smart agriculture, promising benefits across ecological, economic, and social dimensions. By capturing carbon, enhancing soil health, improving crop resilience, and providing a sustainable income source, this "miracle tree" aligns with global efforts to tackle climate change while promoting agricultural sustainability. Through strategic planting, management, and integration with crop systems, Moringa has the potential to transform agroforestry practices and contribute meaningfully to a resilient, low-carbon future.

References:

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