Assessment of a Cocoa-Based Agroforestry System in the Southwest of Colombia

Cocoa-based agroforests play an important role in farmer livelihood and the global environment; however, despite these facts, their low yields tree aging put at risk fate. This project investigated carbon storage potential, productivity, economics of different agroforestry arrangements cocoa (Theobroma cacao) with Melina (Gmelina arborea) trees, southwest Colombia. We established experiment under a Randomized Complete Blocks design seven treatments three repetitions. Different allometric models were tested. Allometric made for G. arborea trees dbh, ranging between 30.24 50.11 cm. The total accumulation fluctuated 49.2 (Treatment 4) 88.5 t ha?1 2), soil organic matter (SOM) ranged 9 17%, bulk density decreased from 0.83 to 0.77 g cm?3. Cocoa yield 311 kg year?1 7, traditional farm) 922 6). Treatment 6 showed best performance net present value (NPV) COP 1,446,467 (US $337.6), internal rate return (IRR) 42%, cost-benefit ratio (B/C) 1.67%. benefits AFS also evidenced some physical chemical properties. Despite local marginality, agroforest are viable alternative improve (local) systems because cacao increased becoming suitable systems.