Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 256-268 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 262 6 Ecosystem Services and Climate Change 6.1 Role of tea plantations in carbon sequestration Tea plantations play a significant role in carbon sequestration, acting as potential carbon sinks that can mitigate climate change impacts. The integration of tea plants with shade trees in agroforestry systems enhances carbon storage both above and below ground. Studies have shown that the total vegetation carbon stock, which includes shade trees, tea bushes, and litter biomass, increases with the age of the tea agroforestry systems (TAFS). This increase can be as high as 25% in systems older than 20 years compared to younger ones, indicating the potential of TAFS to contribute to climate change mitigation strategies such as the Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) and REDD+ initiatives under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (Kalita et al., 2020). Additionally, tea gardens, due to their extensive area and the presence of shade trees, are capable of storing significant quantities of atmospheric CO2, further underscoring their role as effective carbon sinks (Chettri and Ghosh, 2024). The carbon sequestration potential of tea plantations is not only beneficial for climate change mitigation but also provides economic incentives. The economic benefits derived from the carbon storage capabilities of tea gardens can support local economies, particularly in regions heavily reliant on tea production. This dual benefit of ecological and economic gains makes tea plantations a valuable component in the global effort to combat climate change (Chettri and Ghosh, 2024). 6.2 Biodiversity in tea ecosystems Biodiversity within tea ecosystems is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and enhancing the resilience of tea plantations against climate change. The construction of ecological tea gardens, as seen in Fuzhou, China, aims to achieve a synergy between tea production and ecological conservation. These gardens have been shown to transform traditional tea gardens into more ecologically sustainable systems, promoting biodiversity and improving ecosystem services such as soil retention and climate regulation (Wang et al., 2023a). The presence of diverse plant species and the integration of agroforestry practices contribute to a more resilient ecosystem capable of withstanding environmental stresses. Moreover, biodiversity conservation is a key adaptive strategy employed by tea growers to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. In Assam, India, tea growers have adopted measures such as afforestation and the creation of wind barriers to preserve biodiversity and protect tea plantations from climate-induced challenges. These strategies not only enhance the ecological health of tea ecosystems but also support sustainable tea production in the face of changing climatic conditions (Baruah and Handique, 2021). 6.3 Adaptive strategies for climate resilience Adaptive strategies are essential for enhancing the resilience of tea plantations to climate change. In Kenya, the tea industry has adopted a multi-targeted approach to address climate-driven stresses, including the development of climate-compatible tea cultivars through genetic modeling and breeding programs. These efforts aim to improve the tolerance of tea plants to biotic and abiotic stresses, ensuring optimal performance under varying climatic conditions (Muoki et al., 2020). Additionally, physiological and biochemical responses such as stomatal closure and the accumulation of osmolytes are leveraged to support the breeding of resilient tea cultivars. In Assam, India, tea growers have implemented various adaptive measures to combat climate change, including rainwater harvesting, irrigation, and soil mulching. These practices help mitigate the impacts of prolonged droughts, excessive precipitation, and temperature extremes, which are common challenges faced by tea plantations due to climate change. Furthermore, the gradual replacement of synthetic fertilizers with organic alternatives and the cultivation of climate-tolerant cultivars are part of the future strategies aimed at enhancing the sustainability and resilience of tea production (Baruah and Handique, 2021). These adaptive strategies are crucial for maintaining tea yield and quality in the face of ongoing climate change challenges.
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