Almacenamiento y tasas de fijación de biomasa y carbono en sistemas agroforestales de cacao (Theobroma cacao) y laurel (Cordia alliodora) 1

We simulated carbon storage and fixation rates in cacao (Theobroma cacao) and laurel (Cordia alliodora) agroforestry systems planted in 1989 - 1990 in Changuinola, Panama. The sites differed in the plantation density of laurel (6 × 6 m and 12 × 12 m) and in landscape (hillside and valley, respectively); cacao was planted at 3 × 3 m in all sites. The carbon stored in 25 years varied between 43 and 62 t C ha -1 , with accumulation rates between 1.7 and 2.5 t C ha -1 year -1 . Carbon accumulation in these systems could contribute to the household economy if a market for carbon certificates for greenhouse gases reduction is created. The maximum carbon fixation rates occurred in the first seven years.