Productivity, energy indices, and environmental impact of newly adapted ultrahigh‐density mango ( Mangifera indica L.) orchards

Abstract

Increased farm productivity and income, along with increased energy use efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint, are deemed imperative for sustainable mango ( Mangifera indica L.) production. In this study, we assessed the comparative benefits in terms of productivity, energy indices, carbon footprint, and farm income under ultrahigh‐density planting (UHDP) and traditional low‐density planting (TLDP) geometry. The results revealed that significantly higher plant biomass (23,001 kg ha ⁻¹ ), carbon sequestration (11,505 kg C ha ⁻¹ year ⁻¹ ) and maximum energy output (245,700 MJ ha ⁻¹ ) were attained from the 10‐year‐old UHDP geometry. Energy use efficiency (1.46 and 2.90) and energy productivity (0.16 and 0.32 kg MJ ⁻¹ ) were relatively higher in the 5‐year‐old and 10‐year‐old UHDP than in the TLDP. The highest mango yield (27,000 kg ha ⁻¹ ) and economic return in terms of gross margin ($7381 ha ⁻¹ ) were obtained from the 10‐year‐old UHDP. Carbon footprint analysis using the Cool Farm Tool revealed maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in 10‐year‐old UHDP because the maximum use of energy inputs (84,638 MJ ha ⁻¹ ) occurred, but higher C sequestration by trees and higher fruit yield resulted in a negative C balance in the 10‐year‐old UHDP. With respect to the per tonne production of mango fruits, the lowest emission was achieved with the 10‐year‐old UHDP. The results suggested that with respect to total biomass accumulation, total carbon sequestration, energy use efficiency, energy productivity, and GHG emissions tonne ⁻¹ , the mango production UHDP system of mango orchards yielded better results than did the TLDP system of mango orchards in terms of farmer fields.