Why Are Mango Trees Important For The Ecosystem?

Mangoes are found in tropical and sub-tropical climates — Mangoes are luscious stone fruits found in tropical and sub-tropical climates

Imagine a juicy sweet mango evenly cut into small cubes and then mixed with freshly whipped cream on a warm afternoon! Summers are incomplete without the indulgence of mangoes. This King of fruits gives us much-needed relief from the heat; it is fully loaded with various minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. However, did you know that mango trees play a key role in maintaining the ecosystem? Read below to discover how mango trees contribute to environmental balance.

The Mango Story

Over 5000 years ago, the sun-kissed mangoes first burst into existence in the Hindo-Burma region. They are also mentioned in Hindu scriptures dating back to 4000 B.C. These trees have also witnessed the serenity of Gautam Buddha's meditations-the Buddhist monks also believe that these trees are auspicious.

The cashew nuts and pistachios share familial bonds with our beloved mangoes

As humans explored and travelled across continents, so did the mango seeds! They reached different parts of the world, such as East Asia, the Middle East, East Africa, and South America. The cashew nuts and pistachios share familial bonds with our beloved mangoes. Just like them, they grow in tropical and subtropical climates.

Today, the mango is largely produced in India, China, and Thailand, where India is responsible for 40% of the world's supply. You can also see various beautiful mango orchards in the US, Brazil, and even the tropical paradise of Hawaii! While we all love to relish these luscious mangoes, let us also know more about the importance of mango trees.

What are the Benefits of Mango Trees for the Ecosystem?

You will be surprised to know that mango trees help maintain the ecological balance. Apart from its fruits, there are also other multiple benefits of growing mango trees in nature. Many scientists have realised a strong scientific base to prove that mango orchards can help in fighting against climate change.

Mango trees help in mitigating climate change

The United Nations Division of Food and Agriculture has also recently studied the relation of mango trees and carbon sequestration. Carbon sequestration is the process in which the carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is removed and stored in carbon sinks such as soil, oceans, and forests, thus maintaining the Earth's carbon cycle. The mango orchards also play a great carbon sink. Their branches and trunks absorb huge amounts of carbon dioxide like other fruit trees such as sapota, apples, and other citrus fruit-bearing trees. The mango tree has a remarkably vast root system, which also helps to store carbon.

According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), India is one of the leading countries that is benefiting from the mango trees. They are the maximum absorbing CO2 coming from vehicles, power plants, and other human activities. Recent studies also concluded that India’s Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have absorbed the highest amount of the country’s CO2. These states have the maximum areas of growing mango trees in India! In the last 25 years, Telangana’s mango orchards have absorbed 24.2 million tonnes of CO2.

Mango orchards can play a perfect biodiversity hotspot

Recently, I heard a radio interview of Mr. Subhajit Mukherjee, who is famously known as the Mango Man of India. He shed light on the need to rejuvenate India's ageing mango tree population. With over 50% of mango trees in the country reaching maturity, there's a crucial call to action: planting new mango trees.

He further emphasised that mango trees are vital biodiversity hotspots. Their absence could lead to significant ecosystem imbalances. Interestingly, mango trees excel as companions to other flora and fauna, creating habitats for various species. Birds, insects, and other wildlife enhance self and cross-pollination and ultimately boost mango yields.

Moreover, mango trees offer a nurturing environment for companion plantations. Under their protective shelter, diverse plants like curry leaves, guavas, and mogra flourish. This beautiful symbiotic relationship between mango trees and other companion plants helps create an ecosystem where both farmers and efforts to protect biodiversity benefit.

Mango trees and weed plants have mutualistic relationships, which helps in doubling the mango yields

Additionally, the FIU Institute of Environment revealed an intriguing finding: the presence of weeds around mango trees can significantly enhance mango yields. Weeds act as magnets for pollinators whose declining populations have become a concerning trend in recent decades. Their study demonstrated that mango trees surrounded by weeds yielded between 100 to 236 mangoes, compared to 36 to 48 on weed-free trees.

This mutualistic alliance between mango trees and weed plants underscores the intricate interconnectedness of species within ecosystems. It underscores the pivotal role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem health and productivity.

Mango trees also help in the stabilisation of soil. Their strong, extensive root systems hold the soil effectively. Thus, these trees can help prevent soil erosion. Their roots also help in maintaining soil integrity. Amazingly, mango trees also help in replenishing groundwater levels! These trees play an excellent role in maintaining the flow of water in the area. They do this by reducing the amount of rainwater that runs off the surface and instead allowing it to seep into the ground. They also provide shade and help cool the surrounding area, thus creating microclimates that prove blessings for other plants, animals, and for us too!

Wrapping Up

As we enjoy the delicious fruit, let's also marvel at the beauty and benefits of the majestic mango tree!

Mango trees are nature's gifts that go beyond just bearing fruit. They offer numerous environmental and socio-economic advantages. By nurturing, maintaining, and practising sustainable farming of mango orchards, we pave the way for a better future for ourselves and generations to come. Let's take action by planting mango seeds in our nearby hills, communities, and neighbourhoods. As we enjoy the delicious fruit, let's also marvel at the beauty and benefits of the majestic mango tree!