<p>Sustainable intensification of agriculture is essential to meet rising food demand while mitigating land degradation, declining soil fertility and climate change impacts. Fruit-based agroforestry systems, combined with integrated nutrient management offer a promising approach to enhance productivity, soil health and carbon storage, particularly in Vindhyan region of India. The present investigation aimed at (i) assessing the impact of fruit-based agroforestry systems and integrated nutrient management on crop productivity, soil properties and profitability compared to sole cropping; and (ii) quantifying the biomass and carbon storage potential of agroforestry systems. The experiment used split plot design wherein land use systems (custard apple-, bael-, guava-based agri-horti system, and open field) as main plot factor and nutrient management practices (N₁: control, N₂: 75% RDF+25% FYM, N₃ :50% RDF+25% FYM+25% Vermicompost, N₄: 75% RDF+25% Vermicompost, N₅: 50% RDF+25% Vermicompost+25% Poultry manure and N₆: 50% RDF+50% Poultry manure) were allocated as sub plot factor. Agroforestry systems showed a moderate reduction (6–27%) in mungbean yield compared to sole cropping due to tree-crop competition, but significantly improved soil quality, soil organic carbon (16–24%), nutrient availability and microbial activity. Among nutrient management treatments, integrated application of 50% RDF + 25% vermicompost + 25% poultry manure (N₅) resulted in the highest crop productivity and soil fertility. Bael-based systems recorded the highest biomass and carbon stock, while custard apple-based systems yielded maximum economic returns. This study demonstrates that fruit-based agroforestry combined with integrated nutrient management is an effective strategy for improving soil health, enhancing carbon storage and increasing farm profitability in resource-constrained regions. It provides practical insights for promoting climate-resilient and economically viable land-use systems in semi-arid and degraded landscapes.</p>