Research Article Details

Abstract

The present study was conducted in moist temperate coniferous forests (1700 to 2800 m asl) of the Bhadarwah region in Jammu division, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), India, to assess forest biomass, carbon (C) stocks and anthropogenic disturbances prevalent in these forests. Based on the results of the present study, an effort has been made to make practical recommendations for sustainable forest management and C conservation/ sequestration. Eight forest types were selected based on altitude, slope aspect, and dominant tree species. Soil organic carbon (SOC), forest biomass, and C stocks in different forest types were estimated. Significant anthropogenic disturbances in the forest area were identified as grazing by domestic animals, stem cutting, soil erosion, and tree lopping for fuelwood and fodder extraction. Total biomass C density ranged between 15.04 and 260.90 Mgha-1. The values of SOC density ranged from 65.07 to 191.89 Mgha-1. Carbon loss due to anthropogenic activities was estimated to be significantly high at middle altitudes (180.95 Mgha-1 in the mixed coniferous forest). Disturbance indices also suggested that middle altitudinal forests were more disturbed. These coniferous forests were found to be very productive and stored large amounts of C in them. Therefore further degradation of these forests will cause loss of large quantities of C stored in vegetation and soils of these forests.