Assessment of Forest Composition, Structure and Biomass Dynamics Using Permanent Plot Inventories in Yellapur Forest Division, India

Abstract

This study assesses the forest composition, structure and biomass dynamics in the Yellapur Forest Division using permanent plot inventories. Located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, the Yellapur region features diverse forest types, including tropical dry deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. Permanent plots were established to evaluate tree species distribution, structural attributes and biomass dynamics. The volume and biomass were calculated based on species-specific allometric equations. Results revealed significant differences in forest structure across forest types. Tropical dry deciduous forests exhibited lower tree density (250 trees per hectare) and biomass (55 tons per hectare) compared to semi-evergreen forests, which had higher tree density (350 trees per hectare) and biomass (95 tons per hectare). Biomass volume in the tropical dry deciduous forests was reduced by 15-18 percent in areas impacted by anthropogenic activities such as logging and grazing. The semi-evergreen forests showed a higher carbon stock, with biomass volume accounting for 140 tons per hectare, while tropical dry deciduous forests had a reduced biomass volume of 110 tons per hectare. Species composition in semi-evergreen forests was dominated by Shorea robusta, Terminalia arjuna and Tectona grandis, while tropical dry deciduous forests were characterized by species such as Ziziphus mauritiana and Anogeissus latifolia. The study also highlighted a significant decline in biomass in degraded areas, emphasizing the impact of human-induced disturbances on carbon sequestration. The results suggest that degradation has led to a 12-15 percent reduction in forest biomass volume, with substantial implications for carbon storage and forest health. This research underscores the importance of permanent plot inventories for understanding biomass dynamics and highlights the need for effective forest management strategies to mitigate degradation and enhance carbon storage in these ecosystems.