Biomass and Carbon Stock of Trees in a Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest of Kamrup Metropolitan District, Assam, India

Abstract

The present investigation deals with the estimation of biomass and Carbon stock potential of tree species in a tropical moist deciduous forest of Kamrup Metropolitan district of Assam, India. For vegetation sampling of trees, the stratified random method was employed and biomass and Carbon stock of trees were estimated by using an allometric equation. Altogether 39 tree species representing 34 genera and 20 families were reported. A high total density and total basal cover (TBC) were reported during the investigation (1008 stem ha⁻¹ and 71.74 m² ha⁻¹ respectively). Total biomass (TB), total Carbon stock (TCS), and CO₂ equivalent were estimated to be 985.56 Mg ha⁻¹, 492.78 Mg C ha⁻¹, and 1808.50 Mg C ha⁻¹ respectively. Among the trees, Cassia fistula exhibited the highest amount of TB, TCS, and CO₂ equivalent (131.33 Mg ha⁻¹, 65.66 Mg C ha⁻¹, and 240.99 Mg C ha⁻¹ respectively). TCS displayed a positive correlation with density, TBC, and diameter of tree species. The study provides valuable information on biomass and Carbon sequestration potential of trees in the tropical moist deciduous forest, which could be of help to forest policymakers to ensure sustainable management of Carbon stock and hence promotes mitigation of global climate change.