Biomass Production and Carbon Storage Potential of Selected Old-Growth Temperate Forests in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract

Fifteen old-growth temperate forest types were assessed for biomass productivity and carbon (C) storage potential by laying out sample plots randomly in each forest type along with an altitudinal transect in Garhwal Himalaya. The average total carbon density values ranged between 96.53 ± 4.92 Mg C ha−1 (moist mixed-deciduous forest) to 307.11 ± 11.28 Mg C ha−1 (Cedrus deodara forest). It was observed that conifer-dominated forest types had higher average biomass and C stocks as 479.01 Mg ha−1 and 220.34 Mg C ha−1 respectively. In broadleaf dominated forest types, these values were 394.08 Mg ha−1 and 177 Mg C ha−1 respectively. The study suggests that owing to their long rotation periods the growth of conifers should be encouraged particularly in the inaccessible areas of higher Himalaya and old-growth forests should be protected as they continue to sequester C.