Biomass production of forests in Rawanganga watershed in Garhwal Himalaya

Abstract

Three forest types were recognized in Rawanganga watershed, Quercus glauca dominated forest at lower altitudes (800 - 1200m), Pinus roxburghii dominated forest at middle altitudes (1200 -1600m) and mixed Oak forest at higher altitudes (>1600m). A total of 25 tree species were recorded in all the three types of forests, however, maximum tree species were found in mixed Oak forest. Absence of some species, either in seedling or sapling or from both layers suggested that despite the dominance of such species in canopy, regeneration was suppressed severely and may pose a threat to their survival in coming years. The biomass increment and carbon sequestration by these forest types was in order of Quercus glauca forest>Mixed Oak forest>Pine forest.