Standing Biomass and Carbon Stocks Across Forest Types of Southern Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present study assessed standing biomass and carbon stocks of different life forms across five types of tropical forest in southern Andhra Pradesh region of Peninsular India. The assessment was based on a total inventory of all life forms in the sampled area using a nested plot design. A total of ten sites of, 250×250 m2 were established in all the forest types. The total biomass, both above and below ground, was calculated. Aboveground biomass of trees was estimated using allometric equations. As the results, carbon stocks showed varied in different types of forests. Moist deciduous forests show higher carbon stock 297.0±54.66 Mg ha-1 followed by red sanders type forest (64.56±18.57), dry deciduous mixed forest (45.03±39.15), Hardwickia type forest (44.19±8.83) and scrub (22.75±13.42) respectively. The present study provide a better insight on aboveground biomass and carbon stock estimates for tropical peninsular Indian forests and their role in carbon sequestration.