Underlying plant trait strategies for understanding the carbon sequestration in Banj oak Forest of Himalaya

Abstract

Plant functional attributes are subjected to environmental adjustments, which lead to modulations in forest processes under environmental changes. However, a comprehensive assessment of the relationships between plant traits and carbon stock remains subtle. The present study attempted to accomplish the gap of knowledge by examining the linkages between forest carbon with plant traits within the Banj Oak forest in the Garhwal Himalaya. Twelve individuals from three major species in the Banj Oak forest were randomly selected for trait measurements, and soil samples were collected randomly across the area for evaluation of soil nutrients and carbon. Forest biomass and soil carbon were estimated following standard protocols. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied to establish the relationship between above ground carbon (AGC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) with leaf and stem traits, and soil nutrients. Stem traits were tree height and tree diameter; whereas leaf morphological traits were leaf area, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content; leaf physiological traits were photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate; and leaf biochemical traits were leaf carbon concentration, leaf nitrogen concentration, and leaf phosphorus concentration. Soil nutrients were available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium. Based on SEM results, AGC of the forest was positively correlated with stem traits and leaf physiological traits, while negatively correlated with leaf morphological traits. SOC was positively correlated with soil nutrients and leaf biochemical traits, whereas negatively correlated with stem traits. These findings may support for precise quantification of forest carbon and modeling of forest carbon stocks besides providing inputs to forest managers for devising effective forest management strategies.