Chir Pine Forest Research Articles

Expansion of pine into mid-elevation Himalayan oak forests: Patterns and drivers in a multiple-use landscape

Oak species worldwide are experiencing declines, with negative consequences for hardwood forests and their associated biodiversity, but the causes of these declines vary across species and habitats. We examine changes in extent of banj oak-dominated (Quercus leucotrichophora) moist temperate hardwood forests in a Western Himalayan landscape between 1991 and 2017. Using classified satellite imagery from 1991, 2001 and 2017, we found that dense banj oak forests have undergone substantial degradation and loss of area, while chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forests have expanded, largely by replacing degraded banj oak stands. This transition was most likely to occur at sites that had lower levels of winter precipitation and Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) values and more pine forest in the surrounding landscape. Our findings are consistent with known requirements of shade and moisture for the recruitment of banj oak. Loss of banj oak forests is likely to reduce biodiversity and a number of ecosystem services linked to the well-being of local communities.

Frequent burning in chir pine forests, Uttarakhand, India

BackgroundSubtropical coniferous forests of the lesser Himalaya provide critical ecosystem services but fire regimes have received limited scientific attention. We reconstructed fire regimes using tree-ring methods in a chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) forest of Uttarakhand, India. We cross-dated tree-ring samples with fire scars from 36 trees at three sites near rural villages between 1535 and 1848 m elevation.ResultsFires were highly frequent (mean fire intervals all <6 yr) but of low severity, so most mature trees of this thick-barked species survived numerous burns. Fire scars occurred primarily in the dormant period to the middle of early wood formation in tree-rings, consistent with fire season records. Despite the high fire frequency, fires were mostly asynchronous among the three sites, indicating a bottom-up pattern of local ignitions. We observed that resin tapping of the pines interacted with surface fire by allowing fire to burn into the wood of some tapped trees and weaken their structural integrity to the point of breakage.ConclusionsOngoing frequent surface fire regimes linked to human land use are prominent disturbance factors in chir pine forests. Given that these forests support substantial human populations and form part of the watershed for many more people, the effects of anthropogenic fire and interactions with resin-tapping merit further investigation at landscape to regional scales. We suggest developing a research network in Himalayan forests as well as more broadly across southeast Asian pine forests to track interacting disturbances and their ecological and social implications.

Functional traits, growth patterns, and litter dynamics of invasive alien and co-occurring native shrub species of chir pine forest in the central Himalaya, India

Across the continents, plant invasion is identified as one of the main threats to ecosystem functioning and stability. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the differences in the functional traits between invasive alien (Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) and Lantana camara L.) and native (Berberis asiatica Roxb. Ex DC., Pyracantha crenulata (D. Don.) M. Roemer and Rubus ellipticus Sm.) shrub species of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sarg.) forest in the central Himalaya. Three 0.5 hectare chir pine forest stands were selected and individuals of similar diameter were tagged for comparative studies of leaf traits, growth pattern, and biomass accumulation in structural organs of each invasive alien and native species. Our one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test results showed that both the invasive alien species have significantly (p < 0.05) higher SLA, LWC, total chlorophyll content, foliar nutrient (N and P), RGR, LMR, SMR, nutrient uptake, and nutrient use efficiencies than native species. Leaf litter decomposition rate and nutrient release were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in both the invasive alien species. Native species, R. ellipticus, shared some of the traits, such as leaf area, chlorophyll content, RGR, LAR, LMR, and nutrient uptake efficiency with invasive alien species. The majority of traits differed among invasive alien and native species, implying that the success of invasive alien species is best described by being functionally distinct from native species. These findings indicate that invasive alien species had advanced functional traits which may be playing an important role in a rapid spread in the central Himalaya.

Lantana camara and Ageratina adenophora invasion alter the understory species composition and diversity of chir pine forest in central Himalaya, India

Plant invasion has been a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. In the present study, we have estimated the effect of two invasive alien species, Lantana camara and Ageratina adenophora on the understory vegetation composition and species diversity of chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) forests in the central Himalaya. We have selected three sites in pine forests and each site was divided into three subsites i.e. non-invaded (NI), Lantana camara invaded (LI) and Ageratina adenophora invaded (AI). In each subsite, 10 random quadrats for herbs (1 × 1 m) and shrubs (5 × 5 m) were laid down. In all the study sites, native herbs and shrubs species richness, diversity, and evenness changed due to invasive species. The presence of both the invasive species caused a reduction in native understory herbs and shrubs species number by 29–40% indicating a strong effect on native vegetation. Shrub density ranged from 6720 to 9680 individuals ha−1 and 8960 to 12000 individuals ha−1 in LI and AI sites, respectively. Total shrub basal area varied between 1.64 and 2.52 m2 ha−1 in LI sites and 1.76 and 2.24 m2 ha−1 in AI sites. Shrub density and basal area in NI sites (4200–6960 individual ha−1 and 0.60–0.96 m2 ha−1) were 2–3 times lower than LI and AI sites. Higher shrub density and basal area in LI and AI sites altered the vegetation composition and diversity of understory vegetation in pine forests. The dominance of invasive species also altered the soil physico-chemical properties. Their interrelationship among species assemblage, study sites and environmental variables showed the adverse impact of invasion on native species. This depletion of native flora is worrisome for both ecological as well as socio-economical perspectives and needs urgent attention of forest managers and policymakers.

Impact of Controlled Burning on Herbs in High Altitude Zone of Chirpine Forests in Solan and Nahan Circles, Himachal Pradesh

Impact of Controlled Burning on Herbs in High Altitude Zone of Chirpine Forests in Solan and Nahan Circles, Himachal Pradesh

Carbon Stocks in Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) Forests on Two Different Aspects in the Mahabharat Region of Makawanpur, Nepal

Despite the significant contribution of forests in climate change mitigation, studies to establish the potential of sub-tropical forest ecosystems at different aspects in enhancing soil health indicators are only partly known. The study was carried out to quantify vegetation and soil carbon stocks of a natural Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest at two different aspects (northern and southern) of a typical sub-tropical environment in Nepal. Stratified random sampling was used for forest inventory and soil sample collection. Aboveground forest biomass was calculated using standard allometric models. Soil was sampled up to 60 cm depth and at 20 cm intervals. Walkey and Black method was used to determine soil organic carbon. Total aboveground plant biomass carbon in southern aspect (140.20 t ha-1) was higher compared to that on the northern aspect (115.34 t ha-1). Similarly, soil carbon stock on southern aspect (46.65 t ha-1) was higher than that of northern aspect (42.14 t ha-1). This resulted to total carbon stock on southern and northern aspect of P. roxburghii forest of 186.85 t ha-1 and 157.48 t ha-1 respectively. The total carbon stock of P. roxburghii forest is significantly higher on southern aspect than on northern aspect with p value 0.001 (p&lt;0.05). Hence, we conclude that the southern aspect of the Mahabharat range favour the growth of P. roxburghii forest compared to the northern aspect. However, the contribution of the entire Chir pine forest ecosystem to carbon sequestration and global climate warming mitigation can’t be neglected.

Integration of high-resolution optical and SAR satellite remote sensing datasets for aboveground biomass estimation in subtropical pine forest, Pakistan.

In this study, we investigate stand-alone and combined Pleiades high-resolution passive optical and ALOS PALSAR active Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery for aboveground biomass (AGB) estimation in subtropical mountainous Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest in Murree Forest Division, Punjab, Pakistan. Spectral vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI, etc.) and sigma nought HV-polarization backscatter dB values are derived from processing optical and SAR datasets, respectively, and modeled against field-measured AGB values through various regression models (linear, nonlinear, multi-linear). For combination of multiple spectral indices, NDVI, TNDVI, and MSAVI2 performed the best with model R2/RMSE values of 0.86/47.3 tons/ha. AGB modeling with SAR sigma nought dB values gives low model R2 value of 0.39. The multi-linear combination of SAR sigma nought dB values with spectral indices exhibits more variability as compared with the combined spectral indices model. The Leave-One-Out-Cross-Validation (LOOCV) results follow closely the behavior of the model statistics. SAR data reaches AGB saturation at around 120-140 tons/ha, with the region of high sensitivity around 50-130 tons/ha; the SAR-derived AGB results show clear underestimation at higher AGB values. The models involving only spectral indices underestimate AGB at low values (< 60 tons/ha). This study presents biomass estimation maps of the Chir Pine forest in the study area and also the suitability of optical and SAR satellite imagery for estimating various biomass ranges. The results of this work can be utilized towards environmental monitoring and policy-level applications, including forest ecosystem management, environmental impact assessment, and performance-based REDD+ payment distribution.

Changes in soil biochemical properties following replacement of Banj oak forest with Chir pine in Central Himalaya, India

IntroductionIn Central Himalaya, anthropogenic activities have led to the widespread replacement of Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) forest by Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) for decades. This study was conducted to determine how natural Banj oak, Chir pine, and mixed oak-pine forest would differ in soil microbial biomass and soil nutrients. Soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) and phosphorus (SMBP), soil organic carbon (SOC) total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) in the 0 to 15 cm soil layer were investigated in the Central Himalayan region in the stands of Banj oak, mixed oak-pine, and Chir pine forest.ResultsThe SMBN and SMBP were significantly higher in Banj oak and mixed oak-pine forest as compared to Chir pine forest. The ratios of SMBN to TN (SMBN/TN) and SMBP to TP (SMBP/TP) were significantly higher in the Chir pine forest, indicating that in this forest, the proportion of microbial biomass N and P to total soil N and P was higher as compared to Banj oak forest. A similar pattern of variation was found in relation to season across the forests, all with an apparent peak in the rainy season.ConclusionThese results indicate that low microbial biomass N and P may be one of the reasons to create a nutrient poor site in Chir pine forest. The collection of pine litter by local people also impairs the return of nutrients to the soil and makes it difficult for Banj oak to re-invade areas occupied by Chir pine. This calls for cautions in large-scale conversions of the Banj oak forests to coniferous plantations as a forest management practice on concerns of sustaining soil productivity.

Floristics diversity composition along an altitudinal gradient in Himalayan chir pine forest of the western Himalayas

In the present study, we examined the species composition of Himalayan Chir Pine forest (Pinus roxburghii Sargent) at different altitudes between 1000-1600m asl, considering three altitudinal gradients viz., A1(Lower altitude: 1000-1200m); A2(Middle altitude: 1200-1400m); A3(Higher altitude: 1400-1600m) in the Western Himalayas. In this study, a total of 50 species were recorded, of which 9 were trees, 15 shrubs, 26 herbs. Herb plant richness (in number) showed a diminishing trend with altitude whereas shrub species remain same for low and mid altitudes with slight drop in high altitudes and the tree species richness remain constant for all the altitudes. Many types of environmental changes (altitudes, slopes, aspect, temperature, precipitation etc.) influence the processes that can both augment or erode diversity. The study suggests that species distribution, presence of the particular species (species composition) and number of species present (species richness) are largely regulated by altitudes and other climatic + topographic factors.

Green Sequestration Potential of Chir Pine Forests Located in Kumaun Himalaya

Abstract Himalayan forests act as reservoirs of carbon due to their high percentage of forest cover. The biomass values of these forests cluster around two different levels, which dwell between higher values (approximately 400 t/ha for Shorea robusta and Quercus leucotrichophora forests) and lower values (approximately 200 t/ha) for Pinus roxburghii forests. The present study is focused on assessment of variation in tree biomass and carbon sequestration at four sites dominated by chir pine (P. roxburghii Sarg.) forests located on two different slope aspects. We calculated the tree biomass following allometric equations based upon circumference at breast height by Chaturvedi and Singh (1982). The tree biomass values ranged between 97.87 ± 9.84 t/ha and 158.97 ± 9.39 t/ha; however, tree carbon values ranged between 46.48 ± 4.67 t/ha and 74.66 ± 7.17 t/ha across the study sites. Rates of carbon sequestration ranged between 0.2 ± 0.01 t/ha/yr and 3.96 ± 1.36 t/ha/yr. The rates were higher on slopes of northern aspect in comparison with southern aspect. The results emphasize that the biomass accumulation was higher in the trees located on northern aspects and can be better managed for developing a payment for ecosystem services strategy for following up of REDD+ in the country.

Four pyrophytic pteridophytes in the Chir pine forest of Kalidhar forest range in Shiwaliks of North West Himalaya in Indian Himalayan region

Fire always plays a significant role in the secondary succession and maintenance of various communities or ecosystems on earth, like grass community, understorey community in a forest and on a large perspective forest ecosystem. Vascular cryptogams form an important group of plants that is recovered very rapidly after the fire events. This is perhaps due to their rhizomes lying below the ground surface, which are able to evade the fire stress. Current study deals with presence of four pyrophytic (fire–tolerant)&nbsp; teridophytes in Kalidhar forest range at Jammu district.

Impact of forest fire on soil seed bank composition in Himalayan Chir pine forest

AbstractAimsTo explain how plant community copes with a recurring anthropogenic forest fire in Himalayan Chir pine forest, it is important to understand their postfire regeneration strategies. The primary aim of the study was to know: (i) how fire impact soil seed bank composition and (ii) how much soil seed bank composition differs with standing vegetation after the forest fire.MethodsSoil samples were collected from burned and adjoining unburned sites in blocks using three layers down to 9 cm depth immediately after a forest fire and incubated in the net-house for seedling emergence. Same sites were revisited during late monsoon/early autumn season to know the species composition of standing vegetation recovered after a forest fire.Important FindingsSoil contained viable seeds of &amp;gt;70 species. The average seed bank density was 8417 and 14 217 seeds/m2 in the burned and unburned site, respectively. In both sites, it decreased with increasing soil depth. Overall fire had no significant impact on seed density; however, taking individual layers into consideration, fire had a significant impact on seed density only in the uppermost soil layer. The species richness of soil seed bank and standing vegetation was 73 and 100, respectively (with 35 shared species), resulting in a similarity of about 40%. In contrast, &amp;gt;80% species in soil seed bank was found similar between burned and unburned sites. Further, there were no significant differences in species richness of standing vegetation in burned (87 spp.) and unburned (78 spp.) sites. Our results showed that fire had an insignificant impact on soil seed bank composition and restoration potential of a plant species from seeds. The understory herb and shrub plant community’s ability to form a fire-resistant viable soil seed bank and capable to recover in the postfire rainy season, explains how they reduce the risk of recurring fire damage in maintaining their population.

Forest degradation impacts on carbon stocks, tree density and regeneration status in banj oak forests of Central Himalaya

AbstractThe oak forests of the Himalaya are an important repository of carbon. Forest degradation, in terms of loss in biomass and carbon, is a more pressing problem than loss of forest area in the Himalaya. The altitudinal gradient between 1,000 m and 2,200 m is dominated by chir pine and banj oak forest. As a result of small‐scale chronic disturbances the structure and function of banj oak forest is rapidly changing, leaving few pristine patches. Forty permanent plots of 400 m2 in four disturbance categories of Central Himalayas (1,400 m–2,300 m asl) were studied over 3 years (2015, 2016 and 2017) to understand the impact of disturbance on banj oak forests. The study indicates that tree biomass declined by 62% from undisturbed to degraded forests, carbon sequestration rate declined by 73% and was maximum for Moderately disturbed‐A forests, total soil carbon dropped by 79% and mycorrhizal sporocarps declined by 78% from undisturbed to degraded forests. There was an overall decline in tree density by 56% from undisturbed forests to degraded forests. In degraded forests, the invasion of pine, a species tolerant of disturbance, helps in maintaining the forest status but the population structure changes and significant decline in carbon sequestration rate and total biomass stocks (above ground biomass and below ground biomass) was observed. The study indicates that moderate level disturbance promotes better carbon sequestration rates, tree density and the survival of seedlings.

Biomass and Carbon Storage Potential of Oak - Pine Forests in Kumaun Himalaya, India

The present study deals with the assessment of density of trees (D), biomass (B) and carbon sequestration (CS) of trees on three aspects, viz. north-west (NW), north-east (NE) and south-east (SE) at different forest stands dominated by Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus glauca and Pinus roxburghii in Nainital District Kumoun Himalya. The density of trees, saplings and seedlings across Community forests varied from 420-840, 110-6200 and 3510-11250 individuals ha-1, respectively. Total biomass of trees at different aspects ranged from 253 - 429 t ha-1. Total carbon storage of trees was 120.22 t C ha-1 on NW aspect (Banj Oak forest), 203.57 t C ha-1 on NE aspect (Chir Pine forest) and 157.47 t C ha-1 on SE aspect (Chir Pine forest). The carbon storage as well as biomass storage value is higher on northern aspect. It can be concluded that north aspect play an important role in forest growth and maturity which is required for sustainable development/ sustainability of environment. The huge amount of carbon storage by studied Van Panchayat forest sites will help to minimize CO2 rise in the atmosphere.

Estimation of Biomass and Soil Carbon Stock in Pinus roxburghii and Quercus leucotrichophora Forests of District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

A study was conducted to estimate the biomass and soil carbon stock in various sites of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (Chir pine) and Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (Ban oak) forests of district Shimla, Himachal Pradesh during the year 2015-2016. In case of chir pine forests, the amount of carbon stock in Guma site for above ground, below ground, under storey and litter was 80.05, 16.01, 3.24 and 1.55 tC/ha, respectively. Whereas, values of carbon stock at Dhami site were 192.92, 38.58, 1.71 and 1.57 tC/ha, respectively. The biomass as well as the carbon stock was higher at Dhami site than Guma site. The soil organic carbon stock (tC/ha) at 10-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm was 22.45, 19.99 and 12.36, respectively at Guma site. Whereas, these values at different depths were 23.23, 20.17 and 15.59 tC/ha, respectively for Dhami site. The value of total soil carbon stock was more (58.98 tC/ha) at Dhami site than Guma site (54.80 tC/ha) upto 45cm depth. In case of Ban oak forests, the amount of carbon stock in Taradevi site for above ground, below ground, under storey and litter was 151.27, 37.82, 3.04 and 1.52 tC/ha, respectively. Whereas, values of carbon stock at Koti site were 74.25, 18.56, 1.24 and 1.26 tC/ha, respectively. Total biomass as well as the carbon stock was higher at Taradevi site than Koti site. The soil organic carbon stock (tC/ha) at 10-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm was 42.07, 29.70 and 14.78, respectively at Tardevi site. Whereas, these values for three depths were 36.60 , 27.72 and 18.72 tC/ha, respectively for Koti site. The value of total soil carbon stock was more at Tardevi site (86.55 tC/ha) than Koti site (83.04 tC/ha).

Valuing water provisioning service of Broadleaf and Chir Pine forests in the Himalayan region

Inhabitants of the upper Himalayan regions entertain a belief that the Chir Pine trees are ingressing the Broadleaf forest areas and that these areas are gradually turning into water stressed regions as Chir Pines adversely influence water recharge and water availability. This paper examines whether and to what extent the Chir Pine forest areas are water stressed compared to Broadleaf forest areas by studying the household coping cost in relation to water stress. We use the coping cost differences thereafter to value the relative water provisioning services of forest types. We conduct multiple focus group discussions, a questionnaire survey and statistical analyses to derive the results. Results show all households, except the ones living near Deodar forest, to face water stress in summer but the Chir Pine areas are the most water-stressed. Both comparison of mean and multivariate regressions of water collection time and other coping costs show that the villagers surrounded by Deodar, Deodar mix pine, Broadleaf mix bush or Broadleaf mix pine forests spend much less time for water collection and spend less on water treatment and storage compared to the villagers surrounded by Chir Pine forest irrespective of elevation, aspect or model used. These differences in water collection time amount to a wage income loss between USD 31 and USD 318 in India, and between USD 23 and USD 238 in Nepal per year per household, in Chir Pine areas compared to other forest areas.

PhenoPine: A simulation model to trace the phenological changes in Pinus roxhburghii in response to ambient temperature rise

The PhenoPine is a Growing Degree Day (GDD) simulation model that can be used to trace the phenology of pine (Pinus roxburghii) under changing regimes of ambient temperature rise. The PhenoPine was developed using field-based observations for pine – a dominant tree species under the “Chir Pine forests” of Indian Western Himalayan region. Phenological stages of pine have been worked out on the basis of GDD. The GDD was computed assuming zero degree Celsius as base temperature and the accumulated averaged values over different phenological stages for developing phenology of the tree. The model has been built in Fortran Simulation Translator. Initially, the model has been developed to trace the impacts of temperature considering temperature as the major driving force for the phenology, while the lack of data for other forces also made this an obvious choice. Simulation through the PhenoPine can be done to trace the stages of initiation and termination of needle (leaf) formation, litter fall, cone formation; and the longevity of each phases under the changing regime of temperature rise.

Biomass and carbon budgeting of land use types along elevation gradient in Central Himalayas

Biomass of vegetation is a crucial variable for understanding the potential future changes of the climate system. In the present study dominant land use types i.e. agroforestry (AF), banjoak forest (BF), chirpine forest (CF), mixed forest (MF) and grasslands (GL) of Himalayan region was investigated for biomass production and carbon stock budgeting in vegetation as well as in soil. Among land use type's highest aboveground biomass was recorded in banjoak forest (BF), 0.69%, 9.42% and 40.16% more than chirpine forest (CF), mixed forest (MF) and agroforestry (AF). However it was more than 16 times higher than grasslands (GL). Herbage and/or crops aboveground biomass was 3.73%, 4.05%, 4.42% and 29.34% of the aboveground biomass of trees in BF, CF, MF and AF. Herbage aboveground biomass was 76.01% of total aboveground biomass in grasslands. Our results revealed that in AF crops biomass accounted for 19.41–26.60% and trees contributed 73.40–80.59% biomass in total biomass of land use. Likewise, similar contributions were recorded for belowground biomass and total biomass in land uses. Irrespective of land use types along elevation the total biomass including aboveground and belowground biomass significantly (P < 0.01) increased. Among land use types and along the elevation similar trend was recorded for vegetation carbon stock as it is the manifestation of biomass. Soil carbon density differed significantly in land use types with highest in BF and increased significantly along the elevation with highest at elevation E5. Forest land uses stored 26.22% and 53.79% more total (vegetation + soil) carbon in than agroforestry and grasslands. The difference in carbon storage among land use types can be related to land use type, vegetation composition, their structural and functional characteristics viz., density, age and soil type. Thus, tree based land use types are more efficient for biomass production and carbon storage in changing climatic pattern.

Patterns of Biomass and Carbon Allocation across Chronosequence of Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) Forest in Pakistan: Inventory-Based Estimate

The quantitative relationship between carbon sequestration potential and stand ages of Pine (Pinus roxburghii) forest is not documented in Pakistan. Using field inventory data, this study underlines the patterns of biomass and carbon allocation across a chronosequence of Chir Pine forest. Based on the uniform shelterwood silvicultural management system, the forest was classified into three stand age classes representing the young stand (&lt;50 years), mature stand (50–75 years), and overmature stand (&gt; 75 years). The results showed an increasing trend in living tree biomass carbon with stand age. However, soil carbon showed gradually decreasing trend from young to overmature stand. Similarly, deadwood, litter, and understory biomass carbon showed an increase pattern of changes. Altogether, the results highlighted that the mean carbon values of all components varied between 90.3 t·C·ha−1 in the young stand and 309.5 t·C·ha−1 in the overmature stand. Furthermore, our results confirm that the current management operations affect the forest floor and soil carbon. Therefore, we suggest that different protection measures should be considered during management operations to enhance soil and forest floor carbon.

Effect of vegetation type and season on microbial biomass carbon in Central Himalayan forest soils, India

Soil microbial biomass is an important component of soil organic matter constituting from 2 to 5% of the soil organic carbon and play a significant role in the cycling of nutrients and overall organic matter dynamics. The present study assessed the effects of three forest types (Banj-oak forest, Chir-pine forest and Mixed oak-pine forest) on the soil physico-chemical properties and microbial biomass Carbon in Central Himalaya, India. The soil microbial biomass carbon was determined by chloroform fumigation extraction method. In the 2 year of study period, the soil microbial biomass carbon (Cmic) was significantly higher in Mixed oak-pine forest (681 ± 1.81–763 ± 1.82 μg g−1) than in the Banj-oak (518 ± 1.50–576 ± 1.73 μg g−1) and Chir-pine forest (418 ± 1.42–507 ± 2.05 μg g−1). Though insignificant, all the forest types showed distinct seasonal variations in microbial biomass carbon with a minimum value in winter season and maximum value in rainy season. The soil microbial quotients (Cmic to Corg) were higher in Chir-pine (2.52–4.18) and Banj-oak forest (2.26–4.02) than those reported in Mixed oak-pine forest (1.44–2.24). These results indicate that Mixed oak-pine forest is better in sustaining the soil microbial biomass and soil nutrients than Banj-oak and Chir-pine forest. It recommends that nutrients rich Mixed oak-pine forest should be preferred as a forest management practice to promote microbial diversity, their activities and soil quality enhancement in Central Himalayan forests.