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The integration of trees into diverse land-use systems holds potential for India to meet nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets under the Paris Climate Agreement. With a target of sequestering 2.5–3 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030, the study focused on the widespread and economically viable eucalyptus-based agroforestry, practiced widely in various planting geometries tailored to meet industrial end-use requirements. In this context, a detailed study was conducted to quantify the influence of five planting geometries [3 m × 3 m, 6 × 1.5 m, 17 × 1 × 1 m (paired row) and two boundary plantations (east–west and north–south directions) at 2 m away from tree to tree] of eucalyptus on intercrops [dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata)—barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) rotation] biomass, soil properties, and carbon stock of the system during 2009–2016. Results revealed that biomass accumulation of different tree components was 62.50%–74.09% in stem; 6.59%–9.14% in branch; 3.18%–5.73% in leaves; 12.20%–20.44% in stump roots; and 1.71%–3.48% in fine roots across the planting geometries. The mean carbon content of the stem, branch, leaves, and roots was 49.00, 47.00, 43.00, and 49.00%, respectively. Over the 8-year period, geometry of 3 × 3 m performed better in terms of total biomass production (344.60 Mg ha− 1 by tree biomass and 62.53 Mg ha−1 by intercrops). The independent parameter, DBH²H (DBH: diameter at breast height and H: tree height), was found to be a very good predictor of dry weight, followed by DBH alone. Among various functions (linear, allometric, logistic, Gompertz, Chapman, and exponential), the best-fit equation was allometric, i.e., B = 300.96 × DBH²H0.93 (adjusted R² = 0.96) for eucalyptus based on universal model adequacy and validation criteria. The carbon sequestration rate was maximum (20.79 Mg C ha−1 year−1) in 3 × 3 m followed by 17 × 1 × 1 m. The total carbon stock of eucalyptus-based system (tree + crop + soil) varied significantly under different planting geometries and sole crop rotation (dhaincha–barley). The higher carbon stock (237.27 Mg ha−1) was obtained from 3 × 3 m spacing and further partitioning carbon stock in trees—166.29 Mg ha−1, crops—25.01 Mg ha−1 and soil—45.97 Mg ha−1. The paired row spacing (17 × 1 × 1 m) yielded higher crop yield and net returns (Rs. 600,475 ha−1), underscoring wide spacing’s role in system productivity and sustainability. Tree-based systems were valuable components of agriculture, advocating for their widespread adoption to reduce CO2 emissions and generate income through carbon credits. These findings will provide crucial insights into sustainable land-use practices and advance India’s commitment toward adaptation of climate change mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and identification of the factors influencing its spatial variation are crucial for adopting appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies under changing climatic conditions. The present study aims to measure SOC content and stock and identify the factors contributing to SOC variation in India's sub-tropical, dry sub-humid Eastern Plateau Region (EPR). It also aims to recognize the potential land uses for enhancing the C stock in the region. Soil samples were collected from two soil depth layers—0 to 10 cm and 10 to 20 cm, from locations under different soil type, land use, and topographic conditions. The Walkley-Black method was used to determine the SOC content of the samples. Ordinary kriging based on an exponential semi-variogram model was employed to analyze the spatial variability of SOC concentration and its relationship with the sampling strata. The study shows that the topsoil variation in SOC depended mainly on the land use type and the corresponding soil properties viz. pH and texture. Cultivated areas, especially those of the lowland, recorded higher SOC than other land use classes. The findings of the present study are useful for defining agricultural management practices and carbon sequestration strategies for the region in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though, the blue carbon ecosystems are gaining keen research interest around the globe, the carbon stock of South-West coast of India was poorly reported, and this study is a pioneer attempt and will be an important document for filling the gaps in uncertainties in global carbon stock assessment and also will increase knowledge on biomass variability among mangrove species and mangrove habitats. The study also highlighted the vital role of biomass carbon pool for long-term soil carbon burial. We estimated the above and below-ground biomass carbon stock of 13 mangrove species using two common allometric equations and species-specific equations and reported a very high mean total living biomass carbon stock of Kochi mangroves at 237.19 ± 113.82 Mg C ha−1, 295.78 ± 143.14 Mg C ha−1, and 272.42 ± 132.78 Mg C ha−1 according to Chave's, Komiyama equation and species-specific equation respectively corresponding to carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of approximately 4,37,774.51 Mg CO2e. The biomass stock was significantly differed between the stations (p = 0.000) and also within species (p = 0.020). Among the mangrove species, Avicennia officinalis contributed highest and Bruguiera sexangula contributed least. Variation was observed for biomass stock of mangroves with large trunk diameter while comparing different allometric equations and therefore projected the need for the development of site- and species-specific equations for solving the uncertainty in global mangrove carbon stock. The study observed that dominant mangrove vegetation type, salinity and also the geomorphology of mangrove habitat had strong influence on variability in biomass stock within a small regional area. The study also suggests that understanding the structure and biomass carbon storage of each regional mangrove habitats can be wisely used in mangrove restoration and conservation programmes and in turn for nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood specific gravity (WSG) is one of the important variables in biomass and carbon stock estimation through non-destructive method. Present study was conducted in a tropical dry deciduous forest in central India. A non-destructive method was adopted for biomass estimation. Habitat specific WSG of all the species present in the study area was determined using maximum moisture content method. Reported WSG values of the same species were procured from global wood density database. The present paper deals with the comparison of biomass and carbon stock of mature individuals estimated using habitat specific WSG and WSG procured from the database for the same species. Further, comparison was made among biomass and carbon values estimated using habitat specific WSG and without WSG for juvenile individuals. Procured WSG from database for different tree species were found to be higher in most cases than the WSG determined in the habitat. Results envisage that biomass estimates using non habitat specific WSG (database) over-estimate the biomass and carbon stock. Total biomass (including both mature and juvenile individuals) per hectare was 24.2% higher with reported WSG for mature individuals and without WSG for juvenile individuals than using habitat specific WSG for both mature and juvenile individuals. It is calculated that using WSG from data base may result in increased AGB by 1.5 × 108 Mg and 6.6 × 108 Mg at state and national level respectively. We suggest the consideration of habitat specific WSG for biomass and carbon estimation in non-destructive method for both mature and juvenile individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The annual average increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is touching new heights every year. Global climate change and warming are twin outcomes of record-breaking CO2 levels. The trees outside forests (TOF) are the most promising and suitable components in the ecosystem for combating global warming via carbon (C) sequestration. Urban university campuses are the hotspot regions of TOF. We have attempted to quantify the C stock, C sequestration potential, and C credit value of dominant tree species at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak. Different volumetric and biomass equations were used for biomass computation. We assessed a total of 29,442 trees (top 10) for measuring phytosociological parameters like total tree count, age, height (H), and diameter at breast height (DBH) to quantify the amount of C stored. The total C stock, C sequestration rate, and monetary value were 78.67 (Mg C ha−1), 19.05 (Mg CO2 ha−1 year−1), and 23,101.59 $ year−1, respectively. Eucalyptus globulus is the most dominant tree species on the campus and topped almost all the quantitative characteristics like total tree count (~40 %), age (25 years), density (D) (55.35 trees ha−1), and total C stock (16.06 ± 9.90 Mg C ha−1). Tree basal area (BA), D, diversity, and H positively affected the total C stocks. When the C market becomes operational, these C credits can be traded while generating additional income for the university. The results from this study can also help calculate the total C footprint of the campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest provides ecosystem services (ES) for community well being through local livelihoods. Tropical sal forest of West Bengal, India is not an exception, rather the tribal communities in forest fringe villages rely on it. The present study aims to quantify and estimate the values of provisioning and regulating ES and their contribution towards local livelihoods. The study revealed variation in provisional services quantity among the villages with highest percentage contribution by fodder and highest monetary value for fuelwood. Estimated monetary value of provisioning ES was INR 1859.00 person-1 year-1. Regulatory services that included carbon stock estimation (68.71 tC ha-1) have potential to sequester 252.17 tCO2 ha-1. Estimated monetary value of trees under regulatory services was INR 25,0221.00 ha-1. The stakeholder perception of such services showed positive responses, supporting the results of ES estimation and valuation. Income from forest products contributed 24% of total household income. Total economic value of ES in the study area was INR 13.052 billion year-1. Thus, studies are required for better understanding of the ES contribution to human well-being of a region to develop sustainable livelihood framework and proper forest management strategies for biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foremost role of forest vegetation in storing biomass and carbon (C) stock constitutes one of the main nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. In this study, we aimed to quantify biomass and C stock partitioning in multiple vegetation strata (tree, shrub, herb, and ground floor layers) of major forest types in Jammu and Kashmir, Western Himalaya, India. We used a stratified random cluster sampling strategy to collect field data in 96 forest stands of 12 forest types (altitudinal range: 350 to 3450 m) in the study region. We evaluated the degree to which the carbon stock of the entire ecosystem was dependent on the multiple vegetation strata using the Pearson method. Across all the forest types, the average total ecosystem-level biomass was estimated to be 181.95 Mgha−1 (range: 60.64–528.98). Forest strata-wise, the maximum biomass of 172.92 Mgha−1 (range: 50.64-514.97) was found in the tree vegetation, followed by 5.58 Mgha−1 (range: 2.59–8.93) in understory vegetation (shrubs and herbaceous), and 3.44 Mgha−1 (range: 0.97 and 9.14) in the forest floor. The total ecosystem-level biomass showed a peak at mid-elevation coniferous forest types, whereas the lowest was observed in low-elevation broad leaved forest types. At the ecosystem-level, on average, the understory contributed 3% and the forest floor 2% to the total C stock across the forest types. The shrub layer contributed up to 80% of total understory C, with the herbaceous layer accounting for the remaining 20%. The ordination analysis clearly shows that anthropogenic and environmental variables significantly (p ≤ 0.002) influence the forest types' C stock in the region. Our findings have significant implications for conserving natural forest ecosystems and restoring degraded forest landscapes in this Himalayan region, which in turn can lead to better carbon sequestration and climate mitigation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbaceous entity plays a significant role in the structural dynamics of natural ecosystems and its responsibility increased by many times in case of agricultural systems. The present study has been performed to assess the ecological performance, biomass, carbon stock, and CO2 mitigation potential of the herbaceous layer in Central Himalayan agroecosystems of India. Four different altitudes have been selected viz. very low altitude (< 450 m; VLA), low altitude (450–900 m, LA), mid altitude (900–1500 m; MA) and high altitude (1500–2200 m, HA) and samples studied in a stratified manner (4 altitudes × 3 agroecosystems × 3 replicates × 3 seasons = 108 samples). A total of 41 herbs (21 cultivated + 20 wild) species belonging to 16 families were recorded within agroecosystems and results depicted that maximum species encountered during the rainy season (30) followed by summer (18) and winter season (12). The regression analysis between herb density and diversity depicted that the diversity (MA > HA > VLA > LA) showed just inverse pattern of herb density (LA > VLA > HA > MA), which indicates that increasing density may results in the dominance of one or two species thus downgrading the diversity. Brassica oleracea spp., Eleusine coracana, Solanum tuberosum, Solanum lycopersicum, Pisum sativum, etc. were common and proliferated cash crops towards higher altitudes, while low altitude agroecosystems were dominated by grain and pulse crops (Oryza sativa, Triticum aestivum, Zea mays, Glycine max, Vigna mungo, etc.). These crops are responsible for the higher biomass and higher C stock in agroecosystems, together with they are fulfilling the multifarious needs of adjacent communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid increase in carbon and other greenhouse gases is likely to change the regional and global temperature, and planning of these gases is needed. The present study focused on National Highway-16 of the Srikakulam district, which was upgraded from 4 to 6 lane standards to facilitate traffic. This study intended to compute the carbon sequestration and storage capacity of above and belowground biomass. This helps in the comparison and impact of the road project on flora and its carbon pool, from where future tree stock changes can be prepared. A total of 1930 plots were constructed of criss-crosses of equal size (2 × 100 m). All woody trees with dbh ≥ 30 cm were considered and their diameters were measured. A total of 29 tree species belonging to 13 families were identified; the quantity of macrobiotic carbon sequestered as a whole, i.e., above and below ground, was 768,890.29 tC and 199,911.48 tC , respectively. The mean sequestration rate of carbon as biomass above ground was 1.19 tC/tree, and that below ground was 0.31 tC/tree . The estimated average C-Stock per tree was 1.5 tC ; however, the mean C-Stock per quadrate was 250.2 tC ., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Aboveground biomass (AGB) and the distribution of carbon stock was assessed in a swath of territory along the Indo-Bhutan border. This tract between Brahmaputra river's floodplain and foothills of Eastern Himalayas, is a part of the Indo-Bhutan biodiversity hotspot. Using Landsat satellite data, the analysis assessed spatio-temporal landuse/landcover changes during 1989 and 2019. AGB and carbon stock were estimated using a forest inventory. Total AGB losses were 21.44 and 7.24 Mt in India and Bhutan respectively. Tree density ranged between 107–350 and 253–853 trees ha−1 in India and Bhutan respectively and tended to decrease with increasing tree diameter. Anthocephalus Chinensis (76 trees ha−1), Aphanamixis Polystachya (64), Syzygium Formosum (62) were the most dominant species in India while Quercus Spp (249 trees ha−1), Abies densa (190), Rhodendron (155) dominated in Bhutan. AGB and carbon losses were more marked in India than Bhutan. Land cover changes were not uniformly spatially distributed throughout the study area and dense forests in India decreased at a rate seven times that of Bhutan's. Consequently, AGB losses in India were three fold those of Bhutan's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out in a bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) plantation (8 × 6 m spacing) at the forestry research farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, during 2018-19. The average population of bamboo was 33.38 culms per clumps during July 2018 after 8 months bamboo population was 45.0 culms per clumps during March 2019. The girth of clump was measured 5.66m during March 2019. The average bamboo height was 8.35 ± 0.54m and diameter 3.56 ± 0.77 cm at the third internode. The emerging number of new culms per clump was recorded highest in August (5.25 ± 1.91) and lowest in October (0.25 ± 0.45) with no emerging new culms per clumps during November to March. The total biomass, carbon storage and carbon dioxide release abatement were estimated as 63.85 Mg ha-1, 30.01 Mg ha-1 and 110.13 Mg CO2 eq ha-1 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparison of the carbon (C) stocks among different soil orders allows us to explore the role of various soil characteristics in long‐term C storage and their vulnerabilities. This study quantified and compared the accumulation rates of soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions (in 0–60 cm soil profile) in an Alfisol of Malda (25°27′33.9″N, 88°19′10.2″E) and an Entisol of Cooch Behar (26°09′62.7″N, 89°53′51.7″E) districts of West Bengal, India. We noticed a greater level of SOC (0–60 cm depth) in the Alfisol than the Entisol as the former soils were clayey in nature (fine textured) which provided the maximum stabilization of SOC compared to the Entisol (sandy textured). However, the storage of C fractions showed some peculiar results. The concentration of mineral‐associated carbon (Min‐C) was more or less similar in both the soil orders, but its stock was maximum in the Alfisol. While in the Entisol, permanganate oxidizable carbon (POX‐C) and particulate organic matter carbon (POM‐C) stocks recorded maximum among all the studied depths. A positive relation of SOC fractions and stocks with clay (r2 = >0.500 in the Alfisol; r2 = >0.700 in the Entisol) indicated the importance of finer fractions in profile storage of C. Min‐C contributed to SOC of about 75%–85% followed by POM‐C (3.27%–17.87%) and POX‐C (2.57%–4.22%). Higher stratification of SOC and POX‐C and POM‐C fractions was observed in Entisol; while in Alfisol, stratification of Min‐C was greater. Overall, this research demonstrated that the Alfisol has a greater potential in stabilizing Min‐C than the Entisol with POM‐C and POX‐C and the distribution of these fractions varied as per its stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical forests act as a great carbon reservoir covering about 30% of the global carbon content, however, structural alteration of these forests caused by forest disturbances adversely affects the carbon cycle. One such structural change happening in these tropical forests is the increasing dominance of lianas (woody climbers). Among various tropical forest types, lianas are an integral constituent of the tropical dry evergreen forests (TDEFs) found in peninsular India. A re-inventory of lianas was carried out to observe temporal changes in basal area and carbon stock in two 1-ha permanent plots of two disturbed tropical dry evergreen forest sites (TDEF; Oorani -OR and Puthupet - PP) over a 19-year interval (2001-2020). The total basal area in OR and PP increased respectively by 2.26 m² ha-1 and 0.93 m² ha-1. The total biomass and the carbon stock in OR and PP increased by 82% and 51% respectively. The dominant species Strychnos lenticellata showed an increase in its basal area by three-fold in OR, whereas, in PP, a marginal increase of 4% was observed. The lower diameter class (1-6 cm) showed an increase in basal area in OR and PP by 101% and 16% respectively. The mid-diameter class (6-11 cm) was the top contributor of the total biomass/carbon in both OR and PP in the latest reinventory (2020). The present results show that lianas, although known to negatively affect the forest biomass/carbon stock, play an important role in carbon sequestration, thus providing insights into their ecological importance which will certainly be useful in proposing strategies for the conservation of this forest type dominated by lianas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Agroforestry, a sustainable land use practice adopted as a strategy under Kyoto Protocol, plays a crucial role to mitigate the inevitable climate change with a promising potential of carbon sequestration in their biomass and utilization of their numerous resource. Agroforestry is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustaining livelihoods, and partial solutions for biodiversity conservation. Worldwide, agroforestry is practiced by more than 1.2 billion people, on around 1 billion hectares (ha) of land area, while in India, around 25.32 million hectares area comes under agroforestry. Agroforestry system is the enhancement of overall farm productivity, soil enrichment through litter fall, above and below ground carbon sequestration, maintaining environmental services. Different agroforestry systems are adapted at the global level and periodic monitoring and estimation of area under agroforestry, monitoring of tree and soil carbon stocks is still a challenging task due to the lack of uniform methodology. The review analyzes the potential of agroforestry systems for climate adaptation and mitigation as well as their implications for the livelihood of human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bhimal (Grewia oppositifolia) is the most important agroforestry tree species used for fodder, fuel and fiber in the Himalayan region. In the present study, G. oppositifolia-based traditional agroforestry systems were selected for the estimation of carbon stock and the production potential of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana), with two elevational ranges, i.e., 1000–1400 and 1400–1800 m amsl, in Garhwal Himalaya, India. The results of the investigation showed a decline in the growth and yield attributes of both the millet crops under the G. oppositifolia-based agroforestry system at both elevations as compared to their respective control sites (sole crops). Among the elevations, the total number of tillers per plant (2.70 and 2.48), the number of active tillers per plant (2.18 and 2.25), panicle length (17.63 cm and 6.95 cm), 1000-seed weight (5.49 g and 4.33 g), grain yield (10.77 q ha−1 and 11.35 q ha−1), straw yield (37.43 q ha−1 and 30.15 q ha−1), biological yield (48.21 q ha−1 and 41.51 q ha−1) and the harvest index (22.53% and 27.78%) were recorded as higher in the lower elevation in both E. frumentacea and E. coracana, respectively, while plant population per m2 (18.64 and 25.26, respectively) was recorded as higher in the upper elevation. Plant height for E. frumentacea (180.40 cm) was also observed to be higher in the upper elevation, while for E. coracana (98.04 cm), it was recorded as higher in the lower elevation. Tree carbon stock was reported negatively with an increase in altitude. The maximum amount of sequestered carbon in the tree biomass for G. oppositifolia was 23.29 Mg ha−1 at the lower elevation and 18.09 Mg ha−1 at the upper elevation. Total carbon stock in the tree biomass was reported to be the highest (15.15 Mg ha−1) in the 10–20 cm diameter class, followed by 20–30 cm (6.99 Mg ha−1), >30 cm (2.75 Mg ha−1) and the lowest (2.32 Mg ha−1) in the <10 cm diameter class. The results show that the yield of E. frumentacea and E. coracana was not reduced so severely under the G. oppositifolia system; however, keeping in mind the other benefits of this multipurpose tree, i.e., carbon sequestration and socioecological relevance, farmers can get benefit from adopting these crops under G. oppositifolia-based agroforestry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fire monitoring, assessment, and management are important aspects of the tropics because of their significant ecological, economic, and social impact. Soil is considered one of the most important natural resources. Wildfire alters the soil nutrient status and pool through volatilization, erosion, leaching, oxidation, and ash transport. Little information is available on how soil properties, carbon stock, nitrogen stock, and soil microbial biomass carbon vary along depth and fire severity (high, medium, low, and no fire). In order to address this question, soil was sampled from 0–10 to 10–20 cm depths from different fire zones (high, medium, low, and no fire zone) of Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary of Chhattisgarh, India. The level of macronutrients, carbon stock, nitrogen stock, and microbial biomass carbon was higher at no-fire zone than in the rest of the sites (high, medium, and low severity fire zones). Total soil carbon stock (0–20 cm soil depth) was highest in no-fire zone (69.51 ton ha−1) followed by medium (66.55 ton ha−1) or low fire severity (53.69 ton ha−1). The total soil nitrogen stock across the sites ranged between 2.60 and 4.08 ton ha−1, and it was higher in the no-fire zone followed by the medium or high fire severity. Soil microbial biomass carbon reflected a similar trend with higher values in no-fire zone followed by the medium fire severity, high fire severity and low fire severity zones. Such information on wildfire and soil attributes is essential for the preparation of better management and action plan to regulate the forest soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a major issue across the globe. Therefore, carbon (C) assimilation and storage is the key management strategy for mitigating climate change. The present investigation was carried out in two riparian sites i.e., Maini and Machhli river of northern Chhattisgarh, India, through stratified random sampling. Results reveal that vegetation beside Maini river was represented by 22 species of tree, 17 species of saplings, 12 species of seedlings, 5 shrub species and 15 herb species and total density value was 1410–460,000 individuals/ha. The vegetation in Machhli river was represented by 14 species of tree, 15 species of sapling, 14 species of seedling, 10 shrub and herb species each and the total density value was 830–440,000 individuals/ha. The diversity indices were higher for tree and herb layer in Maini river while in Machhli river the diversity indices value were higher for sapling, seedling and shrub layer. Terminalia arjuna, Shorea robusta and Mangifera indica contributed maximum total biomass (58.23%) at Maini river. In Machhli river, 73% of total biomass was contributed by Terminalia arjuna, Leucana leucocephala and Ficus heterophylla. Higher biomass accumulation, C stock and CO2 mitigation were found in 30–50 cm girth class in both sites. The total C stock and CO2 mitigation ranged between 60.54–77.58 t/ha and 222.10–284.84 t/ha for both the sites, respectively. Results reveal significant contribution of riparian vegetation towards biomass accumulation, C storage and CO2 mitigation. Such study under tropical condition would help to formulate policy towards restoring degraded riparian vegetation and combating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree biomass and carbon stock continue to be the most important contributors to a forest-based bioeconomy. Accurate estimation of tree biomass and carbon stock therefore is crucial for planning a sustainable bioeconomy based on sustained forest bioresource production and harvest. Precise carbon accounting is also of fundamental importance for a green carbon market as well as for an improved model of quantitative global carbon cycle. However, estimating biomass and carbon at a large spatial scale without causing significant environmental disruption has been posing a methodological challenge necessitating to evolve a robust yet accurate estimation method. Although forest-specific generalized allometric models are the most widely used method to estimate forest tree biomass and carbon stock, these either under- or over-estimate the values, particularly in mixed-species forests. To address this challenge, we employed mixed equations that included species-specific models or available models for a sister species that provided a more conservative estimate of stand-level tree biomass and carbon compared to the generalized equations. We gathered primary data on tree girth and height at the stand level from sub-tropical and temperate forests of Tawang river basin, Arunachal Pradesh, India for validation. We compiled 32 equations comprising 27 species-specific and 5 forest-specific generalized models from a global dataset of allometric models. The outputs from the mixed models were comparable with the results of the harvest studies conducted by other researchers in similar forest types validating the efficacy of mixed models at a landscape scale. • An innovative approach for improved tree biomass and carbon stock estimation that is crucial for forest-based bioeconomy. • Mixed models that combine species-specific and general biomass models improve the estimation significantly in mixed-species forests. • Harvest studies validate the mixed model outputs. • Mixed models will be useful in large-scale carbon estimation that is fundamental to green carbon markets and global carbon cycle modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based forest management provides an opportunity to build a sustainable link with ecology for meeting future needs. A study was carried out to understand the effect of management strategies on the biodiversity, soil nutrient, and carbon stock of two community forests practiced by Jamatia (JCF) and Halam (HCF) tribes of Tripura, northeast India. The forest managed by Jamatia is community conserved, whereas the Joint Forest Management (JFM) regulation issued by the Government of India was implemented in Halam community-based forest. JCF showed higher tree diversity (2.741) than HCF (2.176), while there was no significant variation in the total number of species in these forests. Anogeissus acuminata, Schima wallichii, and Terminalia bellirica were the most dominant species in JCF and HCF. A relatively higher amount of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus content was found in JCF soils. JCF showed higher carbon stock (342.9 Mg C ha–1) than HCF (158.7 Mg C ha–1). A positive and significant correlation of SOC concentration was observed with soil moisture, SOM, and soil nutrient content. The results show that both stands were at developmental stages; however, regular extraction of biomass from HCF was attributable to lower carbon stock. We found that the Jamatia communities are proactively involved in the conservation of forests and sustainable management of biodiversity under their control. The results reveal that the agent of management can play a vital role in enhancing tree diversity, soil properties, and carbon stock in community forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The land-use sector needs special importance owing to its ability to store and emit carbon back to the atmosphere. Land-use changes and their correlations could elucidate conditions that put forests at risk of conversion to other land uses. The impact of rapid forest cover change tends to reduce the percentage of forest cover, thereby reducing the potential for carbon storage in woody biomass. The study was conducted in the state of Arunachal Pradesh to estimate the above-ground biomass, carbon pool and sequestration potential of major land-use sectors. The above-ground biomass of selected land-uses viz. dense forest, moderately dense forest, open forest, plantations, Jhum >5 years, Jhum <5 years and current jhum are 332.28 t ha−1, 246.63 t ha−1, 145.36 t ha−1, 179.31 t ha−1, 149.63 t ha−1, 55.40 t ha−1, 16.84 t ha−1 respectively. The developed model is derived from Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) and Atmospherically Resistant Vegetation Index (ARVI) for prediction of above-ground biomass (AGB) (R2 = 0.85, p < 0.05). The resultant R2 value of 85% predicts that 79% of accuracy could be assumed by the model. The RMSE of the model was 53.21 t ha−1, having no multicollinearity problem keeping tolerance (0.49) and VIF (2.80). The spatial AGB density map was predicted using a step-wise linear regression model which used AGB, SAVI and ARVI of the corresponding sample plot location. The implication of the land-use change revealed that about 84% carbon will be lost from dense forest once it is converted to Jhum (Jhum is the alternate name of Shifting cultivation in India) followed by Jhum <5 years (65%). It is pertinent to mention here that, the present analysis will help the policymakers in visualizing a proper developmental goal to regulate land-use changes for achieving the higher carbon stock and maintaining balance in the global climate scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry has great potential for carbon (C) sequestration among different land uses of the Himalayan region, India. However, our knowledge of C sequestration in particular, agroforestry system around the world is poor. Therefore, we conducted a study to understand biomass accumulation and carbon allocation in different components of the agroforestry system. The highest stem biomass was recorded in Eucalyptus tereticornis (69.43 ± 0.90 Mg ha-1), branch biomass in Populus deltoids (5.04 ± 0.35 Mg ha-1), leaf biomass also in P. deltoids (2.21 ± 0.12 Mg ha-1), and root biomass in Albizia procera (14.01 ± 0.44 Mg ha-1). The highest (81.01%) C allocation was recorded in the stem of Toona ciliate, branch of P. deltoids (5.73%), leaves of E. tereticornis (2.93%) and root of Anthocephalus cadamba (16.83%). The highest CO2 mitigation (160.5 ± 2.55 Mg CO2 ha-1) and C sequestration (45.33 ± 0.60 Mg ha-1) were recorded in E. tereticornis. The highest wheat crop biomass (11.85 ± 0.23 Mg ha-1) and C stock (3.59 ± 0.05 Mg ha-1) were recorded in P. deltiodes. However, soil carbon stock was recorded in E. tereticornis (37.5 ± 3.52 Mg ha-1). Thus, trees on farmlands with crops are suitable for biomass production and C allocation in different components under changing climatic scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, ravine landscapes are considered among the world's most degraded ecosystems. Restoring ravines is considered a high priority item in the conservation programmes, and tree establishment augmented with appropriate soil and water conservation measures is the most sought‐after restoration strategy. This study examined the impact of terracing and trenching on runoff, soil loss, and soil properties along with Sapota (Achras zapota) growth, fruit yield, biomass and carbon stock during 6 years (2010–2015) in a degraded ravine land of Western India. The four soil and water conservation strategies tested were (1) bench terracing + Sapota (Bt), (2) bench terracing + Sapota with crop cultivation (BtCr), (3) continuous slope + Sapota (Sl), and (4) continuous slope + Sapota with trenches (SlTr). All conservation techniques increased Sapota height (Bt: 54%; BtCr: 27%; SlTr: 35%) and basal diameter (Bt: 36%; BtCr: 18%; StCr: 22%) compared to Sl. Biomass and carbon stock of Sapota were in the order of Bt > SlTr > BtCr > Sl. During the droughtperiod, fruit yield was highest in Bt followed by BtCr, SlTr, and least in Sl. The treatment SlTr and Bt reduced runoff by 16–34% and soil loss by 15–25%, compared to Sl. The growth and biomass were strongly correlated with soil loss. The findings suggested that bench terracing is the best soil and water conservation measure for restoring highly degraded ravines of Western India. Under circumstances where terracing is not feasible, trenching could be a significant step along with Sapota plantation to restore these ravines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to compare the carbon sequestration potential, carbon emission, and cost benefit ratio of wheat varieties under open farming and poplar based agroforestry system. Field experiment was carried out at Agroforestry Research Center, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India. The experimental plots were laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with two associate farming systems, open farming and poplar based agroforestry system, and four varieties of wheat, PBW-373, PBW-343, UP-262 and VL-907, with three replications. Above ground, below ground and total biomass, carbon stock, carbon sequestration, carbon credit, and carbon price all were significantly higher in wheat under poplar based agroforestry system (22.949, 2.753, 25.702, 11.460, 42.049 tonnes/ha, 40.049 and $744.270/ha) while net emission was significantly lower (−40.998 tonnes/ha) in two years, as compared to open farming (−37.263 tonnes/ha). Net return and Benefit Cost (B:C) ratio ($876.29/ha and 1.83) was also higher in agroforestry system than open farming system ($700.91/ha and 1.82). Among wheat varieties VL-907 recorded maximum net return and B:C ratio ($914.52/ha and 2.12) followed by PBW-343. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial understanding of biomass and carbon stock in tropical moist deciduous forests is crucial in assessment of global carbon budget. The present study was aimed to assess the above ground and below ground carbon stock and its relation with tree diversity parameters in two tropical moist deciduous forest sites, namely: Xylia dominated forest (XDF) and Sal dominated forest (SDF) of Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Odisha, India. A total of seventy-two tree species ≥ 5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) were recorded, belonging to 62 genera and 27 families. Estimated average above-ground biomass carbon and soil organic carbon were 180.05 Mg C ha−1, 55.4 Mg C ha−1 and 209.3 Mg C ha−1, 61.8 Mg C ha−1 in XDF and SDF of SBR, respectively. Shorea robusta Gaertn. was the most carbon accumulating species of both the forests contributing about 21.5% of biomass carbon in XDF and 47.8% biomass carbon in SDF. Maximum carbon allocation was in above-ground biomass pool (69.04%) followed by soil organic carbon (20.9%) and below-ground biomass/root (10.1%). The correlation study revealed that above-ground biomass had strong positive correlation with basal area and Importance Value Index of tree species indicating importance of dominant species in carbon storage. Therefore, the dominant tree species such as S. robusta Gaertn., Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub., Terminalia tomentosa Wight & Arn., Schleichera oleosa Lour.) Merr. etc. is suggested for proper conservation and management to maintain the carbon stock of SBR. The results emphasized the importance of tropical moist deciduous forests in potential carbon storage and conservation of biodiversity in forest ecosystem of India. Further, the information will supplement to the global deficit of carbon stock data of moist deciduous forest and has implications in carbon model projections and management both nationally and globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioeconomic potential of monopodial and sympodial bamboos is not well understood. Therefore, Net primary productivity (NPP), total biomass, carbon (C) stock, soil organic carbon (SOC), CO 2 sequestration, and bioenergy potential were studied in a sympodial Chimonocalamus griffithianus and a monopodial Phyllostachys mannii bamboo in Meghalaya, north-eastern India. P. mannii stand with mean culm density 16,877 ha−1, height 14.8 m and diameter 4.4 cm, accumulated 107.56 Mg ha−1 biomass with a total NPP of 18.83 t ha−1yr−1. It stored 50.67 Mg C ha−1 in biomass, 77.28 Mg C ha−1 in soil, and had sequestration potential of 469.58 t CO 2 ha−1. C. griffithianus stand with mean clump density 1065 ha−1, mean culm density 52,185 ha−1, height 7.19 m and diameter 3.04 cm, accumulated 67.08 Mg ha−1 biomass with a total NPP of 15.30 t ha−1 yr−1. It stored 31.30 Mg C ha−1 in biomass, 83.25 Mg C ha−1 in soil, and had sequestration potential of 420.40 t CO 2 ha−1. Matured culms (>2–3 years old) of P. manni and C. griffithianus produced 143.08–166.65 MW h and 87.13–101.48 MW h of energy per ha, respectively. Although landuse history and site characteristics of the two stands were not 100 % identical, significantly greater (p < 0.05) standing biomass, NPP, growth rate, carbon sequestration potential, and energy values of P. mannii than C. griffithianus makes the monopodial bamboo a better choice for energy plantation and climate change mitigation tool than the sympodial. • Monopodial bamboo, Phyllostachys mannii , surpasses sympodial Chimonocalamus griffithianus in bioeconomic potential. • P. mannii exhibits higher biomass, NPP, carbon sequestration, and energy values. • Comparative analysis reveals the superior suitability of monopodial bamboo for energy plantations. • Results provide valuable insights for sustainable development in India's biobased economy. • Study contributes to understanding the role of bamboos in mitigating climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally it is recognized that the productive capacity, energy potential and capability to sequester carbon of forests can be conveniently indicated by the forest biomass and its carbon stocks. For the first time, present study explored the timberlines of Khangchendzonga National Park, Eastern Himalaya, India, with an aim to assess the status of biomass and carbon stock. Along 3800 m asl to 4000 m asl, in Dzongri landscape, we assessed nine major timberline sites for the estimation of total basal area, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, total carbon and stem density. The total basal area varied between 99.55±1.90 and 4.50±2.41m2 ha-1. The total above ground biomass differed between 279.25±3.04 and 15.35±7.38Mg ha-1, while the total below ground biomass ranged between 144.76±8.10 and 9.85±4.82Mg ha-1. The total carbon content estimated between 195.03±2.32 and 11.59±5.61 Mg ha-1. Among the studied environmental factors, elevation and humus were observed the determining factors for the tree growth and forest composition in the study area. The present investigation in the timberlines offers a potential platform for long term monitoring of climate change induced changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the biomass, carbon stock and the rate of carbon sequestration in the natural uneven Schizostachyum pergracile bamboo forest of Manipur situated along the Indo-Myanmar border, north east India. Allometric relationships were developed between harvested culms and diameter at breast height using a linear regression model to estimate aboveground biomass. Total biomass varied from 143.1 to 202.62 Mg ha-1 and annual productivity was 61.85 Mg ha-1. Carbon stock in vegetation ranged from 64.65 to 91.48 Mg ha-1 and soil organic carbon was recorded to be 53.25 Mg ha-1. The estimated rate of carbon sequestration was 26.96 Mg ha-1 yr-1of which 82% was accounted by aboveground parts and 18% by belowground parts. The present bamboo forest exhibited high rate of carbon sequestration hence suitable for mass plantation in the degraded ecosystems in mitigation action against human induced climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban, peri urban and patch forests play a critical role in climate change mitigation through increased carbon storage and for that, it is imperative to assess the species response in an eco-region to recommend a potentially higher carbon sequestering species. In urban settings, green spaces, in particular, trees play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, reducing the impact of urban heat islands, enhancing the hydrological cycle, as well as sequestering carbon. When introduced in urban greening projects, native species provide better ecosystem services, conserve and maintain biodiversity more sustainably than exotic species. However, fewer efforts are being made to evaluate the carbon sequestration potential of native tropical tree species in urban greening initiatives. The present study aims to assess the biomass production and carboxylation efficiency of three native tropical tree species to identify the high carbon sequestering species, which will enhance the carbon stocks under urban green spaces. Above ground biomass, carbon stock and physiological performance of three native tropical tree species (Tectona grandis , Mallotus nudiflorus and Syzygium cumini) were measured in Botanical Garden of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow for eight years old tree stands. Above ground biomass (AGB, Mg/ha) was measured using a non-destructive method by applying allometric equations. Tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH) and leaf area index (LAI) was maximum in T. grandis stand (10.43 m, 29.21 cm, 1.95, respectively). Maximum AGB (71.94 Mg/ha) and carbon stock (25.54 Mg/ha) was observed in T. grandis plantations among the three tree stands. T. grandis stand also had maximum litter fall (5.82 Mg/ha). Highest diurnal photosynthesis rate, water use efficiency and stomatal conductance were also observed in T. grandis stand. However, maximum photosynthetic rate was observed in Mallotus nudiflorus. One way ANOVA revealed significant differences (p < 0.001) in AGB, carbon stock and physiological parameters among the three species. Pearson's Correlation matrix established the positive relationship between growth performance and physiological traits of species with their capacity to sequester carbon. T. grandis can be promoted for urban greening projects for achieving carbon sequestration targets with short time span, however plantation of mixed native species will provide better delivery of all ecosystem services in sustainable mode. Results from the present study shed light on the patterns of carbon sequestration by these species, which in turn will help in the decision-making process for sustainable urban greening. Further, more tropical species can be assessed for their biomass and carbon capture capacities to determine the best species matrix for plantations to enhance carbon storage and develop climate resilient greenbelt under urban landscape forestry programs. • Assessed carbon sequestration potential and physiological performance of 03 tropical trees for urban greening in India. • Photosynthesis rate, water use efficiency and stomatal conductance were highest in Tectona grandis among three species. • Matrix of native trees should be developed to achieve higher carbon sequestration goals and delivery of ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ravines are considered among highly degraded ecosystems where successful afforestation strategies can provide significant economic and ecological benefits. The present investigation assessed and compared the biomass, carbon stock (CS), and climate resilience potential of tree species in both degraded and afforested ravine lands of Western India. Results revealed a better growth performance and higher (P < 0.05) economic volume of tree species in afforested ravines, compared to degraded ravines. Among different tree species, Azadirachta indica was noted to be the dominant species in terms of density at both afforested and degraded sites. Dendrocalamus strictus and Prosopis juliflora produced higher (P < 0.05) stem volume at the afforested sites and degraded sites, respectively. Acacia nilotica and A. indica accrued greater (P < 0.05) biomass as well as CS at the afforested sites and degraded sites, respectively. Overall, in afforested ravines, the tree biomass, vegetation CS, and soil CS were assessed higher by 176 Mg ha−1, 88 Mg ha−1, and 3.50 Mg ha−1, respectively, compared to degraded ravine lands. The sum rank index indicated better performance of A. indica, A. nilotica, and D. strictus in afforested sites, and A. indica, P. juliflora, and Acacia senegal in degraded sites, under the changing climatic scenarios of ravine ecosystem. The results suggested that afforestation of degraded ravines have a strong potential to accumulate biomass and CS in both vegetation and soil systems, and therefore, these lands can be utilized as a major sink for sequestering the atmospheric C to expedite national mitigation and adaption action plan. • Afforestation of ravines is a key strategy for climate change adaptation. • Highly variable climate of ravines adversely affect tree growth. • Acacia nilotica and Azadhirachta indica produced highest biomass and carbon stock. • Afforestation with resilient species expedited restoration of ravines. • Carbon assimilation and sequestration increased with afforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a strong determinant of soil quality and crop productivity, especially in the arid and semiarid environments of the tropics. Drought stress, high temperatures reaching up to 45°C for 8–10 weeks in a year, coupled with low biomass productivity are common features of dry agroecosystems. India, with only 2.5% of the world’s geographical area, is a home to 17% of the global population. Population increased from 361 million in 1951 to 1140 million in 2011, more than threefold increase over 50 years. Productivity levels of rainfed dryland crops are far below those of global average. Thus, increasing productivity of rainfed cropping systems is an urgent task to meet the food demand of an ever-increasing population because 57% of the total arable land area of 141Mha is under rainfed farming. Yields of important rainfed production systems in long-term manurial experiments under different climate and soil types show declining trends even with adoption of some recommended management practices (RMPs). Some RMPs include diverse crop rotations with legumes, and integrated nutrient management (INM) involving addition of farmyard manure (FYM), use of groundnut shells (GNS) and other crop residues (CRs), green leaf manuring (GLM), etc. These RMPs have been tested in seven long-term experiments of 13–27 years duration established in diverse soils and agroecoregions. These studies, under the auspices of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA), were conducted under diverse soil and climatic conditions, viz., Anantapur and Bengaluru (Alfisol), Solapur and Indore (Vertisol), Sardar Krushinagar (Entisol), and Varanasi (Inceptisol). Seven rainfed cropping system experiments involved major crops of the region including groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), winter sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), castor (Ricinus communis), soybean (Glycine max), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), lentil (Lens esculenta), and upland rice (Oryza sativa). Diverse nutrient management treatments assessed included cattle manure, green leaf manure, crop residues, and chemical fertilizers. Common soil fertility management treatments across seven experiments were control (no fertilizer or organics), 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDFs), 50% RDF+50% organics, and 100% organics. Maintaining or improving SOC concentration in rainfed dryland agroecosystems is a major agronomic challenge. Yet, the data from long-term experiments show that increasing SOC concentration by C sequestration and stabilization positively affects yields of several crops. Agronomic efficiency of added nutrients and partial factor productivity of crops are maintained or enhanced with INM practices including application of organics in conjunction with chemical fertilizers, but decline with application of only chemical fertilizers because of declining SOC concentration and soil quality with continuous cropping. In comparison with the control, grain yield of all crops are increased significantly with the adoption of INM practices using locally available organic resources. The magnitude of increase in yield (Mgha−1) in respect to control is from: (1)0.78 to 1.03 in groundnut with 50% RDF+FYM4Mgha−1, (2) 0.40 to 1.34 and 0.82 to 3.96 in groundnut and finger millet, respectively, through FYM10Mgha−1 +100% NPK in groundnut–finger millet rotation, (3) 0.84 to 3.28 in finger millet through FYM10Mgha−1 +100% NPK, (4) 0.61 to 1.19 in winter sorghum through 25kgNha−1 (Leucaena clippings)+25kgNha−1 (urea), (5) 0.43 to 0.81, 0.32 to 0.58 and 0.44 to 0.83 in pear millet, cluster bean, and castor, respectively, through 50% RDN (fertilizer)+50% RDN (FYM), (6) 1.04 to 2.10 and 0.63 to 1.49 in soybean and safflower, respectively, through FYM6Mgha−1 +20kgN+13kgPha−1, and (7) 1.08 to 1.95 and 0.48 to 1.04 in rice and lentil, respectively, through 50% N (FYM)+50% RDF treatment. Treatments receiving INM practices also exhibited higher sustainable yield index (SYI) over unfertilized control and sole application of either chemical fertilizers or organic manures. For every Mgha−1 increase in SOC stock in the root zone, there was an increase in grain yield (kgha−1) of 13 for groundnut, 101 for finger millet, 90 for sorghum, 170 for pearl millet, 145 for soybean, 18 for lentil, and 160 for rice. Improved nutrient management practices were identified on the basis of the mean rate of SOC sequestration. The average SOC sequestration rate (kgCha−1year−1) measured with different management treatments were: (1) 570 for 50% RDF+4Mgha−1 GNS, (2) 570–720 for FYM 10Mgha−1 +100% NPK, (3) 650 for 25kgNha−1 (sorghum residue)+25kgN (Leucaena clippings), (4) 240 for 50% RDN (fertilizer)+50% RDN (FYM), (5) 790 for FYM6Mgha−1 +20kgN+13kg P, and (6) 320 for 100% organic (FYM). The critical level of C input requirements for maintaining SOC at the antecedent level ranged from 1 to 3.5MgCha−1 year−1 and differed among soil type and production system. The critical level of C input was higher in soybean system and lower in winter sorghum system and increased with increase in mean annual temperature from humid to semiarid to arid ecosystems. Thus, RMPs based on locally available organic resources are a win–win situation for improving productivity and SOC sequestration, thus advancing food security and improving the environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was undertaken in Pinus roxburghii forest along three different altitudes i.e., 1100, 1300 and 1500 meter above mean sea level of Garhwal Himalaya to understand the effect of altitudes on carbon stocks (live trees and soil) in Pinus roxburghii forest. Tree density of this forest ranged between 590 tree ha (upper altitude) to 640 tree ha (lower altitude). The highest total carbon density (TCD) of above and belowground carbon was 66.33 ± 29.92 Mg ha at lower altitude followed by 57.64 ± 16.75 Mg ha in middle altitude and 52.92 ± 6.52 Mg ha in upper altitude. Soil organic carbon was highest (33.20 ± 2.77 Mg ha) at lower altitude followed by middle (22.61 ± 7.17 Mg ha) and upper altitude (12.65 ± 6.10 Mg ha). Total carbon stock (trees + soil) of Pinus roxburghii forest was maximum (99.53 Mg ha) at lower altitude and minimum (65.57 Mg ha) at upper altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forestry is at the centre-stage of global climate change negotiations as it is a low cost carbon mitigation option. Forests have the potential to be a source as well as sink for carbon emissions. The main aim of this paper is to provide a useful snapshot of the carbon value of India's forests, and give a glimpse of the potential of India's forests to offset both India's and the world's carbon emissions. This paper also highlights the initiatives taken by India towards the implementation of REDD+ and the status of REDD+ in a few other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poplar (Populus deltoides) has gained considerable importance in agroforestry plantations of western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir due to its deciduous nature, fast growth, short rotation and high industrial requirement. Poplarbased agroforestry systems are prevalent among farmers of Saharanpur (UP) and Yamunanagar (Haryana) districts of northwestern India. These systems are not only remunerative to the farmers, but also play an important role in the assimilation of atmospheric carbon dioxide in the form of biomass carbon stocks. An assessment of carbon storage vis-à-vis CO2 assimilation by poplar plantations in agroforestry has been made for these two districts. Contribution of poplar plantations to carbon storage was found to be 27- 32 t ha-1 in boundary system, whereas it was 66- 83 t ha-1 in agrisilviculture system at a rotation period of 7 years in the two districts. Thus, poplar plantations make important contributions towards atmospheric CO2 assimilation and hence play a significant role in the mitigation of atmospheric accumulation of greenhouse gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to estimate aboveground biomass and carbon stock in forests of northern Haryana covering Siwalik ranges, the foothills of the western Himalaya, in northern India. Spectral modeling of aboveground biomass was done on the basis of field data collected from 92 sampling plots of 0.1 ha across different forest types and forest densities. The field sampling, spectral responses of different bands and indices of MODIS 250m spatial resolution surface reflectance (SR) satellite data of 4 different months were used for assessing the aboveground forest biomass. Based on the relative forest area within the MODIS pixel, weighted-area biomass has been estimated to extrapolate the aboveground biomass (AGB). For geospatial distribution of the aboveground biomass, the best regression model (r2=0.774) between MODIS SR (250m) satellite data and the AGB was with December month red band with power function. The relationship between observed biomass and predicted biomass was highly significant (r2= 0.722). The mean aboveground biomass varied from 30.46 Mg ha-1 to 310.10 Mg ha-1 on plot basis across forest types. The predicted AGB based on MODIS data ranged from <30 Mg ha-1 to 346 Mg ha-1. For regional level AGB representation, the mean AGB within the grids of 5×5 km was 32 to 210 Mg. The total AGB was 26.99Tg accounting for a total carbon stock 12.96 Tg in the forests ecosystems of northern Haryana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon stock distribution in different tropical forest types in India is rarely studied although India is a country with mega-diversity. The present study estimates the biomass and carbon stock of major tropical forest types in India, and attempts to identify suitable interpolation techniques for mapping carbon stock. Empirically derived allometric equations and carbon conversion coefficients were used to estimate the aboveground biomass and carbon stock, respectively. The point estimates were interpolated to spatial surface using different interpolation techniques. Two main modelling approaches were implemented: deterministic modelling and stochastic modelling. Deterministic modelling was to interpolate point information using similarities between measured points (inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation), and fitting a smoothing curve along the measured points (polynomial interpolation). In stochastic modelling, ordinary kriging (OK) was employed using parameters derived from semivariograms. The results showed that the average carbon stock in the study area was 84 t/ha. The highest carbon stock was in evergreen forest and the lowest in thorny scrub forest. Validation of the model using the mean and RMS errors indicated that ordinary kriging performs better than IDW and polynomial interpolations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and degradation in developing countries is of the central importance in efforts to combat climate change. A study was conducted to measure carbon stocks in various land-use systems including forms and reliably estimates the impact of land use on carbon (C) stocks in the forest of Rajasthan, western India (23°3′-30°12′N longitude and 69°30′-78°17′E). 22.8% of India is forested and 0.04% is the deforestation rate of India. In Indian forest sector of western India of Aravally mountain range covered large area of deciduous forest and it's very helpful in carbon sequestration at global level. The carbon stocks of forest, plantation (reforestation) and agricultural land in aboveground, soil organic and fine root within forest were estimated through field data collection. Results revealed that the amount of total carbon stock of forests (533.64 ± 37.54 Mg·ha, simplified expression of Mg (carbon) ·ha) was significantly greater ( P < 0.05) than the plantation (324.37 ± 15.0 Mg·ha) and the agricultural land (120.50 ± 2.17 Mg·ha). Soil organic carbon in the forests (172.84 ± 3.78 Mg·ha) was also significantly greater ( P < 0.05) than the plantation (153.20 ± 7.48 Mg·ha) and the agricultural land (108.71 ± 1.68 Mg·ha). The differences in carbon stocks across land-use types are the primary consequence of variations in the vegetation biomass and the soil organic matter. Fine root carbon was a small fraction of carbon stocks in all land-use types. Most of the soil organic carbon and fine root carbon content was found in the upper 30-cm layer and decreased with soil depth. The aboveground carbon (ABGC): soil organic carbon (SOC): fine root carbon ratios (FRC), was 8:4:1, 4:5:1, and 3:37:1 for the forest, plantation and agricultural land, respectively. These results indicate that a relatively large proportion of the C loss is due to forest conversion to agricultural land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research explored the storage, mitigation, and sequestration of carbon in two age groups of Haldina cordifolia and Mitragyna parvifolia grown on entisols of tropical dry deciduous environment of Chhattisgarh, India. The random sampling technique was used for measuring the various ecological attributes of the stands. The average girth increment for both the species was more in site-I (6 year old plantation). H. cordifolia and M. parvifolia reflected increment of 2.3–5 cm yr−1 and 2.5–5 cm yr−1, respectively. The NPP (net primary production) values for both the sites viz., site-I (6 year old plantation) and site-II (4 year old plantation) were 10.32 t ha−1 yr−1 and 8.92 t ha−1 yr−1, respectively for H. cordifolia plantation and 11.08 t ha−1 yr−1 and 9.63 t ha−1 yr−1 for M. parvifolia plantation. The carbon (C) storage, mitigation, and carbon sequestration (C seq.) values for the two sites ranged from 19.22–24 t ha−1, 70.54–88.08 t ha−1, and 3.08–3.81 t ha−1 yr−1, respectively. It is evident that site-I (6 year old plantation) and M. parvifolia perform better than site-II (4 year old plantation) and H. cordifolia , respectively. Both the species belong to family Rubiaceae and among both the species M. parvifolia reflected comparatively better growth traits over H. cordifolia. Thus, M. parvifolia can be effectively utilized for afforestation, reforestation, and other plantation programs in this region as well as other places with similar environmental conditions. • Assessing Haldina cordifolia and Mitragyna parvifolia stands grown on entisols. • Developed the allometric equation of Haldina cordifolia and Mitragyna parvifolia. • Mitragyna parvifolia revealed higher biomass, growth and productivity. • Higher C stock, C seq. and C mitigation were found in Mitragyna parvifolia. • NPK were found to be higher in Mitragyna parvifolia stand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest's ecosystem is changing at an alarming rate and anthropogenic alteration of forests to other land use is a major driver of carbon (C) emission and biodiversity loss. We estimated ecosystem-level C stock and factors affecting C stock in six major forest types; tropical wet evergreen forest, montane subtropical forest, temperate forest, bamboo forest, quercus forest, and jhum land of the eastern Himalayan region (India). We determined ecosystem structure, biodiversity, and plant and soil C stock by laying random plots in each forest site. The average C stock was estimated in the range of 79.0–373.4 Mg C ha−1 and found significantly different among the forest types. Partitioning ecosystem C stocks in plant (24–55%), soils (43–75%), deadwood (1–4.8%) and litter (0.20–1.25%) components varied largely. Pearson correlation analysis shows a significant positive relation of basal area with species diversity, tree density, and ecosystem C stock. Linear mixed-effect model demonstrates the high influence of species density and soil moisture content on the ecosystem C stock. We recommend the inclusion of forest structural attributes and pedological characteristics while predicting synergies between C stock and future climatic conditions. Additionally, conversion of natural forests to jhum land should be minimized because they stored lesser ecosystem C stocks thus plays a minimum role in C accumulation and cycling. The study provides estimates of C stocks in major forests that can be useful in suggesting a path forward to partially fulfill India's commitments to REDD + policy. [Display omitted] • Determining ecosystem-level carbon stock is essential for carbon sink management. • Average carbon stock ranged from 79 Mg C ha−1 to 373 Mg C ha−1 in major forest types. • Tropical wet evergreen forests are major carbon sink in the eastern Himalayas. • Carbon stock is highly influenced by the stand density and soil moisture content. • Jhum forests practices should be reduced to enhance ecosystem carbon sink capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Climate change is severely affecting the agro-ecosystems in ravine lands. • Extreme rainfall events adversely affected crops compared to tree and grasses. • Soil and water conservation enhanced the growth, biomass and carbon stock of plants. • Terrace was found superior to enhance climate resilience and carbon sequestration. Agro ecosystems in degraded lands are subjected to climate change impacts throughout the globe. Previous work in degraded lands has focused on afforestation and soil conservation, which has obvious limitations in terms of generality and scope of application for production systems in climate change scenario. A key challenge in degraded lands is to develop climate smart systems those are resilient to extreme weather and have high potential for carbon sequestration. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of Sapota trees (Achras zapota) and regional crops/grasses (annuals) combination (agroforestry) with soil water conservation (SWC) for enhancing climate resilience and carbon sequestration of agro ecosystem in semi-arid degraded lands of Western India. The experiment was conducted for eight years (2010–2017) in four systems: (i) Sapota + Crops on terrace (SCTe) (ii) Sapota on terrace (STe); (iii) Sapota and Trenches on slope (STrS); and (iv) Sole Sapota on slope (SS) and their performance was assessed during different annual rainfall events (Normal, Heavy, High, Abnormal, Drought). Our findings explained that, among all the annual rainfall events, drought resulted in the mortality of Sapota tree and reduction in biomass production of the grasses, while, terrace and trench measures reduced the tree mortality and enhanced the grass biomass production. Plant population of Cowpea and Castor crops were recorded significantly higher during normal rainfall, but a decline was observed during rest of the rainfall events. Height and diameter growth increment in Sapota was recorded higher during normal rainfall compared to the drought period. SWC measure such as terraces and trench contributed higher growth increment and biomass production in Sapota tree, compared to sole slope, under all the rainfall conditions. Rainfall variability also affected the Cowpea and Caster and their yield was recorded maximum during normal rainfall and minimum during drought period, respectively. Moreover, SWC measure such as terrace and trench enhanced fruit yield of Sapota during the drought period. These measures also improved carbon stock and carbon sequestration in Sapota and grasses during the eight years. Overall, carbon stock and carbon sequestration in plants and soil were observed greater in uncultivated terrace (STe), followed by cultivated terrace (SCTe) and trench (STr) systems, respectively, while, overall, their lower value was observed in slope system (SS). The results suggested that tree and annuals combination (agroforestry) along with soil water conservation measures enhanced agro ecosystem resilience to extreme weather and improved the carbon stock and sequestration potential. Therefore, soil and water conservation should be considered, along with only those trees and annuals, which have the capability to enhance climate resilience and potential of high carbon sequestration, in semi-arid climate change vulnerable degraded ravine landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]