Biomass, Carbon, and Productivity
摘要
The Himalayan forests represent significant carbon reservoirs that play a critical role in global climate regulation. This chapter synthesizes current knowledge on forest biomass, carbon sequestration, and productivity across the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). In undisturbed forests, tree biomass typically ranges from 200 t ha−1 in Pinus roxburghii to 400 t ha−1 in Quercus species, with old-growth forests sometimes exceeding 500–700 t ha−1. Net primary productivity in oak forests varies between 5.68–13.2 t ha−1 yr−1 in the tree layer, with allocation patterns showing highest productivity in foliage, followed by bole, roots, twigs, and branches. Soil organic carbon increases with elevation, with maximum stocks (138.37 t ha−1) observed above 2500 m. Annual litterfall contributes 5–9 t ha−1 yr−1 to forest floors, with seasonal patterns showing maximum leaf drop during spring. Root research reveals that approximately 50% of fine roots occur in the top 30 cm soil layer, but species vary in rooting depth (90–180 cm) and response to seasonal drought. Banj oak forests demonstrate 56.2% more fine root biomass than chir pine forests, with annual production rates of 3.62 and 2.50 t ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Carbon sequestration rates in community-managed forests range from 2–7 t ha−1 yr−1 depending on forest condition. These forests serve as vital carbon sinks that require conservation. The chapter provides comprehensive allometric equations for biomass estimation across multiple Himalayan tree species and documents carbon stocks in different forest types, emphasizing their importance in climate change mitigation strategies.