PJB-2024-194
A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF CARBON, REGENERATION, AND FOREST NORMALITY IN FIR-SPRUCE SELECTION FOREST OF TEMPERATE HIMALAYAN REGION, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Varun Attri
Abstract
The study took place in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, positioned between 30° 38’40” to 31° 01’14” N latitude and 77° 01’ 5” to 77° 26’ 13”E longitude. Spanning elevations from 500 m to 3500 m above sea level, it aimed to meticulously evaluate Carbon content, Regeneration patterns, and Forest Normality in the Fir-Spruce Selection forest of the Temperate Himalayan Region. The study recorded an impressive growing stock and tree total biomass of 611.95 m3 ha-1 and 466.30 t ha-1, respectively. Additionally, tree total carbon stock and tree total carbon mitigation were revealed at 233.15 t ha-1 and 854.88 t ha-1, respectively. In Fir and spruce-dominated forests, the observed stems (522.08 stems ha-1) and observed volume (611.95 m3 ha-1) surpassed standard/normal values. However, stocking levels were noted at 1.64, exceeding the normal stocking of one. Consequently, the crop in the selection working circle failed to meet normality criteria, evident in the stem number distribution in diameter classes significantly surpassing their ideal values. Moreover, regeneration in the selection forest showed a 32.50 per cent shortfall compared to anticipated levels due to the presence of mature and over-mature trees scheduled for harvesting. This indicates a concerning state of the forest in terms of management under the selection system.
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