Dobhal, Sneha(Dr.)Binjola, ReetikaVasishth, Amol(Dr.) (Member)Bali, R.S(Dr.) (Member)Shikha, M.S.(Dr.) (Member)2024-09-232024-09-232023Th-300https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810214819The present study entitled "Effect of altitude and aspect on the biomass and carbon stock of Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) in the Western Himalayas," was carried out in the Department of Silviculture, Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture & Forestry, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand during 2021-2022. The study was conducted to assess the variability in tree growth, biomass production, carbon stock, Phyto-sociological attributes, and soil physio-chemical parameters on four aspects, viz., East, West, North and South, and at two altitudes (1600-1800m and 1900-2200m) of Chir Pinedominatedforests in the Garhwal Himalaya. Results showed that the maximum height (16.6m), diameter (0.52m), and volume (491 m3/ha) of Chir pine was observed on Northern aspect, while their minimum value of 9.22m, 0.24m, and 215.29 m3/ha, respectively, was recorded on the Southern aspect. The maximum values of above-ground biomass, below ground biomass, total biomass, carbon stock,and CO2 sequestrationof Chir Pine were observed on the Northern aspect and their minimum value was recorded on the Southern aspect. Results explained that as the altitude increased, the stem height, diameter, volume, biomass, carbon stock and CO2 sequestration of Chir Pine showed declining trends. The phytosociological study showed the dominance of Chir Pine in these forests with 100% frequency in all four aspects and at two altitudinal ranges. The higher density of Pine trees indicates a faster rate of organic matter decomposition, which enhances below-ground inputs or indirectly facilitates surface soil mixing by soil organisms.The upper layer of the forests was more acidic in nature in all aspects and altitudes in the study area. The soil moisture content was found higher in the lower soil layer which increasedwith an increase in the soil depth. Overall results indicated that the Northern aspect is a major carbon stock reservoir of Chir Pine, compared to other aspects because of its favorable climatic conditions.According to the findings, it is important to recognize the significance of the valuable Himalayan area for its capacity to store carbon.EnglishThesis