Relationship of forest biomass carbon with biophysical parameters in north Kashmir region of Himalayas.

Biophysical parameters affecting biomass carbon have been emphasized in the Paris Agreement for realizing climatic benefits from mitigation projects. The present study was conducted to assess the relation of biophysical parameters with forest biomass carbon in north Kashmir region of Himalayas. The relation of biomass carbon was assessed with (1) species type or strata including Cedrus deodara, mixed I (Cedrus deodara-Pinus wallichiana), mixed II (Abies pindrow-Picea smithiana) and Pinus wallichiana, (2) altitude (1292-2911 m amsl), (3) crown density, (4) aspect, (5) tree count or density and (6) location. Using a stratified sampling design, a total of 188 quadrats of 0.1 ha were laid across the entire region representing different biophysical parameters. Field observation including diameter at breast height and height were recorded and sample biomass (t ha) was estimated using volumetric equations. The observed relation of aboveground biomass carbon with species revealed a trend of mixed II ˃ Cedrus deodara ˃ mixed I ˃ Pinus wallichiana. A positive but weak correlation (R = 0.02) was found between aboveground biomass carbon and altitude. A reasonably good correlation (R = 0.40) was observed to exist between aboveground biomass carbon and crown density. The highest value of average biomass carbon (72.63 t ha) was recorded for the north-eastern aspect whereas the lowest value (44.60 t ha) was recorded for the eastern aspect. The aboveground biomass carbon and tree count was found positively correlated (+ 0.475, R = 0.48). Forest biomass carbon fluctuates within the same geographical region with a variety of biophysical factors. The growth rate of species, photosynthetic ability under different crown densities and climatic conditions could address the reasons for this variability. Biophysical relations of forest biomass carbon can be viewed as an important input for guidelines and policy matters on climate change.