Author/Authors :
Nizami, Syed Moazzam Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University - Department of Forestry Range Management, Pakistan , Mirza, Sarwat N. Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University - Department of Forestry Range Management, Australia , Livesley, Stephen University of Melbourne - Department of Forest Ecosystem Science, Australia , Arndt, Stefan University of Melbourne - Department of Forest Ecosystem Science, Pakistan , Fox, Julian C. University of Melbourne - Department of Forest Ecosystem Science, Australia , Khan, Irshad A. Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University - Department of Forestry Range Management, Pakistan , Mahmood, Tariq Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University - Department of Environmental Sciences, Pakistan
Abstract :
The study estimated the carbon stocks (t/ha) of the native sub tropical pine (Pinus roxburghii) forests of Pakistan. Vegetation and soil carbon stocks were assessed in two forest sites of sub-tropical pine forests (Ghoragali, 1729 ha and Lehterar, 1254 ha). Overall, 76 plots of 1 ha each were established between 2006-08, representing a sampling intensity of 2.5% of the total forest area. In each 1 ha plot, overstorey tree diameters at breast height and tree heights were measured. Soil samples (composite n=5) were collected at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths in each 1 ha plot. Stem biomass was calculated from measured stem diameter, height, standard taper functions and wood density estimates. Total above and below-ground tree biomass was calculated using appropriate biomass expansion factors from the scientific literature to predict branch, foliage and root biomass. Soil carbon (0-30 cm) was calculated by using Walkey-Black organic carbon concentrations multiplied by mean soil bulk density measurements. The study revealed that overall (Vegetation + Soils) C_ Stocks (t/ha) in both the forest ecosystems of Ghoragali and Lehterar forests were 126 +- 2.94 and 99 +- 1.58 t/ha respectively.
Keywords :
Sub tropical forest , carbon stocks , tree biomass , soil carbon
