Biomass and carbon potential of van panchayat forests in Kumaun Himalaya

Van Panchayat forests are community-managed forest systems in the hills of Uttarakhand that support local livelihood needs and agricultural productivity. This study assessed biomass and carbon dynamics in three Van Panchayat forests of the Kumaun Himalaya, dominated by pine and oak species. Biomass, net primary productivity (NPP), carbon stock, and carbon sequestration were estimated using allometric equations based on tree density and diameter. Tree biomass and NPP ranged from 119.85 to 238.14 t ha⁻¹ and 2.83 to 16.23 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, while carbon stock and sequestration ranged from 56.91 to 113.14 t C ha⁻¹ and 1.41 to 7.87 t C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. Pine-dominated forests recorded the highest biomass, productivity, and carbon sequestration, attributed to their faster growth and relatively lower extraction pressure compared to oak forests, which face higher fuel and fodder removal. The findings indicate that oak Van Panchayat forests require strengthened conservation and management interventions to enhance their biomass and carbon storage potential. Overall, the study underscores the role of community forests in promoting carbon sequestration, ecosystem resilience, and climate change mitigation in the Uttarakhand region.