Carbon stock quantities of Shorea robusta gaertn. along altitudinal gradient in Shivalik hills of western Himalaya

The study explains altitude wise carbon stock quantities of Shorea robusta Gaertn. in the Bhabhar transition zone of Western Himalaya, an important zone from biodiversity conservation and climate change point of view in Uttarakhand. The area was divided into three zones viz. zone I (400-700 m), II (701-1000 m) and III (1001-1300 m). 10 sample plots (total 30 plots) were laid randomly for tree investigation and soil sampling. Based on the generated data through non-harvesting method, a gradual reduction was observed in studied parametric values from 96 trees. Tree volume and carbon stock (105.12-457.38 t ha^-1) were recorded highest at lower elevation. Contrary to this, soilcarbon content increased from 33.33 t ha^-1 to 40.96 t ha^-1 as the elevation went-up from 700 to 1300 m., indicating a positive correlation with altitude. MC and BD showed weak positive correlation at mid-elevation. The findings suggested altitude as a detrimental factor for carbon stocking in trees and soil. It also provide a preliminary idea on influence of other factors such as slope, grazing pressure, choice of management practices and certain climatic factors like humidity and temperature on altitude wise reduction in carbon stocking of tree species in transitional zones.