Biomass and Carbon Stock at Various Habitats of Alpine Meadows in the Kumaun Himalaya, India

This study investigates biomass and carbon stock across six alpine habitats (Moist Habitat, Gentle Slope Habitat, Upland Mountain Habitat, Open Grassy Habitat, Stream Bank Habitat, Dry Rocky Habitat) in the Kumaun Himalaya, examining species richness, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, total biomass, and associated carbon stocks. Species richness varied from 22 to 35. Among all habitats the species richness was highest in Stream Bank Habitat with 35 and lowest in Dry Rocky Habitat with 22. Aboveground biomass was highest in Moist Habitat 89.16 g/m², while the lowest was observed in Gentle Slope Habitat 64.1 g/m². Belowground biomass was highest in Stream Bank Habitat 97.55 g/m², while the lowest was observed in Dry Rocky Habitat 78.94 g/m². Total biomass was highest in Moist Habitat (183.4 g/m²) and lowest in Dry Rocky Habitat (149.7 g/m²). Significant differences were observed for Above Ground Biomass, Total Biomass, Above Ground Carbon, Total Carbon, and species richness across habitats. Below Ground Biomass and Below Ground Carbon did not vary significantly.