Carbon allocation of 20 years old Salix alba plantations in different components under different diameter classes under temperate conditions of Kashmir, India

The study was carried out component wise under different diameter classes at different locations of Kashmir valley. Data for carbon allocation in different components of Salix alba plantations was carried out twice a year from each of the selected locations during both years of investigations. The results reveal that overall specific gravity of wood typically increased with advancement of tree age. The maximum and statistically identical wood specific gravity of 0.412 was recorded in trees with greater diameter whereas minimum specific gravity of 0.379 was recorded in youngest trees. The contribution of lignified tissue (stem & branches) and leaves to above ground carbon fraction was 94.14 & 5.84% respectively. The annual accumulation of above ground carbon density for various diameter classes was in order of 31–40 > 41–50 > 21–30 > 50 > cm > 11–20 > and <10 cm respectively. The carbon content also varied with respect to various locations and components. The carbon fraction of more lignified biomass component (stem) was highest (46.18%) in trees with dbh of >50 cm and significantly minimum carbon content of 45.99% was recorded for trees with diameter of <10 cm. Salix alba exhibits a remarkable variation in productivity due to the wide adoptability in different ecological zones and thus store large quantities of carbon in their biomass. The species has gained a considerable importance in temperate regions of Kashmir mainly due to its deciduous nature, fast growing habit and high industrial requirement.