Accounting biomass and carbon dynamics in Populus deltoides plantation under varying density in Tarai of central Himalaya

In the present investigation biomass, carbon storage and carbon sequestration potential along different tree densities in Populus deltoides plantations were assessed in 8 years old plantation. The growth rate of diameter at breast height (DBH) and height was higher -1 in trees at 200 to 250 trees ha⁻¹ and 200 to 333 trees/ha⁻¹ years, respectively. The biomass and carbon stock increased with tree -1 density and reached maximum at 1000 trees ha⁻¹. The contribution of stem was maximum compared to branch and litter in total biomass carbon. Soil organic carbon percentage showed a decreasing trend with increasing soil depth in the entire plantation whereas bulk density increased with increasing soil depth. SOC stocks increased with increase in density irrespective of soil depth. In the surface layer (0-15 cm), SOC stocks were 36.2% higher at 1000 trees/ha. The carbon sequestration in biomass and soil increased with increasing the tree densities. Total Carbon sequestration by biomass + soil was -1 -1 maximum (142.9 t ha⁻¹) with 1000 trees ha which was greater than other tree densities. Soil carbon stock contributed more to the total soil organic carbon as compared to the above ground biomass. This study recommends P. deltoides planting as a viable option for sustainable production and carbon mitigation.