Background Data on the impact of species diversity on biomass in the Central Himalayas, along with stand structural attributes is sparse and inconsistent. Moreover, few studies in the region have related population structure and the influence of large trees on biomass. Such data is crucial for maintaining Himalayan biodiversity and carbon stock. Therefore, we investigated these relationships in major Central Himalayan forest types using non-destructive methodologies to determine key factors and underlying mechanisms. Results Tropical Shorea robusta dominant forest has the highest total biomass density (1280.79 Mg ha−1) and total carbon density (577.77 Mg C ha−1) along with the highest total species richness (21 species). The stem density ranged between 153 and 457 trees ha−1 with large trees (> 70 cm diameter) contributing 0–22%. Conifer dominant forest types had higher median diameter and Cedrus deodara forest had the highest growing stock (718.87 m3 ha−1); furthermore, C. deodara contributed maximally toward total carbon density (14.6%) among all the 53 species combined. Quercus semecarpifolia–Rhododendron arboreum association forest had the highest total basal area (94.75 m2 ha−1). We found large trees to contribute up to 65% of the growing stock. Nine percent of the species contributed more than 50% of the carbon stock. Species dominance regulated the growing stock significantly (R2 = 0.707, p < 0.001). Temperate forest types had heterogeneous biomass distribution within the forest stands. We found total basal area, large tree density, maximum diameter, species richness, and species diversity as the predominant variables with a significant positive influence on biomass carbon stock. Both structural attributes and diversity influenced the ordination of study sites under PCA analysis. Elevation showed no significant correlation with either biomass or species diversity components. Conclusions The results suggest biomass hyperdominance with both selection effects and niche complementarity to play a complex mechanism in enhancing Central Himalayan biomass carbon stock. Major climax forests are in an alarming state regarding future carbon security. Large trees and selective species act as key regulators of biomass stocks; however, species diversity also has a positive influence and should also reflect under management implications.

Mosses are one of the most important and dominant plant communities, especially in the temperate biome, and play a significant role in ecosystem function and dynamics. They influence the water, energy and element cycle due to their unique ecology and physiology. The present study was undertaken in three different temperate forest sites in the Garhwal Himalayas, viz., Triyuginarayan (Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS)), Chakrata, and Kanasar forest range. The study was focused on understanding the influence of mosses on soil physical properties and nutrient availability. Different physico-chemical properties were analysed under two different substrata, that is, with and without moss cover in two different seasons, viz., monsoon and winter. We observed mosses to influence and alter the physical properties and nutrient status of soil in both seasons. All soil physical and chemical properties, except magnesium, showed significant difference within the substrates, among all the sites and across the two seasons. Besides the soil characteristics underneath the moss vegetation, the study also highlights the diversity of mosses found in the area. Mosses appear to create high nutrient microsites via a high rate of organic matter accumulation and retain nutrients for longer periods thus, maintaining ecosystem stability.

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A child always needs care and affection from their parents and family members. Parental care does matter in child's life. If children do not get adequate care, it will affect their future life and education. But in today scenario, it becomes hard for parents to work outside for their livelihood and also give full time to their children. Now days, parents take help from different type of day care centres and school for rearing their children. As a result children spend more time in these centres than home. In this paper we will compare between parental and non-parental care settings and its effects on developmental outcomes of children. This paper also adds awareness among parents and society regarding proper child care practices. So that our children can get proper care and develop full potential in their future life.

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