Forest biomass density, utilization and production dynamics in a western Himalayan watershed

Abstract

There is enough evidence to show that the forest biomass has decreased significantly in the Indian Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. The government has responded through restrictive measures to check this decline. Using tree biomass as proxy for degradation, we assessed the current state of biomass within dominant land use types and examined its implications for sustainability. The highest above-ground mean tree biomass density of 1158 t·ha -1 was recorded for the reserved forest followed by 728, 13, 11, 8, 5 and 3 t·ha -1 in the protected forest, fallow land, cultivated-unirrigated land, grassland, orchard land and cultivated-irrigated land respectively. Of the total accessible biomass, only 0.31% was extracted annually by the local people for fuel, fodder and other uses. Though, the current level of extraction may be sustainable in the short run, insufficient regeneration is observed for long term sustainability. Forest biomass production was simulated for the next 30 years with a logistic growth model and the relative significance of input variables in influencing system behaviour was analysed through sensitivity analysis. The model results highlighted the declining forest resources in the long run. Positive response through appropriate government policies can, however, change the scenario for the better.

Vegetation structure, floristic composition and species diversity of woody plant communities in sub-tropical Kandi Siwaliks of Jammu, J & K, India

“…The distribution of Chirpine is very narrow and the patches are more or less exposed to southern which being dry expose these stands to intense and frequent forest fires which is in conformity to other similar investigations [30], [42] and [75]. The tree density recorded as 288, 363 and 498 per hectare in subtropical dry deciduous forest, Himalayan subtropical scrub and Himalayan Chirpine dominated forest respectively is comparatively less than the recorded standards for subtropical forests in other Himalayan regions like 534 -620 Ha -1 in lesser Himalayas [76]; 1158 Ha -1 in Himachal Pradesh [77], [78]; 530-940 Ha -1 in Kumaon Himalayas [31], [79]; 790-1059 Ha -1 in Gharwal Himalayas [32], [80] and 341-462 Ha -1 in Nepal broadleaved forests [81] and 344 Ha -1 in Bagh district of Kashmir, Pakistan [34]. The under storey, however exhibits more density and abundance near the forest interfaces thus reflecting pronounced edge effect.…”

Fuelwood consumption pattern and its impact on forest structure in Kashmir Himalayas

“…Average tree density was recorded as 73.8 trees ha -1 in the study area showing declined forest structure. This value is far lesser than those found in the other Himalayan regions: 534-620 trees ha -1 in smaller Himalayas (Ahmed et al 2006); 1,158 trees ha -1 in western Himalayas (Sharma et al 2008); 530-940 trees ha -1 in Kumaun Himalayas (Hussain et al 2008) and 341-462 trees ha -1 in Nepal broadleaved forests (Subedi and Shakya 1988). The average regeneration of the selected sites was 12.87 seedlings ha -1 .…”

Analysis of Profitability and Risk in New Agriculture Using Dynamic Non-Linear Programming Model

“…According to the official records, about 58% of the watershed area is under forest owned by the state. The mixed farming system with crop cultivation, livestock rearing and forest product extraction is similar to other regions of the Himachal Pradesh (Sharma et al, 2008).…”