Impact of patch size on tree biomass and carbon stock from a tropical dry forest of West Bengal, India

Abstract

The patterns of biomass and stock carbon distribution across different size of patches in a fragmentedlandscape have been poorly investigated. This paper deals with the estimation of biomass and carbon stockof trees in different girth classes by the nondestructive method in a dry tropical fragmented forest landscapeof Jhargram district, West Bengal, India. I analyzed on the basis of DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) anddensity values of trees. These values were noticed highest in the girth class 67-101 (cbh in cm) for 1 ha, 50ha, and 100 ha patches. But in case of 10 ha patch it showed top value in girth class 32-66 (cbh in cm). Theamount of total biomass and stock carbon observed maximum (367.919 and 183.959 t/ha respectively) in100 ha patch and minimum (45.846 and 22.923 t/ha respectively) in 1 ha patch. It may be due to the occurrenceof greater density and age of the trees in 100 ha forest patch. This research indicates that the patch size oftropical forest is proportionally related to the amount of ground biomass and stock carbon. Hence,fragmentation creates major threats to the amount of stock carbon in the forest landscape.