Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock along Altitudes in Traditional Agroforestry System in Tehri District of Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

Agroforestry represents an integration of agriculture and forestry to increase productivity and sustainability of farming systems and farm income. It has been recognized as carbon sinks due to the need of climate change mitigation. The objective of this study was to compare the carbon stock in living biomass between altitudes and agroforestry system in Tehri district, Uttarakhand. The system compared was: Agrihortisilviculture system (Trees, crops and fruits), Agrihorticulture system (Trees and Fruits) and Agrisilviculture system (Trees and crops.). 1350 sample plots were selected in three altitudes. Three altitudes were: Lower (286-1200 m), Middle (1200-2000 m) and Upper (2000-2800 m). Results indicated that carbon was influenced by the altitudes. Carbon stock in the lower altitude (286-1200 m) was higher compared to the middle and upper altitudes. Agrihortisilviculture system contained maximum carbon stock compare than other system. It is concluded that agroforestry systems are playing an important role in the biodiversity conservation, soil enrichment and carbon storage in Tehri district of Uttarakhand.