Biomass and soil carbon stocks in relation to the structure and composition of Chir Pine dominated forests in the lesser Himalayan foothills of Kashmir

Quantification of carbon stocks is critical to evaluate the potential an ecosystem mitigate impact global climate change in REDD + scenario. Present research project was designed gauge sequestered Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) dominated forests foothills western Himalayan region Kashmir which constitute a significant regional pool. The study outcomes revealed average stock value 94.3 Mg/ha from 68 shared by soil organic (SOC); whereas biomass share 26.3 Mg/ha. P. roxburghii most noteworthy species containing 5.93 followed Quercus incana (3.59 Mg/ha) and Olea cuspidata (2.26 Mg/ha). Average forest chronicled as 52.5 tree 49.34 Shrub herb contributed 1.95 0.53 correspondingly Leaf litter deadwood necromass produced 0.67 Ordination analysis that were significantly influenced composition, structural attributes well anthropogenic disturbances. Current has resulted generating standard baseline dataset with diverse implications for sustainable management perspective.