Biomass Equations and Assessment of Carbon Stock of Calligonum polygonoides L., a Shrub of Indian Arid Zone

Biomass equations of Calligonum polygonoides L. were derived for the arid districts of Rajasthan, India for assessment of carbon stock. Plants varied spatially in growth and biomass (0.03-54.19 kg/plant). Contribution of stems and ischolar_mains was 45.7% and 48.0% of total biomass respectively. Nonlinear models were found to be the best in predicting biomass of stems, ischolar_mains, above-ground and total biomass of C. polygonoides using collar diameter as the predictor. Carbon concentration was highest in twigs followed by stems, ischolar_mains and leaves. Carbon density due to this species ranged between 0.37 and 1.84 t/ha. Conclusively, collar diameter alone is sufficient to predict the biomass of different components of this plant. Varying climatic and human-induced stresses were found to affect the biomass and carbon sequestration by this species.