Above-And Below-Ground Biomass Production in Pinus roxburghii Forests along Altitudes in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Chir pine (Pinus roxburghii Sargent) stands were selected across their distributional range from Himalaya, i.e. from lower altitude to upper altitude to understand distribution of chir tree density, basal cover and biomass with altitudes. Tree density was highest >1800 m (405 ind ha^–1) and lowest (171.67 ind ha^–1) between 1401 and 1800 m. Tree height was highest (23.69 m) between 1001 and 1400 m and lowest (17.71 m) >1800 m. Basal area was highest (30.51 m² ha^–1) between 1001 and 1400 m and lowest (17.16 m² ha^–1) between 1401 and 1800 m. The highest volume was observed between 1001 and 1400 m altitude and lowest between 1401 and 1800 m. Bole biomass was highest (145.51 t ha^–1) between 1001 and 1400 m and lowest (80.78 t ha^–1) between 1401 and 1800 m. The mean leaf litter biomass production was highest in summer and showed decreasing trend in winter to rainy seasons, except in Rudraprayag where the highest biomass was observed in summer and regressed from rainy to winter seasons. The study concluded that, the density, height, basal area and volume of Pinus roxburgii trees varied with altitude in the Himalaya, but it is not directional. Density of trees plays an important role which changes biomass accordingly. Litter production had inverse relation with altitude, however increase in biomass of litter at >1801 m was observed due to new plantations.