Under-storey Vegetation Carbon Characterization of Shorea robusta (SAL) forests Using Ground Data and Geospatial Techniques

Phyto-mass/carbon of under-storey vegetation play a significant role in carbon dynamics, wildlife habitat quality, biodiversity, soil conservation, soil organic carbon, soil fertility, etc. Above ground phyto-mass/carbon of under-storey vegetation consisting of components like shrubs, herbs, litter and humus of sal (Shorea robusta) forest has been assessed using ground observations and these contribute (0-)1-3% in total above ground phytomass. This assessment is based using satellite remote sensing data for characterising forests for homogeneous stratification map based on forest type, forest density and physiography. Above ground phytomass in shrubby layer varied from 1.76 t/ha in 'sal-teak mixed' (Tectona grandis) with 60-80% density to 5.16±SE 1.78 t/ha in 'pure sal' with >80% density. Phytomass in herbaceous layer was almost nil in the case of very high canopy density (>80%) in 'pure sal' forest, 'sal teak mixed' and 'sal mixed' forests. The highest phytomass 1.93±SE 0.17 t/ha is reported in 'pure sal' (10-40% density) followed by 'hill sal' (10-40% density) 1.49±SE 0.03 t/h and 1.27±SE 0.01 t/ha in 'hill sal' with 40-60% density. The open (10-40% density) to moderately degraded (40-60%) 'pure sal' forests have high potential for carbon sequestration. The carbon density in shrubs, herbs, and litter-humus layer showed variable trends with different forest density strata except litter-humus in 'pure sal and sal mixed' forests. The phytomass contribution of exotic shrub such as Lantana camara in the degraded forests would be useful for management planning.