Tree diversity and carbon stocks of hmuifang forest, Mizoram

Abstract

The diversity of trees and carbon stock of Hmuifang forest were studied. The highest Density, Frequency and Important value Index were found in Dipterocarpus retusus with 153.33, 86.67 and 42.33 respectively, followed by Helicia excelsa with 136.67, 73.33 and 22.10 respectively. Lithocarpus xylocarpus has the highest abundance (2.40) followed by Helicia excelsa (1.86). The study of diversity indices shows that there is greater diversity, the community has a higher evenness and there are fewer disturbances in the forest. Biomass of trees was calculated by using allometric equations. Below ground Biomass was estimated by the Root-Shoot ratio relationship. The highest biomass was stored in Quercus floribunda (244.61 t/ha) followed by Dipterocarpus retusus (175.04 t/ha). Soil samples were collected from four depths layer (0-10 cm), (10-20 cm), (20-30 cm) and (30-40 cm). Soil Organic Carbon was determined by using Walkley-Black wet oxidation method. The Total Carbon Stock of Hmuifang Forest was found to be 468.26 t/ha and total CO₂ sequestered is 1718.51. The results of this study help understand the status of this forest and its importance in Carbon sequestration.