Published Paper Details:

This study examines the altitudinal influence on forest structure, carbon storage, and soil properties across three distinct forest types: Oak mixed (Q. leucotrichophora) at 1500m (Jawal), Pine (P. roxburghii) at 1800m (Chitgal), and Sal (S. robusta) at 900m (Timta). Key parameters investigated include tree biomass, carbon stock, soil moisture content (MC), water holding capacity (WHC), pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and organic matter (OM). A clear altitudinal gradient is evident in carbon sequestration, with the Oak forest exhibiting the highest tree biomass (266.99 ton/ha) and carbon stock (133.49 ton/ha). The Pine forest follows with 256.65 ton/ha biomass and 128.65 ton/ha carbon stock, while the Sal forest shows the lowest (233.52 ton/ha biomass, 116.76 ton/ha carbon stock), consistently maintaining 50% carbon of total biomass. Regarding soil properties, the Oak forest soil demonstrates superior water retention (36-38% MC, 64% WHC). In contrast, Pine and Sal forest soils exhibit much lower MC (14-20%) and WHC (25-45%). Chemically, Sal forest soil is the least acidic (pH 5.9-6.8), whereas Pine and particularly Oak soils are more acidic (pH as low as 5.2). SOC and OM are consistently higher in topsoil across all sites, with the Pine forest showing the highest top-layer organic matter. This research highlights the intricate interplay between altitude, vegetation, and ecosystem services, emphasizing the pronounced carbon sequestration and water retention capabilities of mid-altitude Oak forests.