Spatial variations in floristic diversity and carbon storage in arid zone forests of western Rajasthan, India
DOI:
10.34062/afs.v4i4.4591Keywords:
Species diversity, Biomass, Carbon densityAbstract
Forests play important roles in conserving biodiversity and sequestering carbon. A study was conducted to monitor changes in vegetation diversity and carbon storage in six blocks (Panchayat Samiti) one in each six desert districts of western Rajasthan during 2013-2015. Thirty forest areas, five each from Aburoad, Bap, Baitu, Bali, Sanchor and Sankara blocks situated in Sirohi, Jodhpur, Barmer, Pali, Jalor and Jaisalmer district, respectively were selected for vegetation study and estimation of carbon storage in vegetations and soils. There were 78 plant species belonging to 31 families. Number of shrub and herbaceous species, population of trees, diversity and richness of herbaceous vegetation and standing biomass carbon were highest in Aburoad. Number of tree species, their girth and shrub height were highest in Sanchor block. Population and diversity of most plant habits were lowest in Bap block. Sankara block indicated lowest standing biomass carbon. Soil bulk density was lowest and per cent soil organic carbon (SOC) was highest in Bali block. Soil carbon stock was highest in Aburoad block and lowest in Baitu block. Rainfall was positively related (P<0.01) to total standing carbon, tree population, herbaceous diversity and richness and SOC stock. Conclusively, variation in rainfall (soil water availability) and soils conditions like bulk density, gravel content and soil texture between studied blocks strongly influenced vegetation composition, diversity and growth and carbon storage in both biomass and soils. These factors needs to be managed to increase forest composition and cover and enhanced carbon sequestration.References
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