ESTIMATING CARBON STOCKS IN SUB-TROPICAL PINE (Pinus roxburghii) FORESTS OF PAKISTAN

The study estimated the carbon stocks (t/ha) of the native sub tropical pine (pinus roxburghii) forests of pakistan. vegetation and soil carbon stocks were assessed in two forest sites of sub-tropical pine forests (ghoragali, 1729 ha and lehterar, 1254 ha). overall, 76 plots of 1 ha each were established between 2006-08, representing a sampling intensity of 2.5% of the total forest area. in each 1 ha plot, overstorey tree diameters at breast height and tree heights were measured. soil samples (composite n=5) were collected at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths in each 1 ha plot. stem biomass was calculated from measured stem diameter, height, standard taper functions and wood density estimates. total above and below-ground tree biomass was calculated using appropriate biomass expansion factors from the scientific literature to predict branch, foliage and root biomass. soil carbon (0-30 cm) was calculated by using walkey-black organic carbon concentrations multiplied by mean soil bulk density measurements. the study revealed that overall (vegetation + soils) c_ stocks (t/ha) in both the forest ecosystems of ghoragali and lehterar forests were 126 +- 2.94 and 99 +- 1.58 t/ha respectively.