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.
Syed Moazzam Nizami, Sarwat N. Mirza, Stephen Livesley, Stefan Arndt, Julian C. Fox, Irshad A.Khan, Tariq Mahmood. (2009) Estimating Carbon Stocks In Sub-tropical Pine (Pinus Roxburghii) Forests Of Pakistan, , Volume-46, Issue-4.
