Evaluation of carbon sequestration potential of Salix tree and shrub species in the cold desert conditions of Himachal Pradesh

The present study was carried out at six sites in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The density of Salix alba at Gue-1, Gue-2 and Lidang sites was found to be 407, 303 and 620 individuals per ha while for the shrub species it varied from 3 to 6 individuals per m2 for S fragilis. The biomass, carbon density, soil carbon density and carbon sequestration potential of the species were evaluated. The biomass of the tree species varied from 24.27 tonnes per ha at Gue-2 site to 56.30 tonnes per ha at Lidang site. The biomass for the shrub species varied from 12.56 tonnes per ha at Lalung site to 38.82 tonnes per ha at Gulling; maximum soil carbon density of 44.60 tonnes per ha was recorded at Gulling and minimum 11.87 tonnes per ha at Lalung. Net carbon sequestration for S alba varied from 3.88 tonnes per ha per year at Gue-2 to 10.21 tonnes per ha per year at Lidang site, while for S fragilis it varied from 0.93 tonnes per ha per year at Lalung to 5.56 tonnes per ha per year at Gulling.