ANALYZING THE BIOMASS AND SOIL CARBON STOCKS IN BLUE PINE (PINUS WALLICHIANA) OF MAKAWANPUR DISTRICT, NEPAL

This study assesses the vegetation and soil carbon stocks in Pinus wallichiana forests of Nepal, goal of contributing to national carbon accounting and informing sustainable forest management practices. The carbon stocks on biomass and soil was quantified through field measurements and laboratory analysis, revealing significant carbon storage potential in both components. The total carbon stock in Pinus wallichiana forests was found 99.23 tha-1 with above ground carbon stock 60.43tha-1, leaf litters, herbs and grasses carbon stock 11.70 tha-1 and soil carbon stock 27.10 tha-1 respectively. Among the carbon pools carbon stock was found in the order of above ground carbon stock (60.90%) > soil organic carbon stock (27.30%)> below ground carbon stock (11.90%). These findings emphasizes the importance of protecting and managing Pinus wallichiana forests for climate mitigation and ecosystem services.