Biomass, carbon stock under different production systems in the mid hills of Indian Himalaya

Pecan nut (Carya illinoinensis) forms an important component in the different production systems of Indian Himalaya, which provide extensive ecosystem services. In this context, biomass and carbon inventory in these production systems is essential. In this study we have estimated biomass and carbon allocation in different production systems in the mid hills of Indian Himalaya, at experimental farm Hawalbagh of Vivekananda Institute of Hill Agriculture, Almora, India. The maximum biomass (56.5 t ha(-1)) and carbon stocks (25.3 t ha(-1)) were recorded in wheat + pecan nut system followed by (53.2 and 23.9 t ha(-1)) in lentil + pecan nut system while the minimum value of biomass and biomass C was recorded 2.75 and 1.17 t ha(-1) in pure lentil production system. The Long lived carbon storage of pecan nut agroforestry plantation was 9.21 t C ha(-1). The contribution of pecan nut in carbon stock and carbon sequestration rate were recorded 22.8 t C ha-(1) and 1.67 t C ha(-1) year(-1), respectively. Furthermore, agroforestry systems produce timber, firewood, fruits and other products that will bring profit to peasants and reduce the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.