Above Ground Biomass of <I>Quercus semecarpifolia</I> Sm. Forest Surveyed on Natural and Semi-natural Stands in Nepal

Abstract

Above ground biomass studies of Quercus semecarpifolia Sm. forest , that extends throughout temperate regions in Nepal , has been carried out at six different localities namely Suke Pokhari , Deurali , Shivapuri , Phulchoki , Chotra and Chankheli Lekh in eastern , central and western part representing two plots on each site respectively. The altitude ranged from 2410 to 3260m. The study was conducted in 1600m² plot in all the localities. Above ground tree layer biomass was found to be 479.17 , 357.53 , 462.60 , 358.02 , 272.15 and 304.21 t/ha from East to West respectively. Basal area coverage ranged from 7.36 to 12.32 m². Immediate attention for the sustainable supply of fodder and fuelwood has been felt urgent and keeping in view the ecological role of vegetation on the environmental protection a scientific management of the forest ecosystem as a whole for long-term planning has been stressed.