Biomass Production and Mineral Cycling in Young Chir Pine Plantations in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Biomass production and mineral cycling of five different aged stands of Pinus roxburghii has been discussed. Regression equations were worked out separately for each biomass component and the total above-ground biomass. The total standing biomass of these stands ranges between 25 t/ha to 90 t/ha. The componentwise distribution of nutrients is discussed. A substantial amount of nutrients would be drained off as a result of whole tree harvesting. A total of 2401, 3067, 3211, 3557 and 4999 kg/ha of litter was produced annually at ages 6, 10, 14, 16 and 18 years respectively. The cycling of mineral through litter fall and the total biomass and nutrient accumulation in ground vegetation has also been estimated.