Soil carbon stock and nutrient status

The study was carried out in two dominant forest types i.e., Bnaj oak and Chir pine forests to assess vegetation analysis, physico-chemical characteristics and soil organic carbon stock. The study suggests that in both the forest types, the tree density and total basal cover of forests decreased with increasing altitudes. The soil condition of Banj-oak forest was comparatively better than the Chir-pine forest. The carbon stock along altitudes between the forest showed decreasing trend as 72±8, 70.4±11.2 and 64±5.6 for Bnaj oak and 60±3.8, 50.4±7.2 and 49.6±8 t C ha-1 for Chir pine forests. The decreasing trend of soil carbon stock in both the forests with increasing altitude might be due to reduction in trees density, total basal cover and litter production with altitude. Between the forests all the related parameter studies were better in Banj-oak forest than in Chir pine forest. But it is also important to note that those sites where nutrients levels are lower and harsh conditions dominant are occupied by Chir pine forest. Therefore preference should be given to the Banj-oak forests to enhance over all productivity of the forest.