Management Regimes, Soil Properties and Carbon Stock in Community Managed Forests

Abstract

The study was carried out to understand the management strategies, soil nutrient properties and carbon sock of community managed forests practiced by Jamatia community of Tripura, Northeast India. It revealed that Jamatia people of Tripura are actively involved in conservation and management of the forests under their control. The concept of creating forest and follow an institutional setup for management of forest resources are being noted in this ethnic community. In community forests, maximum numbers of individuals of tree species were represented from the lower girth class while individuals from higher girth class contributed larger biomass and carbon. Anogeissus acuminata was the most preferred species in the community forest as it is the source of timber and fuel wood and also contributing high biomass among other species. The total biomass and carbon stock in the community managed forest was found as 40.66 Tha-1 and 20.33 Tha-1 respectively. The soil of community forests are very fertile and found acidic in nature. The mean SOC is 1.38%, whereas available nitrogen and phosphorus content are 210.79 Kg ha-1 and 8.36 Kg ha-1 respectively. However, a positive and significant correlation of available phosphorus was observed with physical properties like soil temperature, pH and also with total nitrogen content. These forests have potential for future carbon sequestration and to mitigate climate change for longer run as it is managed sustainably by the community. Keywords: biodiversity, biomass, conservation, institution, Jamatia community, tradition