**2.2 Description of Systems**

*Agroforestry - Small Landholder's Tool for Climate Change Resiliency and Mitigation*

a significant fraction of the atmospheric C could be captured and stored in plant biomass and in the soils [2]. An IPCC special report [3] (IPCC 2000) indicates that conversion of unproductive croplands and grasslands to agroforestry have the best potential to soak up atmospheric C. In agroforestry, soil restoration process involves recovery of organic based nutrients cycle through replenishment of soil organic matters, about half of which is C [4]. Removing atmospheric carbon (C) and its storage in the terrestrial biosphere is vital for compensating the emission of greenhouse gases. Agroforestry, a land- use system has an integral relationship with the farm community to supplement fuel, fodder, fruits, fibers and organic fertilizers on one hand and capture abundant amounts of carbon on the other. Agroforestry systems are believed to have good potential to sequester carbon [5] and thus immensely important in the era of climate change. Human activities change carbon stocks in terrestrial ecosystems through rapid land-use transformations [6]. At the moment, agroforestry has generated much enthusiasm as a result of the National Action Plan for Climate Change [7] which, under its Green India mission, has exclusively emphasized the agroforestry interventions. It is proposed that under agroforestry, 0.80 m ha of area would involve improved agroforestry practices on the existing lands under agroforestry and that 0.70 m ha would involve additional lands under agroforestry. There is now consensus that the agroforestry systems and practices hold viable potential to meet the present basic human needs, besides addressing several major agro-ecological, carbon sequestration and socioeconomic issues. Moreover, National Agroforestry Policy 2014 of India has also focused on encouraging fast growing tree species for carbon sequestration and environmental amelioration. The C sequestration potential of agroforestry systems is estimated to be between 12 and 228 Mg, with a median value of 95 Mg. Therefore, based on the earth's area that is suitable for the practice, 1.1–2.2 Pg C could be stored in the terrestrial ecosystems over the next 50 years [8]. Long rotation systems such as agroforestry, home gardens and boundary plantings can sequester sizeable quantities of C in plant biomass and in long-lasting wood products. Soil C sequestration constitutes another realistic option achievable in many agroforestry systems. The potential of agroforestry for CO2 mitigation is well recognized. There are a number of short comings however, that need to be emphasized such as the change in vegetation under agroforestry systems, *etc*. [8] (Albrecht and Kandji 2003). Significance of agroforestry with regard to C sequestration and other CO2 mitigating effects is being widely recognized, but there is still paucity of quantitative data on agroforestry systems with varying altitude in Himalayan region. This study was conducted to determine the carbon stock capacity of different agroforestry system in

The present study was undertaken in Tehri l district of Uttarakhand state which lies in the Northern region of India. Of the total 8,479,562 human population of the state, 78% lives in rural areas. The agriculture land in the hills of Uttarakhand is scattered and fragmented and the per capita land holding of Uttarakhand farmers is 0.2 ha, and about 36% of rural families live below the poverty line and agriculture contributes around 37% to state gross domestic production [9]. The Tehri district lies between

56′ and 790

agriculture is the major occupation of its in habitants. Total population in the district

[10]. Geographical area of the district is 3642 km2

[11]. Tehri district lies in the hilly areas of the state and

04′ East longitude having

, of

**14**

300

Indian Himalaya along altitudes.

**2. Materials and methods**

**2.1 Study area**

03′ and 300

geographical area of 3,642 km2

which forest area is 3221.56 km2

53' North latitude and 770

Farmers practices mainly three agroforestry systems *viz*. agrisilvicultural system (trees and agriculture crops are growing in same pieceof land), agrihorticultural

**Figure 1.** *Location map of study area.*


#### **Table 1.**

*Study villages in Tehri district.*

system (edible fruit trees and agriculture crops are growing in same Piece of land) and agrihortisilvicultural system (trees including edible fruit trees, forest trees and agricultural crops are growing in same Pieceof land) in the district. The characteristics of each system are as follows:

### **2.3 Agrisilviculture system (AS)**

It is quite common throughout the district. This system is managed for the production of fuel, fodder, fibre and small timber trees with the agricultural corps. Agriculture crops such as wheat (*Triticum aestivum*), peas (*Pisum sativum*), potato (*Solanum tuberosum*), cauliflower (*Brassica oleracea*) and mustard (*Brassica compestris*) *etc*. during the winter season; and maize (*Zea mays*), tomato (*Lycopersicon esculentum*), pepper *(Pepper nigrum)* and french bean (*Phaseolus vulgaris*) *etc*. during the summer season are grown in monoculture or mixed cropping on the permanent terraces prepared across the hill slopes, while fodder, fuel and timber trees such as *Grewia oppostifolia, Celtis australis, Bauhinia variegata, B. purpuera, Albizia leeback etc.* are deliberately left or grown on the bunds of terraces.

#### **2.4 Agrihorticulture system (AH)**

This system is commonly practicedin those areas where fuel and fodder is easily available from other sources, and or size of the land holding is large. Agriculture crops mainly leafy and rhizomatous cropsare grown within space of horticulture trees such as *Mangifera indica* (Mango)*, Citrus limon* (Nimbu)*, Musa paradisica* (Kela)*, Psidium guajava* (Amrud), *Mallus domestica* (Apple), *Prunus domestica* (Plum), *Prunus armeniaca* (Apricot), *Prunus persica* (Peach), *Prunus dulcis* (Almond) and *Pyrus communis* (Pear) *etc.*

#### **2.5 Agrihortisilviculture system (AHS)**

This system is managed for production of fruits, grains, fodder and fuelwood. Fruit trees are planted at regular space with in the fields, and fodder or small timber trees are left on the field bunds while the annuals are grown as intercrop. Species grown are same as that in the other two systems.

**17**

*Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock along Altitudes in Traditional Agroforestry System…*

estry system in each altitude. The shape of the plot is trapezoidal, with the short parallel to the contours at the top of the site. All three agroforestry system covered

perennials) enumeration and 1x1m size plot was used for (annuals *i.e.* agricultural

DBH (diameter at breast height (i.e. 1.37 m) was measured with tree caliper and

Bole volume was measured with bark using the following formula was given by

Form factor was calculated using formula as given in Eq. (2) (Pressler 1865;

h1 = is the height at which diameter is half of the diameter at breast height and

Stem biomass was estimated by multiplying the stem volume with wood specific gravity [17] (IPCC 2006). The value of wood specific gravity of different agroforestry species in Garhwal Himalaya were used as reported by various authors (Kumar *et al.* 1989 [18]; Sheikh *et al.* 2011 [17]; Choudhry and Ghosh 1958 [19]; Rajput *et al.* 1985 [20]; Raturi *et al.* 2002 [21]; Purkashyatha 1982 [22] *etc.* was given in **Table 2**. For Branch biomass total number of branches irrespective of size were counted on each of the sample tree, then these branches were categorized on the basis of basal diameter into three groups viz. < 6 cm, 6-10 cm and > 10 cm. From each of sampled tree two branches from each group were randomly selected and were weighed for obtaining fresh weight. Sub samples of each component were oven dried to constant weight at 650 C. The following formula (Chidumaya 1990) [36] Eq. (3) was used to

Where Bdwi - oven dry weight of branch, Bfwi - fresh/green weight of branches, Mcbdi - moisture content of branch on dryweight basis. Leaves from the sampled branches were also removed, weighed and oven dried separately to a constant weight at 65°C to determine leaf biomass Eq. (4) (Chidumaya 1990, [36]).

Bitterlich 1984) [15, 16] was used for calculating the form factor.

) size each were randomly laid out in each agrofor-

) size plot was used for tree (woody

*V= f XhX g* (1)

*<sup>1</sup> f = 2 h 3h* / (2)

*B =B 1+M dwi fwi cbdi* / (3)

) were enumerated. The

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96072*

in each block on each altitude. The (100 m<sup>2</sup>

crop, grass and weeds). All trees falling in the plot (100 m2

**2.6 Plot selection & Forest Inventory**

Ten sample plots of (100 m<sup>2</sup>

height with Haga altimeter.

**2.7 Estimation of biomass**

(Presselar 1865) [15]:

V = Volume f = form factor h = height g = basal area

Where f = form factor

h = is the total height

determine the dry weight of branches:

*Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock along Altitudes in Traditional Agroforestry System… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96072*

#### **2.6 Plot selection & Forest Inventory**

*Agroforestry - Small Landholder's Tool for Climate Change Resiliency and Mitigation*

**Lower (286–1200 m) Middle** 

Kritinagar Maikhandi, Jakhnand, Dhaulangi Timal gaon, Dagar,

**(1200–2000 m)**

Riskoti

Langur, Dungi Juranaa

**Upper (2000–2800 m)**

gaon

No settlement area

system (edible fruit trees and agriculture crops are growing in same Piece of land) and agrihortisilvicultural system (trees including edible fruit trees, forest trees and agricultural crops are growing in same Pieceof land) in the district. The characteris-

Chamba Kyari, Pali Guldi, Purshal Saud, Chopriyal

Thauldhar Dharwal, Jaspur Indra, Sonara No settlement area Jakhnidhar Raswari, Undoli Manthal, Chah No settlement area Pratapnagar Bausari Kothaga, Kandakhal Kualgarh, Banali

It is quite common throughout the district. This system is managed for the production of fuel, fodder, fibre and small timber trees with the agricultural corps. Agriculture crops such as wheat (*Triticum aestivum*), peas (*Pisum sativum*), potato (*Solanum tuberosum*), cauliflower (*Brassica oleracea*) and mustard (*Brassica compestris*) *etc*. during the winter season; and maize (*Zea mays*), tomato (*Lycopersicon esculentum*), pepper *(Pepper nigrum)* and french bean (*Phaseolus vulgaris*) *etc*. during the summer season are grown in monoculture or mixed cropping on the permanent terraces prepared across the hill slopes, while fodder, fuel and timber trees such as *Grewia oppostifolia, Celtis australis, Bauhinia variegata, B. purpuera, Albizia leeback etc.* are deliberately left or grown on the

This system is commonly practicedin those areas where fuel and fodder is easily available from other sources, and or size of the land holding is large. Agriculture crops mainly leafy and rhizomatous cropsare grown within space of horticulture trees such as *Mangifera indica* (Mango)*, Citrus limon* (Nimbu)*, Musa paradisica* (Kela)*, Psidium guajava* (Amrud), *Mallus domestica* (Apple), *Prunus domestica* (Plum), *Prunus armeniaca* (Apricot), *Prunus persica* (Peach), *Prunus* 

This system is managed for production of fruits, grains, fodder and fuelwood. Fruit trees are planted at regular space with in the fields, and fodder or small timber trees are left on the field bunds while the annuals are grown as intercrop. Species

tics of each system are as follows:

*Study villages in Tehri district.*

**Table 1.**

**Blocks Altitudes (m)**

Devprayag Bagi, Grothikhanda, Palisen, Bachhendrikhal

**2.3 Agrisilviculture system (AS)**

**2.4 Agrihorticulture system (AH)**

*dulcis* (Almond) and *Pyrus communis* (Pear) *etc.*

grown are same as that in the other two systems.

**2.5 Agrihortisilviculture system (AHS)**

bunds of terraces.

**16**

Ten sample plots of (100 m<sup>2</sup> ) size each were randomly laid out in each agroforestry system in each altitude. The shape of the plot is trapezoidal, with the short parallel to the contours at the top of the site. All three agroforestry system covered in each block on each altitude. The (100 m<sup>2</sup> ) size plot was used for tree (woody perennials) enumeration and 1x1m size plot was used for (annuals *i.e.* agricultural crop, grass and weeds). All trees falling in the plot (100 m2 ) were enumerated. The DBH (diameter at breast height (i.e. 1.37 m) was measured with tree caliper and height with Haga altimeter.

## **2.7 Estimation of biomass**

Bole volume was measured with bark using the following formula was given by (Presselar 1865) [15]:

$$\mathbf{V} = f \mathbf{X} \, h \, \mathbf{X} \, \mathbf{g} \tag{1}$$

V = Volume f = form factor h = height

g = basal area

Form factor was calculated using formula as given in Eq. (2) (Pressler 1865; Bitterlich 1984) [15, 16] was used for calculating the form factor.

$$f = \text{2 }h\_1 \text{ / 3h} \tag{2}$$

Where f = form factor

h1 = is the height at which diameter is half of the diameter at breast height and h = is the total height

Stem biomass was estimated by multiplying the stem volume with wood specific gravity [17] (IPCC 2006). The value of wood specific gravity of different agroforestry species in Garhwal Himalaya were used as reported by various authors (Kumar *et al.* 1989 [18]; Sheikh *et al.* 2011 [17]; Choudhry and Ghosh 1958 [19]; Rajput *et al.* 1985 [20]; Raturi *et al.* 2002 [21]; Purkashyatha 1982 [22] *etc.* was given in **Table 2**. For Branch biomass total number of branches irrespective of size were counted on each of the sample tree, then these branches were categorized on the basis of basal diameter into three groups viz. < 6 cm, 6-10 cm and > 10 cm. From each of sampled tree two branches from each group were randomly selected and were weighed for obtaining fresh weight. Sub samples of each component were oven dried to constant weight at 650 C. The following formula (Chidumaya 1990) [36] Eq. (3) was used to determine the dry weight of branches:

$$\mathbf{B}\_{dulvl} = \mathbf{B}\_{fulvl} \;/\; \mathbf{1} + \mathbf{M}\_{cbdil} \tag{3}$$

Where Bdwi - oven dry weight of branch, Bfwi - fresh/green weight of branches, Mcbdi - moisture content of branch on dryweight basis. Leaves from the sampled branches were also removed, weighed and oven dried separately to a constant weight at 65°C to determine leaf biomass Eq. (4) (Chidumaya 1990, [36]).


**19**

*Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock along Altitudes in Traditional Agroforestry System…*

Where Ldwi - oven dry weight of Leaves, Lfwi - fresh/green weight of Leaves,

Total above ground biomass was the sum of stem biomass, branch biomass and leaves biomass [37]. Below ground biomass of tree was calculated by multiplying the aboveground biomass by a factor of 0.25 for broad-leaved species and 0.20 for coniferous species [38]. The biomass carbon of tree was estimated from the sum of

Crop biomass was estimated using 1 m X 1 m quadrates by a destructive method.

During 2015–2016, when the crops were at their peak biomass in March to April for *Rabi* (winter) and August to September for *Kharif* (summer) seasons. All the agricultural crops, grasses and weeds plants occurring within the border of the quadrats were harvested at ground level and sorted out and collected samples were weighted. Fresh weight was converted into dry weight on the basis of plant samples kept in the oven for drying at 80 °C for 24 hours. The crop biomass was converted into carbon by multiplying with a factor of 0.45 [39]. In annual crops, below ground biomass was estimated by multiplying with reference root: shoot ratio for each crop species [40]. Total biomass carbon stock of agroforestry system was the sum of total biomass carbon of trees and total biomass carbon of crops. The biomass carbon was estimated from total biomass by multiplying biomass with a factor of 0.45 [39].

The data was analyzed applying two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) Wherever the effects exhibited significance P ≤ 0.0 5 probabilities, all analysis was performed using GEN STATISTICS 32 version [41] (VSN International 2017).

In the Himalayan region, a number of indigenous agroforestry systems have been known from Himachal Pradesh [42] (Atul and Khosla, 1990) and Uttarakhand [42] (Dadhwal *et al.,* 1989) out of which agrihortisilviculture system, agrisilviculture system and agrihorticulture system are very common and frequent. Dadhwal *et al.,* (1988) [42] and Toky *et al.,* (1989) [43] have recognized these three agroforestry systems with their multifarious benefits to the hill farmers. Existing agroforestry systems and its components in Tehri district has reported in Vikrant *et al*. 2015 [44]. In lower altitudes, the agroforestry system differed significantly in Above ground biomass, Below ground biomass (AGB), Total tree biomass (TTB), Total biomass (TB) and Total carbon (TC) (P ≤ 0.05). In general, T0tal carbon were higher in agrihortisilviculture system (2.44 Mg ha−1) followed by agrisilviculture system (1.60 Mg ha−1) (**Table 3**). At middle altitudes, agroforestry system shows significantly difference in AGB, BGB TTB, TB and TC (P > 0.05). Total carbon storage were found maximum in agrihortisilviculture system (2.22 Mg ha−1) followed by agrisilviculture system (1.53 Mg ha−1) (**Table 4**). Agroforestry system differed significantly in AGB, BGB TTB, TB and TC (P ≤ 0.05) at upper altitudes. Agrihorticulture system shows maximum (1.64 Mg ha−1) carbon stock followed by agrisilviculture system (1.3 Mg ha−1) (**Table 5**). Effect of interaction between altitudes and systems is depicted in **Table 6**. Crop biomass (CB)

*L =L 1+M dwi fwi cbdi* / (4)

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96072*

**2.8 Statistical analysis**

**3. Results and discussion**

Mcbdi - moisture content of leaves on dry weight basis.

above ground biomass and below ground biomass of tree.

**Table 2.** *Specific gravity of agroforestry species.* *Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock along Altitudes in Traditional Agroforestry System… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96072*

$$\mathbf{L}\_{dwi} = \mathbf{L}\_{fwd} \;/\; \mathbf{1} + \mathbf{M}\_{cbdli} \tag{4}$$

Where Ldwi - oven dry weight of Leaves, Lfwi - fresh/green weight of Leaves, Mcbdi - moisture content of leaves on dry weight basis.

Total above ground biomass was the sum of stem biomass, branch biomass and leaves biomass [37]. Below ground biomass of tree was calculated by multiplying the aboveground biomass by a factor of 0.25 for broad-leaved species and 0.20 for coniferous species [38]. The biomass carbon of tree was estimated from the sum of above ground biomass and below ground biomass of tree.

Crop biomass was estimated using 1 m X 1 m quadrates by a destructive method. During 2015–2016, when the crops were at their peak biomass in March to April for *Rabi* (winter) and August to September for *Kharif* (summer) seasons. All the agricultural crops, grasses and weeds plants occurring within the border of the quadrats were harvested at ground level and sorted out and collected samples were weighted. Fresh weight was converted into dry weight on the basis of plant samples kept in the oven for drying at 80 °C for 24 hours. The crop biomass was converted into carbon by multiplying with a factor of 0.45 [39]. In annual crops, below ground biomass was estimated by multiplying with reference root: shoot ratio for each crop species [40]. Total biomass carbon stock of agroforestry system was the sum of total biomass carbon of trees and total biomass carbon of crops. The biomass carbon was estimated from total biomass by multiplying biomass with a factor of 0.45 [39].

#### **2.8 Statistical analysis**

*Agroforestry - Small Landholder's Tool for Climate Change Resiliency and Mitigation*

**Sl. No Species Specific gravity Source** *Quercus leucotrichophora* 0.826 Raturi et al. (2002) [21] *Grewia oppositifolia* 0.606 Purkayastha (1982) [22] *Melia azedirach* 0.491 Raturi et al. (2002) [21] *Celtis australis* 0.444 Rajput et al. (1985) [20] *Toona ciliata* 0.424 Raturi et al. (2002) [21] *Adina cardifolia* 0.583 Raturi et al. (2002) [21] *Mangifera indica* 0.588 Chowdhury and Ghose (1958) [19] *Citrus limon* 0.91 Ting and Blair (1965) [23] *Pyrus communis* 0.676 Tumen (2014) [24] *Ficus roxburghii* 0.443 Sheikh et al. (2011) [17] *Prunus cerasoides* 0.69 Kumar (1989) [18] *Anogeissus latifolia* 0.757 Purkayastha (1982) [22] *Psidium guajava* 0.59 Sheikh et al. (2011) [17] *Morus alba* 0.603 Purkayastha (1982) [22] *Citrus sinensis* 0.916 Joseph and Abdullahi (2016) [25] *Juglanse regia* 0.59 Wani et al. (2014) [26] *Bahunia verigata* 0.55 Kanawajia et al. (2013) [27] *Ficus palmate* 0.578 Sheikh et al. (2011) [17] *Malus domestica* 0.67 Miles and Smith (2009) [28] *Prunus armenica* 0.50 Miles and Smith (2009) [28] *Prunus persica* 0.90 Babu et al. (2014) [29] *Myrica esculenta* 0.737 Sheikh et al. (2011) [17] *Pyrus pashia* 0.70 Kumar (1989) [18] *Ficus auriculata* 0.443 Sheikh et al. (2011) [17] *Punica granatum* 0.99 Felter and Lloyd (1898) [30]

27 *Carica papaya* 0.918 Afolabi, I. S. and Ofobrukweta, K (2011) [31]

 *Bombax ceiba* 0.33 Troup (1921) [32] *Rhododendron arboreum* 0.512 Rajput et al.(1985) [20] *Pinus roxburghii* 0.491 Rajput et al.(1985) [20] *Embilica officenalis* 0.614 Sheikh et al. (2011) [17] *Psidium guajava* 0.59 Kanawjia et al. (2013) [28] *Celtis australis* 0.444 Rajput et al. (1985) [20] *Albizia leeback* 0.69 Mani and Parthasarathy (2007) [33] 35. *Rhus Parviflora* 0.620 Chowdhury and Ghose (1958) [19] 36. *Wood fructicosa* 0.55 Chaturvedi et al. (2012) [34] *Musa Paradisica* 0.29 Omotosa and Ogunsile (2010) [35] *Acacia catechu* 0.825 Purkayastha (1982) [22]

**18**

**Table 2.**

*Specific gravity of agroforestry species.*

The data was analyzed applying two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) Wherever the effects exhibited significance P ≤ 0.0 5 probabilities, all analysis was performed using GEN STATISTICS 32 version [41] (VSN International 2017).

#### **3. Results and discussion**

In the Himalayan region, a number of indigenous agroforestry systems have been known from Himachal Pradesh [42] (Atul and Khosla, 1990) and Uttarakhand [42] (Dadhwal *et al.,* 1989) out of which agrihortisilviculture system, agrisilviculture system and agrihorticulture system are very common and frequent. Dadhwal *et al.,* (1988) [42] and Toky *et al.,* (1989) [43] have recognized these three agroforestry systems with their multifarious benefits to the hill farmers. Existing agroforestry systems and its components in Tehri district has reported in Vikrant *et al*. 2015 [44]. In lower altitudes, the agroforestry system differed significantly in Above ground biomass, Below ground biomass (AGB), Total tree biomass (TTB), Total biomass (TB) and Total carbon (TC) (P ≤ 0.05). In general, T0tal carbon were higher in agrihortisilviculture system (2.44 Mg ha−1) followed by agrisilviculture system (1.60 Mg ha−1) (**Table 3**). At middle altitudes, agroforestry system shows significantly difference in AGB, BGB TTB, TB and TC (P > 0.05). Total carbon storage were found maximum in agrihortisilviculture system (2.22 Mg ha−1) followed by agrisilviculture system (1.53 Mg ha−1) (**Table 4**). Agroforestry system differed significantly in AGB, BGB TTB, TB and TC (P ≤ 0.05) at upper altitudes. Agrihorticulture system shows maximum (1.64 Mg ha−1) carbon stock followed by agrisilviculture system (1.3 Mg ha−1) (**Table 5**). Effect of interaction between altitudes and systems is depicted in **Table 6**. Crop biomass (CB)


*Significance at the level of probability of 5% (P < 0.05).*

*AGB = Above ground biomass BGB = Below ground biomass CB = Crop biomass TB = Total biomass TTB = Total tree biomass TC = Total carbon.*

#### **Table 3.**

*Comparison among system for AGB, BGB, TTB, CB, TB and TC, in (Mg C ha−1) along lower altitudes of Tehri district, Uttarakhand (n = 60).*


*Significance at the level of probability of 5% (P < 0.05).*

*AGB = above ground biomass BGB = below ground biomass CB = Crop biomass TB = Total biomass TTB = Total tree biomass TC = Total carbon.*

#### **Table 4.**

*Comparison among system for AGB, BGB, TTB, CB, TB and TC, in (Mg C ha−1) along middle altitudes of Tehri district, Uttarakhand (n = 60).*


*Significance at the level of probability of 5% (P < 0.05).*

*AGB = Above ground biomass BGB = Below ground biomass CB = Crop biomass TB = Total biomass TTB = Total tree biomass TC = Total carbon.*

#### **Table 5.**

*Comparison among system for AGB, BGB, TTB, CB, TB, and TC, in (Mg C ha−1) along upper altitudes of Tehri district, Uttarakhand (n = 30).*

are significant differences between altitudes and agroforestry sytem (P ≤ 0.05), While CB showed nonsignificant difference with altitude andsystem.Biomass and carbon stock was found maximum in agrihortisilivculture system followed by agrisilivculture system and minimum in agrihorticulture system (**Tables 3**–**5**). It was observed that

**21**

is removed annually.

**altitudes**

*Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock along Altitudes in Traditional Agroforestry System…*

**Source Stock DF Type III SS Mean square F Pr > F** Altitude AGB 2 136.54 68.27 19.35 0.00

System AGB 2 88.26 44.13 12.51 0.00

System x Altitudes AGB 12.66 3.16 0.89 0.00

BGB 2 45.51 22.75 6.45 0.00 TTB 2 182.066 91.033 25.817 0.000 CB 2 0.451 0.226 2.696 0.069 TB 2 198.887 99.443 27.047 0.000 TC 2 40.275 20.137 27.047 0.000

BGB 2 29.42 14.71 4.17 0.00 TTB 2 117.697 58.848 16.689 0.000 CB 2 0.451 0.226 2.696 0.069 TB 2 165.417 82.708 22.495 0.000 TC 2 33.497 16.788 22.495 0.000

BGB 4.22 1.055 0.29 0.00 TTB 4 16.887 4.222 1.197 0.312 CB 4 2.321 0.580 6.934 0.000 TB 4 25.577 6394 1.739 0.142 TC 4 5.179 1.295 1.739 0.142

agrihortisilviculture system yields higher biomass carbon stock than other agroforestry systems across the altitudes may be due to adequate management of trees under agroforestry systems of the atmospheric carbon capture and stored in plant. It is indicated that as the biomass carbon was decreased with increasing altitudes across systems is m. The similar results are also reported by (Kaur *et al*. 2000 [45]; Maikhuri *et al.* 2000 [46]). Albert and Kandiji (2003) [8] reported that carbon variability in plant biomass can be high within complex systems and productivity depends on several factors including the age, structure and the management of the system. Among agroforestry systems, biomass carbon stock followed the order agrihortisilviculture>a grisilviculture> agrihorticulture. There was no significant difference between biomass carbon stock with altitudes and systems (**Table 2**). The main reasons for higher carbon density in tree based systems as exhibited by perennial components, is attributed to continuous accumulation of biomass in the woody component [47]. Moreover, from the agriculture fields and grasses almost all of the above ground biomass carbon stock

*Analysis of variance for AGB, BGB TTB, CB, TB, and TC by altitudes, system and the interaction of both* 

*AGB = above ground biomass BGB = below ground biomass CB = Crop biomass TB = Total biomass TTB = Total* 

**4. Carbon stock contribution by trees species in agroforestry across** 

Total thirty eight agroforestry trees species were observed in different agroforestry systems of the district. Out of thirty eight, *Grewia oppositifolia, Celtis australis*, *Melia azedirach*, *Quercus leucotrichophora, Ficus roxburghii, Myrica* 

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96072*

*Significance at the level of probability of 5% (P* ≤ *0.05).*

*tree biomass TC = Total carbon.*

*variables of Tehri district, Uttarakhand.*

**Table 6.**


*Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock along Altitudes in Traditional Agroforestry System… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96072*

*Significance at the level of probability of 5% (P* ≤ *0.05).*

*AGB = above ground biomass BGB = below ground biomass CB = Crop biomass TB = Total biomass TTB = Total tree biomass TC = Total carbon.*

#### **Table 6.**

*Agroforestry - Small Landholder's Tool for Climate Change Resiliency and Mitigation*

**Parameters System DF Type III Mean square F Pr > F**

AGB 2.79 2.45 1.84 2 202.25 101.12 16.89 0.00 BGB 0.7 0.62 0.47 2 50.56 25.28 4.22 0.00 TTB 3.49 3.07 2.31 2 269.67 134.83 22.53 0.00 CB 1.95 0.37 0.28 2 5.04 2.52 29.97 0.00 TB 5.44 3.44 2.59 2 348.32 174.16 28.02 0.00 TC 2.44 1.60 1.16 2 15.41 7.7 8.24 0.00

*AGB = Above ground biomass BGB = Below ground biomass CB = Crop biomass TB = Total biomass TTB = Total* 

*Comparison among system for AGB, BGB, TTB, CB, TB and TC, in (Mg C ha−1) along lower altitudes of* 

are significant differences between altitudes and agroforestry sytem (P ≤ 0.05), While CB showed nonsignificant difference with altitude andsystem.Biomass and carbon stock was found maximum in agrihortisilivculture system followed by agrisilivculture system and minimum in agrihorticulture system (**Tables 3**–**5**). It was observed that

*AGB = Above ground biomass BGB = Below ground biomass CB = Crop biomass TB = Total biomass TTB = Total* 

*Comparison among system for AGB, BGB, TTB, CB, TB, and TC, in (Mg C ha−1) along upper altitudes of* 

**Parameters System DF Type III Mean square F Pr > F**

*AGB = above ground biomass BGB = below ground biomass CB = Crop biomass TB = Total biomass TTB = Total* 

*Comparison among system for AGB, BGB, TTB, CB, TB and TC, in (Mg C ha−1) along middle altitudes of* 

**Parameters System DF Type III Mean square F Pr > F**

AGB 3.64 2.43 2.19 2 202.17 101.122 16.91 0.00 BGB 0.91 0.60 0.54 2 50.54 25.205 4.22 0.00 TTB 4.55 3.03 2.73 2 269.67 134.83 22.55 0.00 CB 0.39 0.37 0.56 2 5.049 2.524 9.97 0.00 TB 4.94 3.40 3.29 2 454.34 207.17 34.6 0.00 TC 2.22 1.53 1.48 2 204.45 93.22 15.57 0.00

AGB 2.37 1.85 1.48 2 20.87 10.43 4.26 0 BGB 0.8 0.51 0.49 2 5.21 2.6 1.32 0 TTB 3.17 2.46 1.97 2 27.83 13.91 5.68 0 CB 0.46 0.42 0.42 2 0.03 0.01 0.13 0.87 TB 3.64 2.88 2.4 2 29.68 14.84 5.58 0 TBC 1.64 1.3 1.08 2 6.01 3.006 5.58 0

**AHS AS AH**

*Significance at the level of probability of 5% (P < 0.05).*

**AHS AS AH**

**AHS AS AH**

*Significance at the level of probability of 5% (P < 0.05).*

*Significance at the level of probability of 5% (P < 0.05).*

*tree biomass TC = Total carbon.*

*tree biomass TC = Total carbon.*

*tree biomass TC = Total carbon.*

*Tehri district, Uttarakhand (n = 60).*

*Tehri district, Uttarakhand (n = 60).*

*Tehri district, Uttarakhand (n = 30).*

**20**

**Table 5.**

**Table 4.**

**Table 3.**

*Analysis of variance for AGB, BGB TTB, CB, TB, and TC by altitudes, system and the interaction of both variables of Tehri district, Uttarakhand.*

agrihortisilviculture system yields higher biomass carbon stock than other agroforestry systems across the altitudes may be due to adequate management of trees under agroforestry systems of the atmospheric carbon capture and stored in plant. It is indicated that as the biomass carbon was decreased with increasing altitudes across systems is m. The similar results are also reported by (Kaur *et al*. 2000 [45]; Maikhuri *et al.* 2000 [46]). Albert and Kandiji (2003) [8] reported that carbon variability in plant biomass can be high within complex systems and productivity depends on several factors including the age, structure and the management of the system. Among agroforestry systems, biomass carbon stock followed the order agrihortisilviculture>a grisilviculture> agrihorticulture. There was no significant difference between biomass carbon stock with altitudes and systems (**Table 2**). The main reasons for higher carbon density in tree based systems as exhibited by perennial components, is attributed to continuous accumulation of biomass in the woody component [47]. Moreover, from the agriculture fields and grasses almost all of the above ground biomass carbon stock is removed annually.

## **4. Carbon stock contribution by trees species in agroforestry across altitudes**

Total thirty eight agroforestry trees species were observed in different agroforestry systems of the district. Out of thirty eight, *Grewia oppositifolia, Celtis australis*, *Melia azedirach*, *Quercus leucotrichophora, Ficus roxburghii, Myrica* 

*esculenta, Rhododendron arboretum, Citrus limon, Juglans regia* accumulated maximum biomass carbon stock in the district (**Figure 2**). **Figure 3** represents that among the dominant tree species *Quercus leucotrichophora* contributed maximum (15.11%) biomass carbon stock followed by *Ceitis australis* (6.94%), *Grewia oppositifolia* (6.45%) and rest of species contributes (49.34%). In the present study, *Quercus leucotrichophora* contributed maximum biomass then other tree species. Biomass in *Quercus leucotrichophora* was higher as reported by (Devi *et al.* 2013 [48]; Sharma *et al*. 2010 [49]) for lower Western Himalaya. *Grewia opposoitifoila* contributed maximum number of trees but biomass contribution was lower than *Quercus leucotrichophora,* may be due continous lopping of its branches for fuel and fodder during lean period by local people therefore stunting and bushy growth of *Grewia* was noticed in agroforestry field. Kumar *et al.* (2012) [50] reported that overexploitation of resources from traditional agroforestry trees reduce input biomass.

**Figure 2.**

*Carbon stock contributed by trees species in agroforestry of Tehri district.*

**23**

*Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock along Altitudes in Traditional Agroforestry System…*

**5. Carbon stock contribution by crop in agroforestry across altitudes**

Agrihortisilviculture system had maximum biomass carbon stock at lower altitudes. Across the altitudes, farmers mostly adopted agrihortisilviculture system. Considering biomass and carbon stock, lower altitude (286–1200 m) subtropical zone have more potential for carbon sequestration in agroforestry. *Grewia oppositifoila, Quercus leucotrichophora* and *Celtis australis* were dominant agroforestry tree species which contributed more biomass carbon stock as compared to other species and are mostly adopted by the farmers in agroforestry. Therefore, these three species were considered suitable agroforestry tree species in the district. In agroforestry systems, particularly agrisilviculture and agrihortisilviculture land use systems are playing an important role in the carbon storage an Tehri district of Uttarakhand. Hence these systems need to be promoted further for economic and environmental security. Due to ban of green/live trees felling in the entire Indian Himalayan region, agroforestry systems can be a good source of earning significant carbon credit to thefarmers. Therefore understanding and implementation of carbon sequestration will help to maintain climate change mitigation from agroforestry.

First Author is thankful to Prof. N.P.Todaria, Head (Retired), Departmentof Forestry and NR, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand for guidance during the course of present work and UGC, New Delhi for providing Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship(Grant No. RGNF-2012-2013-SC-BIH-30641). The authors are very thankful to the farmers of Tehri Garhwal for providing coop-

sunlight and has a maximum amount of CO2 fixation [51, 52].

Forty crops species associated in agroforestry systems were observed in the district. Out of forty, maximum biomass carbon containing crop species are *Solanum tuberosum* (4.49%), *Curcuma longa* (4.43%), *Tetricum estivum* (4.01%),*Ehinochloa frumentacea* (3.98%)*, Amarnathus blitum* (3.78%), *Fagopyrum esculenta* (3.56%), *Eleusine coracana* (3.4%)and *Glycine max* (3.33%) and rest of the species contributes (55.74%) biomass carbon stock (**Figure 3**). In the present study *Solanum tuberosum* contributed maximum biomass as compared to other crop species. It may be attributed that *Solanum tuberosum* had maximum leaf area and dry weight as compare to other crop species. Due to large leaf area, it is capable for absorption of maximum

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96072*

**6. Conclusion**

**Acknowledgements**

eration during field work.

**Figure 3.** *Carbon stock contributed by crops species in agroforestry systems of Tehri district.*

*Assessment of Biomass and Carbon Stock along Altitudes in Traditional Agroforestry System… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96072*
