Non-tree Carbon Pools and Tree Trait Effects in Polavaram Range, Andhra Pradesh” or “Litter, Herbaceous and Soil Carbon in Polavaram Range (Andhra Pradesh, India): Influence of Tree Height, DBH and Density

Abstract

This study quantifies carbon stocks in non-tree pools-litter, herbaceous vegetation, and soil organic carbon (SOC)—in tropical dry deciduous forests of Polavaram Range, Andhra Pradesh, India, spanning 24,331.42 ha. These pools are vital for carbon sequestration, supporting climate change mitigation. Field sampling in September 2024 used 20 m × 20 m plots, with litter and herbaceous vegetation collected from 1 m × 1 m quadrats and soil sampled at 0–30 cm depths. Carbon content, analysed via the Walkley-Black method, revealed total carbon stocks of 40.34-111.25 Mg C ha⁻¹, predominantly driven by SOC (36.44-108.37 Mg C ha⁻¹). Statistical analysis using SPSS showed that tree height and density significantly influenced litter carbon (p < 05, R² = 75), while species like Millettia auriculata enhanced SOC, and Terminalia corlacea and Tectona grandis shaped litterfall dynamics. These findings underscore the critical role of non-tree carbon pools in sustainable forest management and carbon credit programs. By identifying species-specific contributions, this research offers actionable strategies to optimize carbon storage in tropical forests, advancing climate resilience and informing policy for effective forest conservation.