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Vol. 10, Special Issue 5 (2021)

Assessment of biomass and carbon sequestration potential of sacred Kaans in Soraba taluk of central Western Ghats, Karnataka

Author(s):
Prabhugowda I Biradar and Channabasappa KS
Abstract:
Sacred groves are the natural forest patches and are still conserved due to various traditional beliefs and religious practices. The present study was carried out in the Kaan forests of Soraba taluk in Central Western Ghats of Karnataka. The aims to estimate the above ground biomass and carbon sequestration potential across different Kaans. Non-destructive method was followed to estimate the aboveground Biomass and carbon stock of sacred groves. Measuring the tree growth parameters such as girth and height were used to calculate both biomass and carbon stock of the Kaan forest using standard equations, which was expressed in Mega grams (Mg). The results revealed that, maximum biomass and carbon stock was found in Kaans presented in high rainfall area (170.78 Mg and 80.26 Mg, respectively) compared to low rainfall zone (163.55 Mg and 76.87 Mg, respectively). In the two rainfall zones, the total biomass and carbon stock was significantly higher in less disturbed Kaans (227.99 Mg and 226.38 Mg and 107.16 and 106.40 Mg respectively) compared to highly disturbed Kaans (113.56 Mg and 100.73 Mg and 53.37 and 47.34 Mg, respectively). The total biomass and carbon stock showed direct relation with extent of Kaan size. These results suggest that informal management systems such as sacred groves have not only conserved useful species, but people have tended to ‘discover’ medicinal values more often among plants unique to sacred groves, than those found in other landscapes. Affording more attention to these relic fragments would be more effective in conserving local biodiversity. The present study reveals that the sacred groves of Soraba taluk in Central Western Ghats are species rich, have higher carbon sequestration potential and calls for an immediate attention for conservation.
Pages: 801-806  |  419 Views  121 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Prabhugowda I Biradar and Channabasappa KS. Assessment of biomass and carbon sequestration potential of sacred Kaans in Soraba taluk of central Western Ghats, Karnataka. The Pharma Innovation Journal. 2021; 10(5S): 801-806.

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