Abstract
This study assessed the potential of carbon stock and carbon sequestration rates in Van Panchayat forests at an altitude of 1500- 1800m. The Total forest biomass was 308.3 t ha-1, of the total biomass tree layer contributed the most, followed by herbs and shrubs. The forest litter biomass varied between 5.4 t ha-1 (in rainy season) and 6.6 t ha-1 (in winter season). Maximum Carbon sequestration rate was 5.68 t ha-1 year-1 while, minimum carbon sequestration rate was 2.03 t ha-1 year-1. In the present study the girth class of major species was in the younger size of 30-80cm. The Van Panchayats will have greater potential for future sequestration. If we want to maximize carbon sequestration rates, we need forest management practices that results in healthy forests of all ages. We should give careful consideration to encouraging the conversion of marginal agricultural and range lands to Van Panchayat forest land.