International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Chidanandamurthy G
Abstract: Community-managed forests play a vital role in climate regulation, yet their carbon stocks are rarely quantified using simple, field-based methods that local stakeholders can apply. This study develops and applies a modelling framework that links Leaf Area Index (LAI), above-ground biomass, and carbon stocks in a stratified community forest comprising dense, moderately dense, and open stands. Data were collected from 12 permanent sample plots (4 per stratum). Within each plot, tree diameter and height were measured to estimate above-ground biomass using established allometric equations, while LAI was obtained from ground-based canopy measurements. Plot-level LAI ranged from 1.55 to 5.10 (mean 3.19), above-ground biomass from 74.8 to 229.4 t ha^(-1) (mean 145.6tha^(-1)), and above-ground carbon stocks from 35.2 to 107.8tCha^(-1) (mean 68.4tCha^(-1)). Dense stands exhibited the highest LAI and carbon stocks, followed by moderately dense and open stands. A simple linear model, AGB_ha=14.78+40.99×LAI, explained 98% of the variation in plot-level biomass (R^2=0.98, RMSE =6.44tha^(-1)), with a corresponding linear relationship for carbon stocks. These results show that LAI is a robust predictor of above-ground carbon in community forests and can be used for rapid, low-cost assessment. The framework provides a mathematically transparent and operational tool that can be integrated into community-based monitoring and sustainable forest management.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17721944
