Table 1_Large tree and forest structural attributes drive biomass and carbon distribution in tropical dry deciduous forests of Rajasthan, India.docx

The present study estimated the biomass and carbon storage in different vegetation components across five forest stands in two wildlife sanctuaries representing tropical dry deciduous forests.</p>Methods<p>Tree aboveground and belowground biomass were quantified using allometric equations, and shrub biomass, herb biomass, and litter biomass were evaluated following protocols by the Forest Survey of India and converted to carbon stocks using standard conversion factors.</p>Results<p>The findings revealed significant variation in vegetation biomass among two wildlife sanctuaries and forest stands.

Jamwa Ramgarh sanctuary exhibited significantly higher biomass and carbon than Nahargarh (p < 0.0001), with Digota forest stand (S5) recording the highest values (3115.22 Mg/ha; 1480.08 Mg C/ha). Significant variations were observed among tree biomass carbon (359–1,477 Mg C/ha), understory biomass carbon (1.68–2.5 Mg C/ha), and litter biomass carbon (0.25–0.5 Mg C/ha) (p < 0.0001). Aboveground biomass contributed the largest share (66–70%) of total vegetation carbon, followed by belowground biomass (23–33%), with shrubs, herbs, and litter accounting for minor proportions.</p>Discussion<p>Tree density and the basal area emerged as the most significant forest structural parameters determining carbon storage.