Geospatial Analysis of Biomass in Lake Region of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Abstract

The present study includes vegetation and forest biomass mapping in the lake region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand, using IRS1C LISSIII satellite data. A total of 11 forest types including forest plantation were mapped, among various forest types analyzed, maximum area exhibited by Banj oak followed by Pine forest. Mean total above-ground biomass values were ranged between 52.1 and 402 t/ha. Mean crown cover and biomass values were computed for selected sites. Biomass values were related to crown cover through allometric equation. The biomass estimated through remote sensing in the present study has shown to be in close agreement with that estimated through conventional methods.

Keywords: Forest biomass, crown cover, Banj oak, allometric equation,
vegetation mapping