"International Journal of Geography, Geology and Environment"

Author(s): Arjun Lamichhane, Ram Asheshwar Mandal and Prashid Kandel

Abstract: The management practices affect the carbon stock but there are limited research regarding this. Thus, this research was objectively conducted to assess and compare the carbon stock according to management practice using remote sensing techniques. Community forest, buffer zone community forest and national park in Chure area of Banke district was selected as study site to collect primary data. Landsat 7 ETM+ and one Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS Satellite images dated 2000, 2010 and 2020 were downloaded from USGS website. Altogether 75 sample plots having 12.61, 5.64, 2.82 and 1.87 m radius were established for tree, pole, sapling and seedling respectively. The diameter at 1.3 m and height of the trees were measured. Landsat images were converted to false color composites using bands 5, 4, 3 (for Landsat OLI/TIRS image) and bands 4, 3, 2 (for Landsat TM image). The image was classified using maximum likelihood nearest neighborhood tools. The forest area was increased from 563.06 ha (39.40 %) to 613.26 ha (42.92 %) in the period of 2000 to 2010 and it reached 647.91 ha (45.34 %) in 2020. The Kappa accuracy was 90% of classified map of 2000; it was 85% of 2010 and 87.55% of 2020. The above ground tree/pole carbon stock was found to be highest in Banke National Park with 93.002±15.569 t C ha^-1 which was followed by buffer zone community forest with 81.744±8.239 t C ha^-1 and lowest in community forest of with 66.119±10.761 t C ha-1 in 2020. The soil carbon stock was found to be highest in National Park with 43.287±5.658 t C ha-1 and followed by buffer zone community forest with 31.426±2.072 t C ha^-1 and lowest in community forest of with 30.924±1.318 t C ha^-1. Assuming 10% less carbon in 2000 and 2010, the total forest carbon of 2010 and 2000 would be 70329.64t and 64572.62t and hence total CO2 equivalent would be 257875.3t and 236766.3t respectively. This paper will be useful tool for scientific community and policy maker to set base line of carbon stock in National park, buffer zone and community forests.

Pages: 55-68 | Views: 430 | Downloads: 73

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