Assessment of tree species diversity and above-ground biomass in two disturbed tropical dry evergreen forests of coromandel coast of India

Abstract

The tree diversity and carbon stock of all woody plants were determined in two-hectare square plots (100 m x 100 m), established in Suryanpet (SP) and Velleripet (VP) as tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF) sites on the Coromandel coast of peninsular India. All trees ≥ 10 cm girth at breast height measured at 1.3 m from the rooting point were enumerated. A total of 35 tree species (≥ 10 cm gbh) belonging to 34 genera and 23 families were recorded in tropical dry evergreen forests. Tree species richness in 27 (dominant species Dimorphocalyx glabellus Thw.) and 18 (dominant species Strychnos nux-vomica L.) in SP and VP respectively. A total density of woody plants are 671 and 1154 individuals in SP and VP respectively. Tree basal area was greater in site VP (45.46 m2 ha-1) compare the site SP (40.70 m2 ha-1). Most abundant families were Loganiaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Rutaceae and their family index values (FIV) were 56.14, 39.12 and 21.40, respectively. The above-ground biomass (AGB) of trees totaled in site SP (405.3 Mg ha-1 ) and VP (721.3 Mg ha-1 ). The extent of tree species diversity and estimated carbon stock of the TDEF sites will provide the baseline data on the floristic structure and diversity of these forest sites for better management and conservation.