Providing a wealth of in-depth knowledge of forest ecosystems, this new volume explores a collection of important topics on forest community dynamics. It looks at the diversity of forest ecosystems and explores such aspects as forest products in enhancing local livelihoods and community participation, forage production, forest conservation and sustainable management, regeneration patterns, seed handling, and more. Chapters in Diversity and Dynamics in Forest Ecosystems present new research on forest products, livelihood generation mechanisms of forest-dependent communities, utilization patterns of untapped resources from forests, and the structure of different ecosystems from the tropical to the temperate landscape. This book also features different drivers of community dynamics, such as the role of seed handling in forests, the influence of altitudinal variations, and protected and community-conserved forests on the forest diversity. Chapters also consider the role of non-timber forest products and their significance in livelihood diversification for tribal communities and forage crop genetic resources, and forest resource extraction by forest fringe dwellers. Also explored are aspects of soil organic carbon in agroforestry systems and integrated approaches of sustainable agroforestry development in diverse forest ecosystems. This edition also examines the vegetation structure and regeneration aspects of timberline zone, including diversity of herbaceous flora along the altitudinal gradient. The abundance of in-depth knowledge of the diversity and dynamics of forest ecosystems in this volume will be valuable in conservation and management of forests, which play an important role in the world environment. Forests are presently facing multiple disturbances, and this volume will help forestry professionals and others formulate further strategies to mitigate global climate change and other challenges.

Climate Change in the Himalayas: Vulnerability and Resilience of Biodiversity and Forest Ecosystems explores and assesses issues affecting species survival in the rich forests of the Himalayan region. This book characterizes current biodiversity statuses, related ecosystem services, and provides new evidence and solutions for climate change effects on Himalayan animals and plants. Written by regional and international experts on climate change, ecosystems and the Himalayas, this book analyzes current species threats, loss of habitats, and carbon effects. It identifies critical areas requiring special attention and provides workable solutions for protection and ecosystem services. As many plant and animal species continue to be classified as extinct due to climate change, urbanization, and failing ecosystems, analyses and techniques in this book offer resolutions for sustaining current risks and curbing future risks. These can also be applied to other biodiverse, at-risk regions of the world.

The study was carried out in two dominant forest types i.e., Bnaj oak and Chir pine forests to assess vegetation analysis, physico-chemical characteristics and soil organic carbon stock. The study suggests that in both the forest types, the tree density and total basal cover of forests decreased with increasing altitudes. The soil condition of Banj-oak forest was comparatively better than the Chir-pine forest. The carbon stock along altitudes between the forest showed decreasing trend as 72 8, 70.4 11.2 and 64 5.6 for Bnaj oak and 60 3.8, 50.4 7.2 and 49.6 8 t C ha-1 for Chir pine forests. The decreasing trend of soil carbon stock in both the forests with increasing altitude might be due to reduction in trees density, total basal cover and litter production with altitude. Between the forests all the related parameter studies were better in Banj-oak forest than in Chir pine forest. But it is also important to note that those sites where nutrients levels are lower and harsh conditions dominant are occupied by Chir pine forest. Therefore preference should be given to the Banj-oak forests to enhance over all productivity of the forest.