The Carbon Credit of Alnus nepalensis Forest Stands as a Source of Livelihood to the Local Inhabitants in the Garhwal Himalaya

Aim Himalaya is unique with diverse vegetation including Alnus nepalensis having potential for human wellbeing. A. nepalensis tree grows in the Himalaya, particularly in inaccessible areas and creates a barrier to soil erosion. A. nepalensis is fast growing and has the ability to enrich soil through nitrogen fixation. Its key role in biomass production and carbon storage makes it important for restoring degraded lands. Therefore, the aim of the study was to understand its potential for carbon credits for income generation and livelihood security to the local communities. Location The present study was conducted in Rudraprayag district, specifically in Chopta, Tungnath Valley, located between 30°28′39″–30°29′51″ N latitude and 79°12′9″–79°13′21″ E longitude in the Garhwal Himalayas, where good forest stands of A. nepalensis were reported between 1000 to 2500 m above sea level elevations. Time Period The study was carried out during 2023–2024 and data were collected. Major Taxa The major tree species associated with A. nepalensis were Rhododendron arboreum, Acer ceasium, Q. leucotricophora, Neolitsea sp., Lyonia ovalifolia, Q. semicarpifolia, Q. floribunda, Ficus palmata , Pyrus pashia , etc. Methods Soil and vegetation data collection and analysis were done using standard established sampling and analysis methods. Results and Main Conclusions Results of study suggest that A. nepalensis had the highest IVI across all altitudes, with an IVI of 300 (lower altitude), 150.9 (middle altitude) and 159.03 (upper altitude). Among the altitudes, A. nepalensis was reported pure in upper altitude and mixed in both middle and lower. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between tree volume and biomass and carbon components ( r = 0.956, p < 0.01), highlighting volume as a key predictor of carbon stock. Aboveground and belowground biomass and carbon variables were perfectly correlated ( r = 1.000**, p < 0.01), indicating a tightly integrated biomass‐carbon dynamic. Tree density also significantly correlated with carbon variables ( r = 0.736, p < 0.01). CO 2 sequestration, net carbon stock and O 2 release were strongly interrelated ( r = 1.000), though less correlated with structural parameters. Results revealed that A. nepalensis forest has potential as an effective carbon sinks across elevation zones. Soil physico‐chemical properties under A. nepalensis stands varied significantly with altitude. Moisture and WHC were strongly correlated ( r = 0.898), however, negatively related to pH, indicating more acidic, moisture‐rich soils at higher elevations. Sand decreased ( r = −0.926) and clay increased ( r = 0.882) with altitude, showing texture shifts. SOC and SOM were positively linked to moisture ( r = 0.901) and negatively to pH, suggesting moisture as a key driver of soil carbon. The C: N ratio increased with depth ( r = 0.884), reflecting vertical variation in organic matter quality. A. nepalensis biomass production, C sequestration and soil properties influence with altitudes. These trends underline altitude and moisture as key factors in soil carbon dynamics.