Landscape-Level Assessment of Topographic Influences on Organic Carbon Storage in Forests of Far Western Nepal

This study explores how topographic factors, including physiographic region, aspect, and slope, influence carbon (C) stocks in the forests of Far Western Nepal, addressing a critical data gap. Using stratified systematic cluster sampling, 181 circular plots were surveyed to measure aboveground biomass carbon (AGC), belowground biomass carbon (BGC), and soil organic carbon (SOC). The results revealed that the Mountain and High Himal regions had the highest C stocks across all pools. East-facing slopes showed the highest AGC and BGC, while North-facing slopes had the highest SOC. Carbon stocks were highest on gentle slopes (0–10°) and decreased with steeper slopes, with the lowest stocks recorded on slopes of 30–40°. These findings provide valuable insights for improving carbon monitoring and reporting for REDD+ and UNFCCC initiatives and highlight the need for site-specific forest management to enhance C storage.