Multi-source and multi-date mapping of deforestation in Central India (1935-2010) and its implication on standing phytomass carbon pool

•Geospatial methods were used to study changes in forest cover and above ground carbon stocks over seven decades in Central India.•Changes in the above ground phytomass carbon pool were computed by including the changes in the forest cover as well as the biomass density.•Open forests which are occupying about 45.8% of forest area must be considered for improvement of carbon stocks. Information on the historical distribution of Indian forest cover change and carbon stocks is scarce and far from comprehensive. Geospatial methods were used to study changes in forest cover and above ground carbon stocks over seven decades in Central India, which covers over a tenth of India (13.5%) and accounts for almost a fifth of its forest cover (19.27%). Changes in the above ground phytomass carbon pool were computed. There is a significant contribution of deforestation to the reduction in the C pool. The overall loss of forest cover was 2.5Mha (16%), while the reduction in carbon stock was 343.5TgC (42%) since 1935. The overall rate of deforestation in Central India (0.23 from 1935 to 2010), has been on decline in recent years. In order to increase the amount of carbon accumulation, open forests which are occupying about 45.8% of forest area must be considered for improvement of carbon stocks. The above results indicate that the forests of central India could act as important carbon sinks in India.