Investigation on quantitative characteristic and soil properties of Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb stands in Tarom Zanjan

Document Type : Scientific article

Authors

1 Assistant professor, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Islamic Azad University of Zanjan, Zanjan, I.R. Iran.

2 M.Sc. of Agricultural Management, Department of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University of Abhar, Abhar, I.R. Iran.

3 Zanjan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, Zanjan, I.R Iran.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to survey of quantitative situation of Juniperus stands for identifying affecting factors on growth and optimal establishment of this species. For this purpose, an area with 200 ha in Tarom, Zanjan province was selected. Random-systematic sampling was performed with 40 plots, each 1000 meter square area. In sample plots, collar diameter, the diameter of a half-crown, height, canopy, density and regeneration were measured. In each sample, a soil sample was taken to investigate soil characteristics. Analysis of variance results showed that there were significant deference in number/ha, height, canopy percent and regeneration between slope classes, in number trees/ha between aspect classes, in number trees/ha and canopy percent between  elevation classes in 95% probability level. The correlation test results showed that between EC with number/ha was positive correlation. Soil acid saturation had positive correlation with the number/ha and regeneration. Nitrogen percent of the soil had positive correlation with the number/ha, percent of canopy cover and regeneration. Soil organic carbon percent had positive correlation with the number/ha, the diameter of the half crown and percent of canopy cover. P and K had positive correlation with diameter of half-crown. The percentage of sand had negative correlation with regeneration.

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