انجمن علمی جنگلبانی ایرانمجله جنگل ایران2008-6113135 (ویژه نامه به زبان انگلیسی)20220220Environmental Impact Assessment of Forest Roads using the Goecybernetic Assessment Matrix (GAM): A case study from the Kheyrud forest, IranEnvironmental Impact Assessment of Forest Roads using the Goecybernetic Assessment Matrix (GAM): A case study from the Kheyrud forest, Iran11514485310.22034/ijf.2022.313747.1812FAEbrahim AbbasiPh.D. of Forest Engineering, Dept. of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, IranSeyed Ata Ollah HosseiniProf., Dept. of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran0000-0002-5322-2905Ehsan AbdiAssociate Prof., Dept. of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran0000-0002-3382-7683Akbar NajafiAssociate Prof., Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran0000-0003-1065-4641Journal Article20211116Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been recognized as an analysis of the impacts that a project can impose on the environment, with the purpose of balancing the positive and negative impacts of the project. Forest road construction is one of the costliest and most important projects that its outcomes need to be evaluated because of being involved in the development of different forestry operations. The purpose of the current study was to assess the environmental impacts of a road network in the Kheyrud forest (Hyrcanian forest), in northern Iran, at three stages including before, during, and after the road construction phase. We used Geocybernetic Assessment Matrix (GAM) criteria listed scores by using the views of experts who have observed the problems associated with road construction in three stages. By applying this method, a suitable tool is obtained to ensure that the project is properly implemented or should be stopped. It can be a method of determining, predicting and interpreting the environmental, social and economic impacts of road construction on the whole environment and the health of the ecosystems on which human life and sustainability depend. The results indicated that the total geocybernetic score was in the range of 0 to -121 (very weak unsustainability) for before, during and after road construction, indicating that although road construction in the Kheyrud forest had negative impacts on the environment especially during the construction phase, social and economic services, especially after road construction, have left the total geocybernetic score in that range.Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been recognized as an analysis of the impacts that a project can impose on the environment, with the purpose of balancing the positive and negative impacts of the project. Forest road construction is one of the costliest and most important projects that its outcomes need to be evaluated because of being involved in the development of different forestry operations. The purpose of the current study was to assess the environmental impacts of a road network in the Kheyrud forest (Hyrcanian forest), in northern Iran, at three stages including before, during, and after the road construction phase. We used Geocybernetic Assessment Matrix (GAM) criteria listed scores by using the views of experts who have observed the problems associated with road construction in three stages. By applying this method, a suitable tool is obtained to ensure that the project is properly implemented or should be stopped. It can be a method of determining, predicting and interpreting the environmental, social and economic impacts of road construction on the whole environment and the health of the ecosystems on which human life and sustainability depend. The results indicated that the total geocybernetic score was in the range of 0 to -121 (very weak unsustainability) for before, during and after road construction, indicating that although road construction in the Kheyrud forest had negative impacts on the environment especially during the construction phase, social and economic services, especially after road construction, have left the total geocybernetic score in that range.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_144853_9a19a30f454e9a758df12572f1f6e975.pdfانجمن علمی جنگلبانی ایرانمجله جنگل ایران2008-6113135 (ویژه نامه به زبان انگلیسی)20220220Estimation of biomass, carbon storage and economic value of felled trees in
the Yasouj-Dena road construction projectEstimation of biomass, carbon storage and economic value of felled trees in the Yasouj-Dena road construction project172814430010.22034/ijf.2022.317379.1825FAYousef AskariAssistant Prof., Research Division of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed, Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Yasouj, IranYaghoub IranmaneshAssociate Prof., Research Division of Natural Resources, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Shahrekord, IranMehdi PourhashemiHead of Forest Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, IranJournal Article20211129Roads are among the most important factors for the development of various communities. In designing a road (Tarmac), it is necessary to carefully consider environmental issues in addition to technical ones. Felling trees in road building projects changes forest and rangeland ecosystems and also ends the important roles they play in carbon sequestration. To estimate the biomass and carbon storage of felled trees in the Yasouj-Dena (30sakht) road construction project, 20 sample plots (1000 m<sup>2)</sup> were selected at a distance of 10 m from the cut down trees in Deh Bar Aftab Village, Boyer-Ahmad County and the quantitative variables of oak trees (diameter at breast height, diameter of shoot clumps, height and crown cover) were measured. Using the related allometric equations previously developed for the provincial forests, the biomass and carbon storage of the tree species with the two different vegetative forms (high forest trees and coppice trees) were estimated. The results indicated that the total biomass of both high forest and coppice trees was about 982 tons. The high forest trees and coppice trees had the capacity to sequester approximately 347 and 144 tons of carbon per hectare, respectively. Therefore, considering the coefficient of 3.67, the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by these high forest and coppice trees was 1802 tons. Given the global carbon price, the estimated value of carbon sequestration in the trees removed from nature for the Yasouj-Dena road construction project was more than IRR 2.3 billion (23 Meliard Rials).Roads are among the most important factors for the development of various communities. In designing a road (Tarmac), it is necessary to carefully consider environmental issues in addition to technical ones. Felling trees in road building projects changes forest and rangeland ecosystems and also ends the important roles they play in carbon sequestration. To estimate the biomass and carbon storage of felled trees in the Yasouj-Dena (30sakht) road construction project, 20 sample plots (1000 m<sup>2)</sup> were selected at a distance of 10 m from the cut down trees in Deh Bar Aftab Village, Boyer-Ahmad County and the quantitative variables of oak trees (diameter at breast height, diameter of shoot clumps, height and crown cover) were measured. Using the related allometric equations previously developed for the provincial forests, the biomass and carbon storage of the tree species with the two different vegetative forms (high forest trees and coppice trees) were estimated. The results indicated that the total biomass of both high forest and coppice trees was about 982 tons. The high forest trees and coppice trees had the capacity to sequester approximately 347 and 144 tons of carbon per hectare, respectively. Therefore, considering the coefficient of 3.67, the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by these high forest and coppice trees was 1802 tons. Given the global carbon price, the estimated value of carbon sequestration in the trees removed from nature for the Yasouj-Dena road construction project was more than IRR 2.3 billion (23 Meliard Rials).https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_144300_3c04813f2ec667dfb10ed2ebeeb4f132.pdfانجمن علمی جنگلبانی ایرانمجله جنگل ایران2008-6113135 (ویژه نامه به زبان انگلیسی)20220220Vegetation-environment relationship in the birch (Betula pendula Roth.)
site in the mountainous riparian forests of Marmisho valleyVegetation-environment relationship in the birch (Betula pendula Roth.) site in the mountainous riparian forests of Marmisho valley294215066310.22034/ijf.2022.317796.1830FAJavad Eshaghi RadProf., Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University, Urmia,I. R. IranAhmad AlijanpourAssociate Prof., Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University, Urmia,I. R. IranRouhollah RostamiPh.D. Student of Forestry, Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University, Urmia,I. R. IranJournal Article20211203Marmisho valley, located in the north-western Iran, encompasses high species diversity and a unique habitat for birch stands (<em>Betula pendula</em><strong> </strong>Roth.). This study was carried out to investigate the vegetation-environment relationship in this area and also to determine the most important environmental factors affecting species distribution with emphasis on the birch species distribution. 30 sample plots were implemented using a random sampling method with a grid size of 200 × 100 m. At each sampling point, 400 m<sup>2</sup> and 100 m<sup>2</sup> were set up respectively for recording the cover-abundance of woody species and herbaceous species. Also at the center, a soil sample was taken from 0-30 cm depth of mineral soil. As a result, 251 taxa were observed in Marmisho valley. The results of cluster analysis illustrated that sampling plots were respectively divided into three and five ecological groups based on woody and herbaceous species composition, in which significant differences between different ecological groups were approved by MRPP analysis. In addition, DCA indicated that soil texture and soil pH had the most influence on the distribution of ecological groups in the region. Marmisho valley encompasses high level of plant diversity. Therefore, we need urgent forest management strategies such as protective plan to conserve the region. Marmisho valley, located in the north-western Iran, encompasses high species diversity and a unique habitat for birch stands (<em>Betula pendula</em><strong> </strong>Roth.). This study was carried out to investigate the vegetation-environment relationship in this area and also to determine the most important environmental factors affecting species distribution with emphasis on the birch species distribution. 30 sample plots were implemented using a random sampling method with a grid size of 200 × 100 m. At each sampling point, 400 m<sup>2</sup> and 100 m<sup>2</sup> were set up respectively for recording the cover-abundance of woody species and herbaceous species. Also at the center, a soil sample was taken from 0-30 cm depth of mineral soil. As a result, 251 taxa were observed in Marmisho valley. The results of cluster analysis illustrated that sampling plots were respectively divided into three and five ecological groups based on woody and herbaceous species composition, in which significant differences between different ecological groups were approved by MRPP analysis. In addition, DCA indicated that soil texture and soil pH had the most influence on the distribution of ecological groups in the region. Marmisho valley encompasses high level of plant diversity. Therefore, we need urgent forest management strategies such as protective plan to conserve the region. https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_150663_e3e7c5c40171dd2392113fbe6cee8c7d.pdfانجمن علمی جنگلبانی ایرانمجله جنگل ایران2008-6113135 (ویژه نامه به زبان انگلیسی)20220220Spatial distribution pattern of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) coarse woody debris in
managed and unmanaged stands of Caspian forests, IranSpatial distribution pattern of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) coarse woody debris in managed and unmanaged stands of Caspian forests, Iran435514869010.22034/ijf.2022.317191.1822FAAfsaneh KhaliliPh.D. student of Forestry, Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.0000-0001-8817-7203Asadollah Mataji2 Prof., Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.Khosro Sagheb TalebiProf., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (RIFR), Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.Seyed Mohammad HodjatiProf., Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran.Journal Article20211128The ecological significance of deadwoods has led to an ever-increasing collection of related information to be taken into account in management plans. The Coarse woody debris (CWDs) is a significant component of forest ecosystems. Here, managed and one unmanaged forest stands were selected in Gorazbon district of Kheyrudkenar Experimental Forest, Noshahr, Mazandaran Province, Iran. Based on the full-calipering inventory method, CWD attributes<strong> </strong>were collected in both stands. The distribution pattern of CWD was evaluated using univariate O-ring statistics. Results showed that the highest and lowest decay classes in two forest stands were 3-6 and 1-2, respectively. Results from distribution pattern analysis showed a random distribution pattern of CWD in the managed forest stand. Overall, the unmanaged forest stand with 3-6 decay classes showed a random distribution pattern of CWD. Conclusively, disturbances in the managed and the unmanaged forest stands occur in small scales.The ecological significance of deadwoods has led to an ever-increasing collection of related information to be taken into account in management plans. The Coarse woody debris (CWDs) is a significant component of forest ecosystems. Here, managed and one unmanaged forest stands were selected in Gorazbon district of Kheyrudkenar Experimental Forest, Noshahr, Mazandaran Province, Iran. Based on the full-calipering inventory method, CWD attributes<strong> </strong>were collected in both stands. The distribution pattern of CWD was evaluated using univariate O-ring statistics. Results showed that the highest and lowest decay classes in two forest stands were 3-6 and 1-2, respectively. Results from distribution pattern analysis showed a random distribution pattern of CWD in the managed forest stand. Overall, the unmanaged forest stand with 3-6 decay classes showed a random distribution pattern of CWD. Conclusively, disturbances in the managed and the unmanaged forest stands occur in small scales.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_148690_12a1dc7ac659321e35743a656a204ca5.pdfانجمن علمی جنگلبانی ایرانمجله جنگل ایران2008-6113135 (ویژه نامه به زبان انگلیسی)20220220Effect of soil moisture content on survival, growth, and physiological characteristics
of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) seedlingsEffect of soil moisture content on survival, growth, and physiological characteristics of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) seedlings576915066410.22034/ijf.2022.318436.1832FAEslam Shayesteh PahangehPh.D. Student, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Gorgan University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gorgan, IranAlireza AliarabAssistant Prof., Faculty of Forest Sciences, Gorgan University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran0000-0002-6946-8926Seyed-Ehsan SadatiAssociated Research Prof., Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, IranKambiz EspahbodiAssociated Research Prof., Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Sari, IranZahra KarimianDept. of Ornamental Plants, Research center for Plant Sciences, Ferdowsi of Mashhad. Mashhad, IranJournal Article20220110Wild cherry (<em>Prunus avium</em>) is one of the native and fast-growing broadleaves species of the Hyrcanian forests that can be used in mixed reforestations. Therefore, knowledge of the survival reaction and some morphological and physiological characteristics of seedlings of this species at different levels of soil moisture content (SMC) is crucial for the development of seedling production and afforestation programs, as well as habitat restoration. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four irrigation levels (control or 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of field capacity) in 3 replications and 5 seedlings per replication as subsamples. Thus, the seedlings were examined for five months (May to September) and a total of 60 potted seedlings were tested and sampled. Morphological characteristics of seedlings such as survival, height growth, diameter growth, root dry weight, stem dry weight, total dry weight, and root to stem ratio and physiological characteristics of plant pigment concentrations including chlorophyll (a, b and total), carotenoids, soluble sugars and proline were measured. The results showed that reducing SMC had different effects on morphological and physiological traits of wild cherry seedlings. With decreasing SMC, the amount of chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophyll, decreased. Proline levels were quadrupled and soluble sugars were doubled when extreme humidity decreased. An increase in the amount of proline and soluble sugars makes the plant more tolerant of drought. Therefore, at least 50% of the field moisture capacity in the rooting environment of seedlings is necessary.Wild cherry (<em>Prunus avium</em>) is one of the native and fast-growing broadleaves species of the Hyrcanian forests that can be used in mixed reforestations. Therefore, knowledge of the survival reaction and some morphological and physiological characteristics of seedlings of this species at different levels of soil moisture content (SMC) is crucial for the development of seedling production and afforestation programs, as well as habitat restoration. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four irrigation levels (control or 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% of field capacity) in 3 replications and 5 seedlings per replication as subsamples. Thus, the seedlings were examined for five months (May to September) and a total of 60 potted seedlings were tested and sampled. Morphological characteristics of seedlings such as survival, height growth, diameter growth, root dry weight, stem dry weight, total dry weight, and root to stem ratio and physiological characteristics of plant pigment concentrations including chlorophyll (a, b and total), carotenoids, soluble sugars and proline were measured. The results showed that reducing SMC had different effects on morphological and physiological traits of wild cherry seedlings. With decreasing SMC, the amount of chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophyll, decreased. Proline levels were quadrupled and soluble sugars were doubled when extreme humidity decreased. An increase in the amount of proline and soluble sugars makes the plant more tolerant of drought. Therefore, at least 50% of the field moisture capacity in the rooting environment of seedlings is necessary.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_150664_93208ed9baa7ee8675684f3bcadb9f64.pdf