Iranian Journal of Forest

Iranian Journal of Forest

Evaluation of quality of Iranian oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) tree trunks in relation to diameter class and height above sea level in Ilam forests

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
J. Hossinzadeh 1
Y. Karimi 2
N. Pordel 3
H.R. Naji 1
1 Associate Prof., Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran
2 M.Sc. Graduate in Forestry, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran
3 Ph.D. Candidate in Forestry, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran
10.22034/ijf.2025.475238.2006
Abstract
Introduction: The Zagros oak forests, known for their exceptional environmental and economic significance, are facing significant threats such as deforestation, land-use changes, overgrazing, and agricultural encroachment. These pressures are severely affecting the health and vitality of the trees. Such damaging factors lead to trunk decay, dieback of crowns and trunks, the development of wounds and cavities, and other abnormalities. If this destructive trend continues, especially in the context of global warming, it could drastically reduce the population of forest species and pose a serious risk to the future of the Quercus brantii forests. This study aims to evaluate the visible trunk quality of oak trees in the Zagros forests to identify and analyze various forms of damage and defects, supporting efforts toward sustainable forest management and the preservation of forest health.
Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the trunk quality of Quercus brantii trees across three elevation zones: the lower zone (Qalarang, 1150-1400 meters), the middle zone (Siwan, 1400-1650 meters), and the upper zone (Mansht, 1650-1900 meters) in the Zagros forests. To thoroughly assess trunk damage and defects, the Larrieu assessment model was utilized, which involves identifying and classifying defects into categories such as cavities, wounds, and other abnormalities based on the trees' external characteristics. This model is a valuable tool for understanding and managing tree health, enhancing forest conservation strategies, and the results indicate its effectiveness for the sustainable management of the Zagros forests.
Results: The results of this study showed that trees in different altitudinal and diameter classes exhibit varying levels of damage. Trees with a diameter of less than 35 cm are more susceptible to various types of damage, such as wounds, cavities, and stem dieback. Additionally, trees in the second diameter class (over 35 cm) generally experience less damage. The highest level of damage was observed at lower elevations, especially among trees with diameters smaller than 35 cm, which sustained the most damage. Significant differences were found between diameter and elevation classes across the study areas, indicating the influence of ecological conditions and tree structure on their damage. Furthermore, human-induced degradation, livestock presence, economic motivations such as understory cultivation and coppicing in the lower elevation areas, lead to physiological weakening of trees, the creation of cavities and wounds, physical damage, and, consequently, dieback, decay, and a reduction in the number of healthy trees..
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the Larrieu model can serve as an effective and practical scientific tool for assessing and managing the Zagros forests in Ilam. By evaluating various indicators of forest health, this model provides natural resource managers with more accurate data on forest conditions, enabling them to make better-informed decisions for the conservation and restoration of these valuable ecosystems. Utilizing the Larrieu model can enhance sustainable management practices, reduce damage from unauthorized exploitation, and improve the resilience of the Zagros forest ecosystems. As such, this model plays a crucial role as an effective scientific tool in maintaining and strengthening the sustainability of the Zagros forests.
 
Keywords
Larrieu model
Quercus brantii
Tree trunk quality
Trunk damage
Zagros forests

Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Forest
Volume 17, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
Summer 2025
Pages 109-123

  • Receive Date 17 September 2024
  • Revise Date 22 November 2024
  • Accept Date 30 December 2024