Iranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301Studying the Acclimation of Quercus brantii Lindl (Case study: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari)Studying the Acclimation of Quercus brantii Lindl (Case study: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari)43344613784FAJournal Article20150414Iranian west oak is the most important and most abundant tree species in the climate zone of Zagros region. This study is done with aim to determine the climatic characteristics of the habitat of this species in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. So, 56 climatic variables that were important in distribution of this species have been selected in the terms of ecological situation. The variables were extracted from synoptic and climatology stations which the stations managed by Weather Organization of Iran. To reduce the number of variables and determining effective factor was used factor analysis using by principal components analysis with varimax rotation, then the average factor scores in the habitat of this species and the areas without it were calculated and the spatial distribution of the factor scores were plotted in Surfer ver12. The results of the factor analysis identified three factors of precipitation, heat temperature and wind that these factors are included 28.79%, 20.13% and 4.71%, respectively and 95.80% of the total variance of the data. Generally, the results showed that precipitation factor with threshold of 435 mm in downstream areas and 9.8 degree centigrade temperature in high lands are determined the upper boundary of this specie, therefore, regard to acclimation of Quercus brantii, these valuable species may be developed in a significant area of province.Iranian west oak is the most important and most abundant tree species in the climate zone of Zagros region. This study is done with aim to determine the climatic characteristics of the habitat of this species in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. So, 56 climatic variables that were important in distribution of this species have been selected in the terms of ecological situation. The variables were extracted from synoptic and climatology stations which the stations managed by Weather Organization of Iran. To reduce the number of variables and determining effective factor was used factor analysis using by principal components analysis with varimax rotation, then the average factor scores in the habitat of this species and the areas without it were calculated and the spatial distribution of the factor scores were plotted in Surfer ver12. The results of the factor analysis identified three factors of precipitation, heat temperature and wind that these factors are included 28.79%, 20.13% and 4.71%, respectively and 95.80% of the total variance of the data. Generally, the results showed that precipitation factor with threshold of 435 mm in downstream areas and 9.8 degree centigrade temperature in high lands are determined the upper boundary of this specie, therefore, regard to acclimation of Quercus brantii, these valuable species may be developed in a significant area of province.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13784_fc20897909da4112b8d4a6966490b77c.pdfIranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301Calculation of non-destructive estimations accuracy associated with estimation of bole carbon sequestration of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipskey) in the Hyrcanian forestsCalculation of non-destructive estimations accuracy associated with estimation of bole carbon sequestration of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipskey) in the Hyrcanian forests44745813786FAJournal Article20150218The trees in the forest ecosystem are considered huge carbon pool associated with C emission in the atmosphere. Therefore, how measuring and estimating the C stored in the trees in the forests is the main issue for ecologists. Pertaining to the majority of tree weight is related to the bole mass, we tested the non-destructive methods for estimating the C stock of oriental beech in the Hyrcanian forests as case study of Glandrood forests of Nour. C concentration was obtained by ignition. Associated with the obtained observations of dry weight and wood density, product of volume and wood density as well as introduced allometric models of beech (Fagus spp.) in the various biomes were used as non-destructive methods for bole mass C stock estimation. C concentration was 57 percent for estimating C sequestration of bole mass in this study. According to the mean residual and t values acquired by paired-t test between the estimated values and observations, allometric model of Y = exp (2.53 lnD – 3.03) with respect to the common beech (F. sylvatica) in the western forest sites of Germany and product of volume and density introduced in this study (Y = 0.0239 (D2H)) in case of multiplying by the C concentration were the application tools for estimating the C stock of oriental bole mass in the Hyrcanian forests.The trees in the forest ecosystem are considered huge carbon pool associated with C emission in the atmosphere. Therefore, how measuring and estimating the C stored in the trees in the forests is the main issue for ecologists. Pertaining to the majority of tree weight is related to the bole mass, we tested the non-destructive methods for estimating the C stock of oriental beech in the Hyrcanian forests as case study of Glandrood forests of Nour. C concentration was obtained by ignition. Associated with the obtained observations of dry weight and wood density, product of volume and wood density as well as introduced allometric models of beech (Fagus spp.) in the various biomes were used as non-destructive methods for bole mass C stock estimation. C concentration was 57 percent for estimating C sequestration of bole mass in this study. According to the mean residual and t values acquired by paired-t test between the estimated values and observations, allometric model of Y = exp (2.53 lnD – 3.03) with respect to the common beech (F. sylvatica) in the western forest sites of Germany and product of volume and density introduced in this study (Y = 0.0239 (D2H)) in case of multiplying by the C concentration were the application tools for estimating the C stock of oriental bole mass in the Hyrcanian forests.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13786_86a2588c7bd678559255d28e64a701f0.pdfIranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301Estimating canopy ecohydrological parameters of a Picea abies stand in the Caspian forests, North of IranEstimating canopy ecohydrological parameters of a Picea abies stand in the Caspian forests, North of Iran45946913787FAJournal Article20150125The aim of this research was to estimate the ecohydological parameters of the canopy covers including estimated canopy saturation point (P´G Estimated), canopy storage capacity (S), the ratio of mean evaporation rate from the wet canopy to the mean rainfall intensity ( ), free throughfall coefficient (p), computed canopy saturation point (P´G), and stemflow funneling ratio (F) of a Picea abies plantation in Lajim, Mazanderan province, north of Iran. To measure throuhgfall (TF), 45 rain-gauges were installed beneath the crown of the stand. Stemflow (SF) was measured using the average of 12 individual trees equaled to the SF amount. Over the measurement period, the cumulative percentage of TF, SF, and rainfall interception (I) were 41.0%, 5.1%, and 53.9%, respectively. The abovementioned ecohydrological parameters were found to be 4.2 mm, 3.54 mm, 0.38, 0.18, 5.90 mm, and 4.6, respectively. The ecohydrological parameters should be considered while converting natural stands to plantations of exotic tree species as this altering would be alter soil humidity, soil pedogenesis, and forest floor composition.The aim of this research was to estimate the ecohydological parameters of the canopy covers including estimated canopy saturation point (P´G Estimated), canopy storage capacity (S), the ratio of mean evaporation rate from the wet canopy to the mean rainfall intensity ( ), free throughfall coefficient (p), computed canopy saturation point (P´G), and stemflow funneling ratio (F) of a Picea abies plantation in Lajim, Mazanderan province, north of Iran. To measure throuhgfall (TF), 45 rain-gauges were installed beneath the crown of the stand. Stemflow (SF) was measured using the average of 12 individual trees equaled to the SF amount. Over the measurement period, the cumulative percentage of TF, SF, and rainfall interception (I) were 41.0%, 5.1%, and 53.9%, respectively. The abovementioned ecohydrological parameters were found to be 4.2 mm, 3.54 mm, 0.38, 0.18, 5.90 mm, and 4.6, respectively. The ecohydrological parameters should be considered while converting natural stands to plantations of exotic tree species as this altering would be alter soil humidity, soil pedogenesis, and forest floor composition.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13787_c0240930142892673858e279d8e8bbb9.pdfIranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301Growth characteristics of Populus euphratica seedlings trees in Research Station of Alborz, KaradjGrowth characteristics of Populus euphratica seedlings trees in Research Station of Alborz, Karadj47148313788FAAlireza ModirrahmatiAssociate Professor, Research Institute of Forests and RangelandsHosein Mirzaie Nodoushanmember of scientific boards, Research Institute of Forests and RangelandsFarhad Asadimember of scientific boards, Research Center of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Mazandaran ProvinceJournal Article20150408Because of adaptability to different ecological conditions, cross pollination and heterozygosity, Populus euphratica has high genetic diversity. It could have an important role in superior phenotypes selection, inter and intra specific hybridization processes. The aim of this study was identifing and selection of superior phenotypes of P. euphratica and seed propagation for new genotypes and also selection of elite genotypes by evaluation of growth rate and stem form traits. A total of 29 superior trees from 13 natural stands were selected. Seedlings were produced by seed culture in greenhouse condition. Evaluation of seedlings was performed in a nursery of Karaj Research Station (RIFR) during 2011 to 2013. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics including plant diameter, height, survival percent, number of branches, stem form and branch angle with main stem were recorded. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the seedlings of superior phenotypes with different habitats for quantitative and qualitative characters. Also Duncan multiple range test showed the diameter progenies of the superior trees of Kerman and Khojir, also height progenies of the Kerman, Khojir, Ahvaz and Zabol displayed the most growth values. Finally, some of seedlings had a suitable qualitative and quantitative growth that can be used in next phase study.Because of adaptability to different ecological conditions, cross pollination and heterozygosity, Populus euphratica has high genetic diversity. It could have an important role in superior phenotypes selection, inter and intra specific hybridization processes. The aim of this study was identifing and selection of superior phenotypes of P. euphratica and seed propagation for new genotypes and also selection of elite genotypes by evaluation of growth rate and stem form traits. A total of 29 superior trees from 13 natural stands were selected. Seedlings were produced by seed culture in greenhouse condition. Evaluation of seedlings was performed in a nursery of Karaj Research Station (RIFR) during 2011 to 2013. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics including plant diameter, height, survival percent, number of branches, stem form and branch angle with main stem were recorded. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the seedlings of superior phenotypes with different habitats for quantitative and qualitative characters. Also Duncan multiple range test showed the diameter progenies of the superior trees of Kerman and Khojir, also height progenies of the Kerman, Khojir, Ahvaz and Zabol displayed the most growth values. Finally, some of seedlings had a suitable qualitative and quantitative growth that can be used in next phase study.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13788_d63746e8a52979f52f0845bdf7eb8fa4.pdfIranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301Performance of oak (Quercus castaneifolia) provenances for seed collection in the west of Guilan Province, North of IranPerformance of oak (Quercus castaneifolia) provenances for seed collection in the west of Guilan Province, North of Iran48549513789FAAzade Miraki GandabBeytolla AmanzadeJournal Article20140524Genetic variation within population as a result of geographical variation is one of the important factors in forest tree improvement. Therefore, investigation of genetic variation rate and its physiological adaptability is necessary for each species used in forest plantation. <em>Quercus castaneifolia </em>is one of the valuable forest species in Northern Iran that are exposed to danger because of inclement utilization severely and for knowing this, provenance test is a ensure practice. For this study, seeds of <em>Quercus castaneifolia </em>from nine regions in the west of Guilan province were used and planted as randomized complete block design in natural resources department of province Guilan. Growth characteristics (height and diameter at breast), survival and leaf morphological features of provenances were measured. Result of ANOVA showed that there were no significant differences between provenances in mentioned parameter (p > 0.01). So, there are no restrictions for selecting the seed collection areas in elevation ranging from 100 to 600 m a.s.l for planation in lowlands in Guilan province provided that selection of suitable and high quality individuals for seedling production and afforestation.Genetic variation within population as a result of geographical variation is one of the important factors in forest tree improvement. Therefore, investigation of genetic variation rate and its physiological adaptability is necessary for each species used in forest plantation. <em>Quercus castaneifolia </em>is one of the valuable forest species in Northern Iran that are exposed to danger because of inclement utilization severely and for knowing this, provenance test is a ensure practice. For this study, seeds of <em>Quercus castaneifolia </em>from nine regions in the west of Guilan province were used and planted as randomized complete block design in natural resources department of province Guilan. Growth characteristics (height and diameter at breast), survival and leaf morphological features of provenances were measured. Result of ANOVA showed that there were no significant differences between provenances in mentioned parameter (p > 0.01). So, there are no restrictions for selecting the seed collection areas in elevation ranging from 100 to 600 m a.s.l for planation in lowlands in Guilan province provided that selection of suitable and high quality individuals for seedling production and afforestation.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13789_64b2b65998ed059cf01160189a8c6ade.pdfIranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301The influence of polymer on forest road soil stabilization and reduce environmental degradationThe influence of polymer on forest road soil stabilization and reduce environmental degradation49750513790FAFatemeh MousaviEhsan Abdi0000-0002-3382-7683Journal Article20141219The pavement material always supplied from riverbed or mine which located inside the forest. This lead to the animal and aquatic environments damages and habitat destruction. Finding of efficient and low cost alternative pavement material supplying methods by environmental consideration discussed as an important issue. In this study, the effect of Road Packer Plus to improve physical and mechanical properties of soil, as a as a superseded method to reduce the environmental damage is assessed. Various laboratory tests, including identify, Atterberg limit, compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR), were performed on control and treated samples with recommended percentage of producer (0.019%). The results of these Atterberg limit tests indicated that adding this material to soil decreased liquid limit, increased plasticity limit and finally decreased plasticity index. The result of compaction test showed that the adding of RPP mater lead to increased maximum dry density but the optimum water of soil remain constant. The result of CBR test showed that the adding of RPP mater lead to increased bearing capacity. But the amount of improvement was less than the producer company claim and was not significant from technical point of view. Therefore, this matter with proposed dose has no significant effect on improvement of soil properties.The pavement material always supplied from riverbed or mine which located inside the forest. This lead to the animal and aquatic environments damages and habitat destruction. Finding of efficient and low cost alternative pavement material supplying methods by environmental consideration discussed as an important issue. In this study, the effect of Road Packer Plus to improve physical and mechanical properties of soil, as a as a superseded method to reduce the environmental damage is assessed. Various laboratory tests, including identify, Atterberg limit, compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR), were performed on control and treated samples with recommended percentage of producer (0.019%). The results of these Atterberg limit tests indicated that adding this material to soil decreased liquid limit, increased plasticity limit and finally decreased plasticity index. The result of compaction test showed that the adding of RPP mater lead to increased maximum dry density but the optimum water of soil remain constant. The result of CBR test showed that the adding of RPP mater lead to increased bearing capacity. But the amount of improvement was less than the producer company claim and was not significant from technical point of view. Therefore, this matter with proposed dose has no significant effect on improvement of soil properties.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13790_94a8fc94228fa29a8b34b9a28c34d18a.pdfIranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301Economic valuation of Hassan Gavyar Forest Park using contingent valuation method and individual travel costEconomic valuation of Hassan Gavyar Forest Park using contingent valuation method and individual travel cost50752113791FAJournal Article20140730This study aims at estimating the recreation value of Hassan Gavyar Forest Park, using contingent valuation and iindividual travel cost method. The contingent valuation method uses maximum likelihood logit model for estimating the willingness to pay, based on was used. Also, in the travel cost method, the functional forms of travel, with linear, logarithmic, linear-logarithmic, logarithmic-linear estimated based on econometric criteria and linear functional form were chosen. The results showed that the average WTP for a person to visit the park is 17919 RLS and recreation values per acre was 53553.5 RLS ha/year. The results of travel cost method also showed that the consumer surplus per person for every visit was 39309.76 RLS and recreation values per acre was 117343 RLS ha/year. The result also showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the two methods in this study. The management of the park can use these estimates to consider the entrance fees. In addition, these figures showed the necessity of allocating the resources for maintaining the park and upgrading its facilities.This study aims at estimating the recreation value of Hassan Gavyar Forest Park, using contingent valuation and iindividual travel cost method. The contingent valuation method uses maximum likelihood logit model for estimating the willingness to pay, based on was used. Also, in the travel cost method, the functional forms of travel, with linear, logarithmic, linear-logarithmic, logarithmic-linear estimated based on econometric criteria and linear functional form were chosen. The results showed that the average WTP for a person to visit the park is 17919 RLS and recreation values per acre was 53553.5 RLS ha/year. The results of travel cost method also showed that the consumer surplus per person for every visit was 39309.76 RLS and recreation values per acre was 117343 RLS ha/year. The result also showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the two methods in this study. The management of the park can use these estimates to consider the entrance fees. In addition, these figures showed the necessity of allocating the resources for maintaining the park and upgrading its facilities.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13791_502c78135fc85b4e71f73771e275c2db.pdfIranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301Study on the effects of land use change in low yield drylands to agro-forestry on soil physical properties and organic carbon stockStudy on the effects of land use change in low yield drylands to agro-forestry on soil physical properties and organic carbon stock52353813793FARamin Husaini JoodakiKhosro ParviziJournal Article20150601Human caused major impacts on formation and development of soil by management operations including change in land cover and use. This research was conducted to evaluate the land use change and management operation type on qualitative and quantitative properties of soil organic carbon. For this means, land use changes of drylands to agro-forestry compared with other crop management operation types including legume-cereal rotation type with medium and intensive tillage system and straw burning. Results indicated that free light fraction and inter aggregate light fraction organic carbon in agro-forestry land use type was doubled and 10 folded compared with semi intended tillage with legumes in rotation system and intensive tillage with straw burning farms, respectively. Course particulate organic carbon, fine particulate organic carbon and carbon associate with silt and clay in agro-forestry land use type was 3.7, 4.6 and 22 gr/kg soil, respectively. Also, amounts of these carbon fractions in miss management drylands were 0.2, 0.3 and 4 gr/kg soil, respectively. Thus, land use change from dryland, especially, low yield dryland, to agro-forestry, while maintaining and enhancing soil organic carbon stocks, can increased return period and degradation intensity of carbon stock and resulted to longer time of emission of carbon into the atmosphere. This can improve the atmosphere and biosphere carbon balance useful for climate change mitigation.Human caused major impacts on formation and development of soil by management operations including change in land cover and use. This research was conducted to evaluate the land use change and management operation type on qualitative and quantitative properties of soil organic carbon. For this means, land use changes of drylands to agro-forestry compared with other crop management operation types including legume-cereal rotation type with medium and intensive tillage system and straw burning. Results indicated that free light fraction and inter aggregate light fraction organic carbon in agro-forestry land use type was doubled and 10 folded compared with semi intended tillage with legumes in rotation system and intensive tillage with straw burning farms, respectively. Course particulate organic carbon, fine particulate organic carbon and carbon associate with silt and clay in agro-forestry land use type was 3.7, 4.6 and 22 gr/kg soil, respectively. Also, amounts of these carbon fractions in miss management drylands were 0.2, 0.3 and 4 gr/kg soil, respectively. Thus, land use change from dryland, especially, low yield dryland, to agro-forestry, while maintaining and enhancing soil organic carbon stocks, can increased return period and degradation intensity of carbon stock and resulted to longer time of emission of carbon into the atmosphere. This can improve the atmosphere and biosphere carbon balance useful for climate change mitigation.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13793_ccb0845bc277c4df7290f4d16283a49c.pdfIranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301Applying Artificial Neural Networks and Multiple Linear Regression models to estimate Forest density in Marivan forestsApplying Artificial Neural Networks and Multiple Linear Regression models to estimate Forest density in Marivan forests53955513794FASasan VafaeiJournal Article20150315Studying and modeling quantitative characteristics of forest to develop and direct the ecosystem toward optimal aims and conservative activities is considered as an eminent operation. For this purpose, tree density and forest canopy cover which support each other as important criteria of forest density using linear regression models and artificial neural networks by various variables including; topographic attributes, soil properties, climatic parameters and remote sensing data in some parts of the Baghan forests in Marivan region. The topographic attributes maps were derived from DEM. Climatic parameters and soil properties were extracted using climatic maps and soil Analysis. In order to use satellite imagery data, Landsat 5 images and NDVI index were used. Forest inventory was performed in order to determine its quantitative characteristics based on obtained data from 89 sample plots (0.1 hectare area). The relationship between the forest characteristics and these attributes was analyzed and modeled using Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network models. R2 and RMSE for the Neural Network method to predict canopy cover and trees density were as follows: R2=0.92, RMSE=10.20% and R2=0.84, RMSE=11.32% for canopy cover and tree density, respectively. The amounts of the mentioned parameters for estimation with multiple linear regression model were: R2=0.81, RMSE=15.02% and R2=0.68, RMS=16.52%, respectively. Results indicated that there is an appropriate potential of combination the topographic attributes, soil properties, climatic parameters and remote sensing data in estimating the forest density and the linear regression model can be replaced by artificial neural networks model regarding to its high performance.Studying and modeling quantitative characteristics of forest to develop and direct the ecosystem toward optimal aims and conservative activities is considered as an eminent operation. For this purpose, tree density and forest canopy cover which support each other as important criteria of forest density using linear regression models and artificial neural networks by various variables including; topographic attributes, soil properties, climatic parameters and remote sensing data in some parts of the Baghan forests in Marivan region. The topographic attributes maps were derived from DEM. Climatic parameters and soil properties were extracted using climatic maps and soil Analysis. In order to use satellite imagery data, Landsat 5 images and NDVI index were used. Forest inventory was performed in order to determine its quantitative characteristics based on obtained data from 89 sample plots (0.1 hectare area). The relationship between the forest characteristics and these attributes was analyzed and modeled using Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Network models. R2 and RMSE for the Neural Network method to predict canopy cover and trees density were as follows: R2=0.92, RMSE=10.20% and R2=0.84, RMSE=11.32% for canopy cover and tree density, respectively. The amounts of the mentioned parameters for estimation with multiple linear regression model were: R2=0.81, RMSE=15.02% and R2=0.68, RMS=16.52%, respectively. Results indicated that there is an appropriate potential of combination the topographic attributes, soil properties, climatic parameters and remote sensing data in estimating the forest density and the linear regression model can be replaced by artificial neural networks model regarding to its high performance.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13794_ea43c2f2eee9b483e7c6e5af28366ff5.pdfIranian Society of ForestryIranian Journal of Forest2008-61137420160301Efficiency evaluation of forest nurseries in north of Iran using Data Envelopment AnalysisEfficiency evaluation of forest nurseries in north of Iran using Data Envelopment Analysis55757013795FANajme HeidarianM Sc University of GuilanJournal Article20150415The aim of this study is to measure the technical and scale efficiencyes of forest nursery in Guilan, Mazandaran and gorgan Provinces using data envelopment analysis. In this study, data of 12 forest nursery during of 4 years (2010-2013) with two inputs (fixed costs and variable costs) and two outputs (number of plant production and revenue) was collected from General Office of Guilan natural resources, Shafaroud forest Company as well as Forest Rangeland and Watershed Managements Organization. CCR and BCC models were used in order to investigate the technical efficiency. DRS model was used in order to investigate the rate of return scale in efficiency. Results indicated that Shanderman, Jokandan, Peseson and Ghrogh nurserys was completely efficient (efficiency score were 1 or 100%). Furthermore, nurseries such as Kani, Safrabaste, pelambara, Shahr posht and Lakans had the lowest efficiency, respectively. This can be due to the nature of the input models and optimal management of nurseries in the input and output.The aim of this study is to measure the technical and scale efficiencyes of forest nursery in Guilan, Mazandaran and gorgan Provinces using data envelopment analysis. In this study, data of 12 forest nursery during of 4 years (2010-2013) with two inputs (fixed costs and variable costs) and two outputs (number of plant production and revenue) was collected from General Office of Guilan natural resources, Shafaroud forest Company as well as Forest Rangeland and Watershed Managements Organization. CCR and BCC models were used in order to investigate the technical efficiency. DRS model was used in order to investigate the rate of return scale in efficiency. Results indicated that Shanderman, Jokandan, Peseson and Ghrogh nurserys was completely efficient (efficiency score were 1 or 100%). Furthermore, nurseries such as Kani, Safrabaste, pelambara, Shahr posht and Lakans had the lowest efficiency, respectively. This can be due to the nature of the input models and optimal management of nurseries in the input and output.https://www.ijf-isaforestry.ir/article_13795_5f2f51a2e0d1ded77c2ed2bee4b24ef5.pdf