Pollarding effects on Lebanon oak (Quercus libani Oliv.) leaf properties in Baneh forests
Document Type : Research Paper
Abstract
To evaluate the morphological effects of pollarding on Lebanon oak (Quercus libani Oliv.) leaves, we selected 35 trees in untouched stands and stands which have trees with one, two and three years after pollarding. Trees selected from three diameter classes in which 24 mature leaves collected randomly from the middle of the crown on each cardinal points (840 leaves in total). Data was analyzed using simple nested experimental design. Results showed that, oak trees produce larger (21.704 cm2), and heavier leaves (0.251 gr) one year after pollarding in comparison with untouched trees. Trees in smaller diameter classes and on northern cardinal point, produce larger and heavier leaves with larger specific leaf area, which shows the ability of younger Lebanon oak trees and northern cardinal aspects to produce more fodder. These results can help us to interpret the pollarding consequences on oak trees in northern Zagros.
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