Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Assistant prof., Research Division of Forest, rangeland and watershed, Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Yasouj, I. R. Iran.
2
Associate Prof., Research Division of Natural Resources, Fars Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Shiraz, I. R. Iran.
3
Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran
10.22034/ijf.2025.511864.2048
Abstract
Quantitative description of forest structure are recognized as one of the most effective tools in modern forest management. As such, obtaining accurate and comprehensive information about the structure of tree species is crucial for the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. This study, conducted as part of a comprehensive monitoring plan for the Zagros forests using place-based monitoring, evaluates the structure of two forest stands: Sarabtaveh on the northern slope and Parikadan on the southern slope in the forests of Boyer-Ahmad County, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province. In each stand, a one-hectare square sample plot was randomly established, and quantitative variables related to tree bases were measured. The findings revealed that the dominant tree form in both stands was coppice or branch-derived. The spatial distribution pattern for the dominant species, Persian oak, was clumped in both regions. The mingling index was calculated as 0.23 for Parikadan and 0.14 for Sarabtaveh, indicating higher species diversity in Parikadan compared to Sarabtaveh. However, the mingling index for both regions (study area) was relatively low, which aligns with the fact that Persian oak is the predominant species in the studied areas. The Clark-Evans index was 0.61 for Parikadan and 1.13 for Sarabtaveh. The diameter differentiation index was 0.33 for Parikadan and 0.32 for Sarabtaveh, suggesting no significant difference in the average diameter at breast height (DBH) and highlighting the homogeneity of trees in terms of diameter. Additional measurements and calculations included the uniform angle index, diameter dominance indices, canopy cover, neighborhood distance index, and structural diversity index, among others. The results of these indices provide a valuable foundation for comparing the studied forests with other similar ecosystems and identifying deviations caused by natural processes and human activities. Such comparisons will contribute to the development of effective management models and appropriate forestry methods tailored to the region's forests.
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