Comparison of Soil Characteristics and Biodiversity in Plantations of Bald Cypress and Caucasian Alder (Case Study: Kludeh-Mazandaran Province)

The aim of this study is comparison of soil characteristics and biodiversity in plantation of bald Cypress and Caucasian Alder forest stands in Kludeh region (Mazandaran Province). In order to study biodiversity in forest stands and control region, 10 sample plots (Releve) were selected and the name and abundance of plant species of the forest floor were recorded. Biodiversity of herbal plants were tested by two species richness indexes (Simpson, Shannon-Winner) and evenness indexes (Simpson, Smith-Wilson). In order to investigate soil chemical and physical properties, soil were taken at 0-15, 15-30 and 30-50 cm depths in forest stands and control region. Each soil sample was analyzed for texture, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen and two nutrients element (K, P). The results showed that the diversity indexes of Simpson and Shannon-Wiener and evenness index of Smith-Wilson in Caucasian Alder stand is higher than bald Cypress stand. On the other hand, Simpson’s evenness index did not show statistical significantly difference in forest stands. Other results also showed that the minimum amount of K and the maximum C/N ratio were observed in 30-50 and 0-15 cm depths of bald Cypress stand, respectively, and the minimum C/N ratio was observed in 30-50 cm depth of Caucasian Alder stand. Totally, bald Cypress stand declines the biodiversity and soil fertility but, Caucasian Alder stand reduces C/N ratio and increases the nitrogen amount.