Impact of soil factors on presence of Howthorn (Crataegus pontica C.Koch) in forests of Kermanshah province

Khanhasani, Masoume; Khodakarami, Yahya; Saghebtalebi, Khosro; Safari, Houshmand

Impact of soil factors on presence of Howthorn (Crataegus pontica C.Koch) in forests of Kermanshah province

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

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Abstract

Knowledge effective soil factors on distribution of Howthorn trees are an important issue in reforestation and forest management studies. In order to find out the site demands of hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), the main habitats of this species were identified in the Kermanshah province, western Iran. For this purpose, the vertical (elevation) and horizontal (longitude and latitude) distribution limits of hawthorn, aspect and land form were considered. Twenty eight circular sample plots (each 500 m2) were laid out in different combinations of the above mentioned site factors. Moreover, the physico-chemical soil properties of the study sites were studied. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the variables and their relationship with species distribution. In general, results showed that only soil pH is effective factor on Howthorn distribution and this species prefer slightly higher than neutral soils. The other factors as: Silt, Sand, Clay, Caco3, C% and EC haven't any effective role on its dispersion.

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