Investigating Structural and Soil Characteristics in Mountainous Forests (Case Study: Havareh Khul Baneh)

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 PhD, Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Kurdistan Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Sanandaj, Iran.

2 Research Assistant Professor, Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Kurdistan Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Sanandaj, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Research Center of Agriculture and Natural Resource of Lorestan, Khorramabad, I. R. Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objective: Approximately 23% of the world's forest cover is distributed in mountainous regions. These areas are unique in terms of biodiversity and hold significant importance in forest studies due to their role in subsistence livelihoods. The type and composition of these forests are influenced by factors such as topography (including slope aspect and gradient), climate, and soil type, which, along with the duration and intensity of solar radiation, create a range of microclimates within a region. Studies have shown that differences in forest cover between different slopes are directly influenced by the amount of solar radiation received on each slope. This research aims to evaluate the forest stand structure and soil characteristics on the northern and southern slopes of the Havareh Khul forests.
Materials and Methods: Due to the coppice nature of the Havareh Khul baneh forests, circular plots were deemed unsuitable because of the high density of sprouts. Instead, square plots were selected to reduce errors, with each plot measuring 4 acres (20 * 20 meters). On each slope, 30 sample plots were established, and the diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees with a diameter greater than 5 cm, tree height, the two crown diameters, and species type were measured and recorded. To examine changes in the physical and chemical properties of the soil, five soil samples were collected from each slope at depths of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm (as composite samples). The samples were packaged in plastic bags, labeled with the sampling location details, and immediately after the inventory, they were delivered to the soil laboratory. Soil texture was determined using the hydrometer method, and bulk density was measured using undisturbed soil samples collected with sampling cylinders (with an approximate volume of 100 cm³), which were then dried at 105°C. Soil pH was measured at a 1:2.5 soil-to-water ratio using a pH meter. Soil organic carbon was determined using the Walkley-Black titration method, nitrogen content was measured using the Kjeldahl method, phosphorus was analyzed using the Olsen method, and calcium concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Findings: The forest characteristics were examined across different slope aspects. The results indicated that, except for tree height, other characteristics such as the number of trees per hectare, diameter at breast height (DBH), and canopy cover showed significant differences between the northern and southern slopes. A comparison of the mean values of the examined parameters revealed that the forest on the northern slopes was in better condition. The soil texture on the northern slopes ranged from silt loam to loamy sand clay, while on the southern slopes, it varied from loam to clay loam. According to the results, the highest clay content was recorded on the southern slope, and the highest silt and sand contents were recorded on the northern slope. Consequently, the soil texture on the southern slopes was medium to heavy, while on the northern slopes, it was lighter. Additionally, the results of the variance analysis indicated that, except for the percentage of soil saturation moisture, all other examined characteristics showed statistically significant differences at the level of (P > 0.05). A comparison of the mean soil pH values revealed significant differences between the slopes and the examined depths. The soil EC showed a significant difference between the northern and southern slopes at the first depth but no significant difference at the second depth. Soil organic carbon showed significant differences between the slopes and the examined depths. Regarding total soil nitrogen, there was a significant difference between the northern and southern slopes, but no significant difference was observed between the first and second depths

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 31, Issue 4
February 2025
Pages 81-98

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