Site classification based on plant associations in natural forests (Case study in Kheiroudkenar forest – Nowshahr)

Understanding laws of growth and development, the interaction between structures and natural factors, and evaluating potentials of ecosystems is the first step is providing a well-founded management to meet economic and social needs and help natural ecosystems to preserve their dynamism. Site classification, with respect to ecologic factors, can act as a criterion to assess the quality of forest ecosystems. This research is aimed at classifying sites based on plant associations, and has been carried out in the educational-research forest of the University of Tehran located in Kheiroudkenar, Noshahr. The Braun-Blanquet method was used to study the plant associations. The data on plant associations were analyzed by the ANAPHYTO software product. The associations existing in the region were determined. The associations were classified according to the species arranged in the phytosociology table. Results of the research show that two plant associations may be recognized in this region, while each includes a subassociation:
1. Rusco-Fagetum and its subassociation Mercurialietosum perenni and its distinguished species….
2. Carpinerto-Fagetum and its subassociation Epimedietosum pinnatii and its species named …..