Investigation on the effects of some soil properties on spatial dispersion of Wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds) in Hyrcanian forest, Case study: Kheyroudkenar forest

Abstract

Forest soil is one of the main components of forest ecosystems and effective factors in spatial dispersion of vegetation. The current research was carried out in Patom, Namkhaneh, Gorazbon and Chelir districts of Kheyroudkenar forest, Nowshar. After field inspection and identifying the individuals of Wych elm with D.B.H ?10 cm, their positions were recorded by GPS with reasonable accuracy. Soil sampling was followed from spatial pattern. For detecting the spatial pattern of the remaining individuals of Wych elm, mean square method was applied. The result of this method showed that the existing pattern of Wych elm is an intermediate one and its real pattern has been probably changed due to Dutch elm disease and illegal cutting. After determining the pattern and soil sampling, PCA method was used to test the soil variables. Altitude, aspect and slope constitute the grouping criteria in random and clumped patterns. In clumped pattern, soil texture, bulk density, moisture, N, P, K and organic matter were the most important factors, while in random pattern in addition to the mentioned factors, pH is also effective.

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