Dendrometric study of stands of Pistacia atlantica in southwestern Algeria

Abstract

Abstract In the southwestern part of Algeria, the stands of Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) constitute a special natural heritage. They are usually scattered between the steppe plains and the Saharan Atlas. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the dendrometric characteristics of Atlas pistachio that could be indicators of good productivity. The aim is to investigate the influence of stationary factors (slope, exposure, geology) on the dendrometric characteristics of Pistacia atlantica. The results obtained on the dendrometric parameters of this species are very interesting. From a dendrometric approach, Pistacia atlantica is a large tree that can reach impressive dendrometric dimensions: 8 to 10 meters in height and a diameter often exceeding 100 cm. This dendrometric analysis allowed us to make a structural characterization of stands of Pistacia atlantica, which is an essential step in the management plan and the valuation in the medium or long term. This species of Pistacia atlantica deserves adequate measures of protection, especially in its natural environment. Therefore, a better knowledge of their potentialities, problems, and factors of the decline of this hardy species would contribute to the protection and the preservation to favour their regeneration, which would allow a better extension of this species.