Effect of physiographical factors on tree regeneration in the Northern Zagros Forest (Case study, Marivan, Kurdistan Province)

Abstract

Zagros ecosystem is considered as one of the most important forest biological sites in the IR-Iran. This research was investigated in the Zaribar Lake Basin forest in Marivan region, northern Zagros forest, and western Iranian state of Kurdistan province. Zaribar Lake Basin forest are located in west of Marivan city and three village conventional territory including Kollan (east of Lake), Kanisanan (west of Lake) and Domalle (south of Lake) was selected. Physiographical factors concluding altitude, slope and aspect divided to three classes. Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) for three treatments of species variety, form of forest, and aspect with three altitude classes was used by three circular plot of 1200 m2 to collect data and measure forest variables. Within each macro plot, five micro plots of 2×2 meter for studied of regeneration layer and recorded the number and regeneration form (coppice or seedling) was designed. Results show that the maximum of forest regeneration accrued in the coppice form. Overall results showed that the maximum of regeneration observed in the 1400 to 1600 meter altitude, 0 to 20 percent slope and west aspect classes. This study emphasis the effect of physiographical factors (slope, altitude and aspect elements) on the regeneration conditions in the Northern Zagros forest.