Evaluation of soil and litter quality indices using analysis hierarchical process (AHP) in Hyrcanian beech forest stands, Northern Iran (Case study: Korkoroud forests in Noshahr)

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess four forest stands, Fagus orientalis Lipsky-Carpinus betulus L.-Acer velutinum Boiss. (FO-CB-AV), Fagus orientalis Lipsky-Carpinus betulus L. (FO-CB), Fagus orientalis Lipsky-Acer velutinum Boiss. (FO-AV), and Pure Fagus orientalis Lipsky (FO) on basis of some soil quality indices in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran. Five samples per stand were taken (0–30 cm), the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soil were determined. Nine criteria were selected according to Principal Component Analysis as Minimum Data Set. According to the results, the highest value of litter Ca, density and biomass of earthworm, and C microbial biomass were found in FO-CB-AV. After applying the analytical hierarchy process, the calculated overall priority based on nine criteria showed that the FO-CB-AV stand had a higher ecological potential compared to the other stands. Therefore, the FO-CB-AV stand had more of appropriate conditions for improving soil quality in degraded forest regions compared to the other stands under current conditions.