Effect of protection on quantity and quality characteristics of Persian oak (Quercus macranthera C. A. Mey) in Roudbar forests of Guilan province

Subject Areas : natural resorces

Ali Naghi Seddighi Chafjiri ¹ , Iraj Hasan Zad Navroudi ² , Kambiz Taheri Abkenar ³ , Hassan Pourbabaei ⁴

1 - Ph.D. Student of Forest Sciences, Department of Forestry, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Guilan, Iran. * (Corresponding Author)
2 - Associate Professor, Department of Forestry, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
3 - Associate Professor, Department of Forestry, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
4 - Professor, Department of Forestry, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

Received: 2016-08-14 Accepted : 2016-10-19 Published : 2021-01-20

Keywords: natural stands, North forest of Iran, livestock grazing, Degradation, density,

Abstract :

Background and Objective: Quercus macranthera is extended in forest areas of the upper elevations in north of Iran and play an effective role in conserving soil and water infiltration. The biggest problem in the regions is livestock grazing and forest dwellers. The aim of this study was to study effects of protection on the quantity and quality characteristics of Persian oak(Quercus macranthera) in Roudbar forests of Guilan province. Method: In total, 40 plots of 1000 m2 (20 plots in protected area and 20 plots in unprotected area) were collected using randomized systematic method and grid sampling of 100 × 100 m. In each plot, number and type of tree and shrub species, diameter in breast height, height, crown position and trunk quality were measured. Also, a micro-plot of 100m2 in center of plots was used to calculate regeneration. Findings: The results showed that density of trees, the average of diameter at breast height, total basal area, plant height, volume and regeneration were significantly were higher in protected than unprotected areas. There were no differences in other tree species. Density of barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.), Crataegus microphylla K. Koch and cherry plum (Prunus divaricata) were significantly higher in unprotected than protected area. Also, quality of crown and trunk were better in protected than unprotected area. Study of diameter classes in structure triangle showed that protected area located in irregular section and degraded area located in small-medium diameter section. Discussion and Conclusion: As Quercus macranthera trees play an important role in upper parts of the forest, maintaining this valuable species and continuity programs of livestock and human emersion is essential.

References:

1. Sharafieh, H., Sagheb Talebi, Kh, 2012. Investigation on some silvicultural and habitat characteristics of Quercus macranthera F. & M. at Semnan Province of Iran. Forest and Poplar Research, Vol. 20, No. 3: 429-443pp. (In Persian)


2. Mahdiani, A., Heidari, H., Rahmani, R., Azadfar, D., 2012. Structure of Oak (Quercus macranthera) Forest Stands in the Golestan Province. Wood & Forest Science and Technology, Vol. 19, No. 2, 23-42 pp. (In Persian)


3. Hasanvand, Sh., Etemad, V., Namiranian, M., Atarod, P., Aftabtalab, N., 2015. Influence of Source Variation on Biomass and Survival of Caucasian oak (Quercus macranthera) in Kentia Nursery in North of Tehran. Forest and Wood Product, Vol. 68, No. 1, 99-106 pp. (In Persian)


4. Chupani, V., Mahmudi, H., Akbarlu, M., 2012. Investigation of the effects of livestock grazing on plant diversity using parametric models (Case study: Bozdaghi arid and semi-arid rangelands of North Khorasan province), Rangeland, Vol. 5, No. 3, 314-321. (In Persian)


5. Mirzaali, E., Mesdaghi, M., Erfanzadeh, R., 2006. Study of effects of exclosure on vegetation and soil surface in saline ranges of Gomishan, Golestan Province, Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Vol. 13, No. 2, 194-201pp. (In Persian)


6. Heidarian Aghakhani, M., Naghipour Borj, A.A. and Tavakoli, H., 2010. The Effects of grazing intensity on vegetation and soil in Sisab rangelands, Bojnord, Iran. Iranian journal of Range and Desert Reseach, Vol. 17, No. (2), 243-255 pp. (In Persian)


7. Stahlheber, A.K., D’Antonio, C.M., 2013. Using livestock to manage plant composition: A meta-analysis of grazing in California Mediterranean grasslands.  Biological Conservation, 157: 300–308.


8. Papanikolaou, A.D., Fyllas, N.M., Mazaris, A.D., Dimitrakopoulos, P.G., Kallimanis, A.S., Pantis, J.D., 2011. Grazing effects on plant functional group diversity in Mediterranean shrublands. Biodiversity Conservation, 20: 2831–2843.


9. Allreda, B.W., Fuhlendorfa, S.D., Smeinsb, F.E., Taylorc, C.A., 2012. Herbivore species and grazing intensity regulate community composition and an encroaching woody plant in semi-arid rangeland. Basic and Applied Ecology, 13: 149–158.


10. Teimourzade, A., Akbarinia, M., Hoseini, S.M., Tabari, M., 2003. A study of phytososiology of eastern Ardebil forests (Asigheran, Fandoghlou, Hasani and Bobini), Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Vol. 14, No. 10 (In Persian)


11. Rostamikia, Y., Sagheb Talebi, Kh., 2011. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Persian oak (Quercus macranthera) and oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis) on various land forms in Andabil forest, Khalkhal region. Iranian Journal of Forest, Vol.3, No.4, 341-353 (In Persian)


12. Schwartz, M.W., Caro, T.M., 2003. Effect of selective logging on tree and understory regeneration in Miombo woodland in western Tanzania. African Journal of Ecology, 41: 75–82.


13. Pourbabaei, H., 2000. Study of woody plant species in beech forests, Proceedings of the National Conference on Northern Forest Management and Sustainable Development, Gostareh Publications, p.35.


14. Eshaghi Rad, J., Marvie Mohadjer, M.R., Mataji, A., 2006. Evaluation and comparison of species diversity in plant communities of Querco-Carpinetum betulii ،Carpino-Fagetum orientali ،Fagetum orientalis، Forest and Poplar Research, Vol. 14, No. 4: 326-337pp. (In Persian).


15. Perelman, S., León, R.J.C. and Bussacca, J.P., 1997. Floristic changes related to grazing intensity in a Patagonian shrub steppe. Ecography, 20: 400- 406.


16. Onaindia, M., Domingguez, I., Albizu, I., Garbisu, C. and Amezaga, I. 2004. Vegetation diversity and vertical structure as indicators of forest disturbance. Forest Ecology and Management, 195. 341-354.


17. Drake, J.A., Mooney, J.A., diCastri, F., Groves, R.H., Kruger, F.J., Rejmanek, M. and Wlliamson (Eds). 1989. Biological invasions: A global perspective. Wiley and Sons, Chicester, England.


18. Castedo-Dorado, F., Gómez-Vázquez, I., Fernandes, P.M. and Crecente-Campo, F., 2012. Shrub fuel characteristics estimated from overstory variables in NW Spain pine stands. Forest Ecology and Management 275: 130–141


19. O’Brien, M.J., O’Hara, K.L., Erbilgin, N. and Wood, D.L. 2007. Overstory and shrub effects on natural regeneration processes in native Pinus radiata stands. Forest Ecology and Management 240: 178–185.


20. Neptali, R., Mario, G. and Guadalupe, W., 2001. Anthropogenic disturbance and tree diversity in Montane Rain Forest in Chiapas, Mexico. Forest Ecology and Management 154: 311–326.


21. Alijanpour, A., Eshaghi Rad, J. and Banj Shafiei, A., 2009. Investigation and comparison of two protected and non-protected forest stands regeneration diversity in Arasbaran. Iranian Journal of Forest, Vol.1, No.3, 209-217. (In Persian)


22. Pourbabaei, H., Fakharirad, M., Meraji, A. 2005. Study on structure and plant species diversity in the box tree (Buxus hyrcana Pojark) sites, eastern Guilan, Iran. 17th International Botanical Congress, Vienna, Austria, Europe. No: p 2088.


23. Bertoncini, A.P., Rodrigues, R.R., 2008. Forest restoration in an indigenous land considering a forest remnant influence (Avaí, São Paulo State, Brazil), Forest Ecology and Management 255: 513-521.


24. Dufour-Dror, J.M., 2007. Influence of cattle grazing on the density of oak seedlings and saplings in a Tabor oak forest in Israel. Acta Oecologia 31: 223–228.


25. Chaturvedi, R.k., Raghubanshi, A.S., Singh, J.S. 2012. Effect of grazing and harvesting on diversity, recruitment and carbon accumulation of juvenile trees in tropical dry forests. Forest Ecology and Management 284: 152–162


26. Tasila, B., Mark, W., Schwartz, W., Caro T. 2006. Woody vegetation structure and composition along a protection gradient in a Miombo ecosystem of western Tanzania. Forest Ecology and Management 230: 179–185


27. Kupferschmid, A.D., Bugmann, H., 2005. Effect of micro sites, logs and ungulate browsing on Picea abies regeneration in a mountain forest, Forest Ecology and Management 205: 251 – 265.


28. Vavra, M., Parks, C.G., Wisdom, M.J. 2007. Biodiversity, exotic plant species, and herbivory: The good, the bad, and the ungulate. Forest Ecology and Management 246: 66–72.