Evaluation of Habitat and Climatic Conditions in Bolhasan Forest Region of Dezful Using Ellenberg Method

This study was done based on Ellenberg method to predict climate conditions of Bolhasan region of Dezful city. This area is among natural forests of Dezful city. For collecting data systematic random sampling method was used and the suitable area of sample plot in each area was determined based on minimal area method. 10 × 10 m2 sample plots were used for tree and shrub species (main plot) and 1 × 1 m2 sample plots were used for herbaceous species, and within each sample plot plant species were identified. Totally 23 herbaceous and 9 woody species (tree and shrub) were identified within sample plots. Some combined soil samples were taken from the sample plots and texture, structure, pH and EC of soil samples were analyzed. Results of soil analysis showed that the soil texture is loamy, structure is mass, pH is 7.8 and EC is 0.4 mmhos/cm. Finally by determining ecological parameters such as: light, altitude, temperature, soil moisture and pH, based on the recognition of vegetation cover and using Ellenberg tables the climatic conditions of Bolhasan region was estimated. Based on this evaluating method it has been revealed that the studied site has the sun light of more than 50% and consequently is classified in dry and very hot habitat class. Soil is alkaline and calcareous and the mean annual temperature is more than 10.5 °C. The results of this investigation which used Ellenberg method is in agreement with independent field studies on these parameters.