Spatial patterns and inter-specific competition of three oak species in the Baneh forests of western Iran

Analyzing the spatial patterns of individuals and the interaction between them are essential for understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of plant populations. This research was conducted to study the spatial patterns and interaction of three oak species (Quercus brantii Lindl., Q. infectoria Oliv. and Q. libani Oliv.) in Baneh forests of northern Zagros region of Iran. Data collection was done using six one- hectare square sample plots which randomly selected and fully mapped. Spatial patterns and spatial association of different oak species were then analyzed using O- ring univariate and bivariate statistics, respectively. Results showed that the general spatial patterns of the trees in total and at larger scales were random, while at small scales was clumped at least up to 15 m. Spatial association analyses revealed that there was no significant inter-specific competition among the three oak species, where the spatial association was positive (attraction) at small scales (up to 5 m) or independence at larger scales. It is concluded that clustered- random pattern is due to high forest origin of the most studied stands, homogeneity of the habitat, and lack of interspecific competition among the three oak species in the study area. Whereas there is no significant interspecific competition among the three oak species, every intervention in order to enrichment and restoration of these stands should be based on keeping clustered- random spatial pattern and making individual species mixture.