Effects of Land form and some physical and chemical soil properties on Vegetative Characteristics of Rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia L.) in Andabil forest, Khalkhal region

Effects of Land form and some physical and chemical soil properties on Vegetative Characteristics of Rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia L.) in Andabil forest, Khalkhal region AbstractEffects of Land form and some physical and chemical soil properties on Vegetative Characteristics of Rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia L.) in Andabil forest, Khalkhal region Rowan is one of valuable, rare and endangered shrub species in Andabil forest reserve. This study aimed to determine the relationship between vegetation properties of Rowan with soil and physiographic factors in Andabil forest reserve. In three land forms (ridge, valley and slope) and in four aspects (north, south, east and west) sample plots, each 500 m2, were selected. Overall, 34 sample plots were used for measuring vegetative characteristics and soil characteristics including soil texture (clay, silt and sand), pH, Ec, N%, OC% and Caco3%. The results showed that the distribution range of Rowan varies from 1940 to 2540 m.a.s.l. The highest mean height (3.10m), collar diameter (9.12 cm) and crown diameter (2.08 m) were measured on valley form. Soil of Rowan habitats is deep to semi- shallow with pH (6.14 to 6.72), Ec (0.521 to 0.967 ds/m) and with soil texture of loam to clay- loam. In general, Rowan habitats in the southern and western aspects in the forms of slope and edge with light soil texture have more favorable conditions in term of quantitative characteristics for the growth of this species. Key words: Andabil forest, Habitat conditions, Principal component analysis, Rowan, Soil factors.