Ecological survey of Arghavan forest in north of Ilam

The aim of this study was ecological survey and site classification of Arghavan valley, north of Ilam, Iran. For this study, vegetation (tree, bush, shrub and herbaceous species), soil and physiographic factors were investigated in 57 plots. Multivariate analysis recognized four sites. Amygdalus scoparia group had positive correlation with elevation and had low species diversity. Cerasus microcarpa group had positive correlation with organic matter and negative correlation with elevation. This group had high diversity and richness. Ficus carica group was in rocky site, while Quercus brantii was in compacted soil with high clay ratio. Results showed that elevation from sea level, stone proportion of soil, soil texture and organic matter were the most important factors influencing vegetation.