Effect of soil physical properties and groundwater level on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of poplar plantations in West of Guilan province (Case study: Guisum region)

This research was carried out to investigate the effect of soil physical properties and ground water level on growth performance of poplar plantation. Two parcels of poplar plantations at west Guilan province of Iran (Guisum area) were selected due to their differences in growth performance. The random systematic method was applied to allocate the sample plots at each parcel. Soil sampling and poplar growth performance measurement were made at each plot. Soil sampling was made at two depth levels (0-20، 20-40 cm). In addition، a soil profile was dug at each parcel to study the soil morphology and seven holes were made by auger to study the water table level variation at different months. According to statistical analysis، the results showed that there was significant difference between the two parcels with respect to poplar quantitative and qualitative characteristics and some of the soil physical properties. Water table level at parcel No. 203 was higher than parcel No. 213 most of the year period. For this reason poplar performance in parcel 213 was significantly greater than parcel 203. It might be concluded that poplar growth performance on light textured soils with low water table level and high level of porosity and aeration is greater than the heavy textured soils with high level of water table and low soil porosity and aeration. According to economic value of poplar plantation and the effect of soil on growth and quality of them، it is necessary to study soil properties for choosing of suitable areas for the plantation.