Adaptation of the Most Important Conifers of Neka Forests (Kohsarkandeh)

The aim of this study was to introduce the most successful exotic coniferous species for forest plantation projects. The trial conducted in 1993 at low altitude of Neka region in Mazandaran Province of I. R. Iran (North Forests), under Compeletly Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replication and eight treatments. The treatments consisted of six Pine species (P. taeda, P.radiata, P.brutia, P.nigra var. austriaca, P. pinaster and P. longifolia), Cryptomeria japonica and Cedrus deodara. The species growth characteristics including survival, height, diameter at breast height and also qualitative characteristics were assessed and measured after 18 years, Soil physical and chemical properties were determined and climate characteristics were identified. The results of statistical analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between qualitative and quantitative parameters of species. Analysis of characteristics showed that Loblolly pine (P.taeda L.) and Brutian pine (P.brutia Ten.) were the most promising species; in the second stage Hymalaya Cedar (Cedrus deodara D.Don.) and Japanes cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D.Don.) were promising species, respectively.