Ecological and silvicultural characteristics of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) in Guilan province

Distribution areas and site demands of wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) were studed in Guilan province, north ofIran. For this purpose, four catchments including Asalem, Shafaroud, Siahkal and Ghalerodkhan with high presence of wild cherry were selected and 129 0.1 ha sample plots were laid out in different combinations of land form, geographical aspect, elevation and slope gradient. Quantitative parameters of dbh and height and qualitative characteristics such as crown and stem quality of wild cherry trees were studied. Moreover, 48 soil profiles were dug and the physico-chemical properties of soil were studied. Results showed that wild cherry trees are maily distributed in individual or small groups in slops at lowlands and in middle elevations with east and north aspects, where the slope gradient is between 25 and 50%. Soil of the studied sites is deep to semi-deep with sandy clay silt to clay silt texture and with good drainage in which the pH varies between 4.3 and 7.0. The PCA analysis showed that the physical properties of soil (sand, clay and silt) have an important impact on the presence of this species. Presence of wild cherry trees in vallies and slopes facing to west and south are related to sand content of soil. The maximum measured dbh and height of trees were 101 cm and 31.3 m, respectively. The highest mean dbh was measured in the lower elevations with west aspect, whereas the highest mean height was measured in the middle elevations with north aspect. About 70% of the studied cherry trees had straigth stems with first class quality.