Effect of pedological properties on Hawthorn (Crataegus pontica C.Koch) distribution in forests of Kermanshah province

Recognition of the effective soil factors on the distribution of Hawthorn tree provides sufficient information about this species aiming its reforestation with different purposes. In order to find out the site demands of Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)، the main habitats of this species were identified in Kermanshah province، western Iran. In this study، altitudinal distribution of hawthorn was found by determining the minimum and maximum of its distribution. Twenty eight circular sample plots (each 500 m2) were laid out in different combinations of the above mentioned site factors. Moreover، the physico-chemical soil properties of the study sites were studied. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the variables and their relationship with species distribution. In general، results showed that only the pH of soil was the effective factor on Hawthorn distribution، and this species prefers slightly higher than neutral soils. The other factors as: Silt، Sand، Clay، Caco3، C% and EC did not have any effective role on this species distribution.