The impact of adverse conditions of site on forest decline and nutrient uptake of cypress (Cupressus arizonica G.) in Mobarakeh Steel Company

Appropriate knowledge of the species ecological requirements will have an important role in the conservation and protection of the reforestation. Mobarakeh steel company created 1,500 hectares of artificial forest by non native tree species. Cupressus arizonica is one of this species. Tree species decline causing serious problems in this area. Plantation areas of this species were identified toinvestigate the causes of cypress dieback. A plot of 2000 m2 was considered in each area that planted by this species. In addition, quality and quantity characters of all trees in each plot such asdiameter, height and crown diameter and trees health were measured. The leaf samples offive healthy and unhealthy trees were collected separately for analytical measurements. The soil sampling and profiling was performed from the areas under healthy and unhealthy tree canopy in each plot. The results of this investigation showed that there are many limiting factors such as poor soil and water salinity as the main factors in reducing the absorption of micro and macro nutrients in unhealthy trees.