Spatial pattern of Populus euphratica in pure and mixed stands of Maroon, Behbahan

The spatial pattern of trees in natural stands as a guide to understand the environmental and ecological conditions such as gradients and restrictions of competition is very important. In this study, the spatial pattern of Populus euphratica was studied in both pure and mixed stands by distance indices and quadratic methods. Both pure and mixed stands were full-callipered. Density, cover and actual pattern of distribution were determined by accurate methods such as nearest neighbor. Then, 8 distances and 5 quadratics indices were used. Due to identify the actual spatial pattern, different indices results were checked out and were compared with it. All distance indices showed the spatial pattern of Populus euphratica are clumped in both stands, except Holgate and Hopkins indices. Only Morisita and standardized Morisita of quadratic indices showed the spatial pattern of Populus euphratica non clumped. Overall, Hines, C, Green and Lloyd indices were detected the most appropriate indices for both pure and mixed stands and the spatial pattern of Populus euphratica in riparian forests of Maroon in Behbahan is evaluated clumped.