Analysis of Soil Characteristics of Wild Pistachio (Pistacia atlantica sub sp mutica) Forests in Fars Province

  Familiarity with the appropriate soil conditions for Pistacia atlantica leads to improve and develop forest vegetation cover in Zagros zone. The main aim of this research was investigate suitable soil characteristics ranges for natural growth of this species in Fars province. Field studies and soil sampling was done based on network sampling (20×20 km grid) in wild pistachio forests of Fars province with crucified pattern. The filed study showed mountain and hilly land are the main land types that pistachio species have placed on them. These land types include the displacement of rock, stone and gravel as high and low soil depth with moderate to severe water erosion. Main physical and chemical properties measurement of soil samples showed that the only limiting growth factor has been the low soil depth. The low effective soil depth and light soil texture are the most important limiting factor on soil moisture storage ability (from rain). This deficiency, transition from drought or very dry periods (resulting from an undesirable distribution of rain) makes it difficult. Statistical analysis methods based on principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) shows that wide ranges in soil characters, even up to about 40% differentiation in the measured properties do not make restrictions for pistachio Natural growth. Ecologically, Pistacia atlantica is a drought-tolerant plant. Wild pistachio (Pistacia atlantica) is one of the high resistance species in wide range of soil condition (soil characteristics) and this feature (desirable survival) make it favorite for Zagros forest rehabilitation. Land and grazing management (land use planning), along with watershed management practices can conserve and improve soil and environment of wild pistachio habitats of the Zagros forests