Effect of soil and topography characteristics on distribution of plant types in the Arasbaran forests, Iran

This research was carried out for investigating the effect of environmental factors on plant types in Arasbaran forests. To do so, for considering of the different conditions, sampling was carried out based on the landform units, and the size of a squared sample plots, 400 m2 was determined by the minimum surface area method. According to the landform units of the study area, 27 plots were established and after recording the existing data in each plots, the soil samples were collected. Then, using PC-ORD software and Cluster analysis, vegetation of study area were classified and after that, Principle Component Analysis and XLSTAT software were used to analysis relationship between vegetation and environmental factors and determine the most important factors. Regarding to Cluster analysis, six plant types were identified and some species such as Quercus macranthera Fisch. & C. A. Mey., Carpinus betulus L., Pyrus glabra Boiss., Berberis vulgaris L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., Palliurus spina-chiristi Mill., and Mespilusgermanica L. were dominant species of plant types. Also, the results of the PCA analysis showed that silt, potassium, porosity, bulk density, phosphorus and clay are the most effective factors on distribution of plant types in the study area. Considering that use of plant species in restoration of a region needs data on their habitat demands, so results of this research could be use in restoration of same regions.