Study on quality and quantity of forested species in Arasbaran forests (Case study in Heresar and Kalaleh)

In order to assess the viability and growth rate of twelve specific coniferous species planted in Arasbaran forests in 1996, Heresar and Kalaleh regions have been studied here. The species studied here are as follows: Pinus pinea, Cupressus sempervirens var. horisontalis, Pinus nigra var. austrica, Pinus eldarica,Cedrus atlantica, Cupressus arizonica, Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Pinus nigra var. pallasiana , Pinus nigra var. carmanica, Pinus brutia and Larix decidua. Statistical design of completely randomized block was employed in this study; that is, number of four replicates in Kalaleh altitudes and three replicates in Heresar with 36 individual saplings for each replicate were selected. All species were analyzed on the basis of height, collar diameter, viability percent, vigor, death (freeze) number, two branching and decline of saplings. Based on the analysis of variance, except for the vigor type 2 (with a modest decline and the damage between 10 to 25%), all 12 species demonstrated significant differences as far as the other characters were concerned. In total, the mean of viability percent, collar diameter and height were 88.88%, 13.56% and 5.44%, respectively. Type 1 vigor ( i.e. being healthy with the damage criteria below 10%) had the highest mean with 20.6% and represented the most significant difference as opposed to the other vigor types. Furthermore, amongst all 12 species, it was Pinus eldarica, Cupressus arizonica, Pinus nigra var. pallasina and Pinus brutia which had the greatest viability. By and large, the ecological condition of Kalaleh region (northern slope) proved to be more appropriate than that of Heresar region (southern slope) as far as all the characters studied here; the superiority which can be associated with its higher moisture level and less sunshine leading to a better superior balance. Such factors proved advantageous to the planted species and played a positive role in their success.