Investigation on adaptability of different coniferous species at Hamadan province of Iran

The aim of the research was to study the adaptability of 13 needleleaved species and provenances under semi-arid and severe cold climate of Hamadan province of Iran on deep alluvial and light textured (Sandy loam) soils (pH= 7.65). The trail was conducted in 2001 under randomized complete blocks design and was harvested in 2005, using 13 treatments, including Juniperus virginiana, Thuja orientalis, four provenances of Pinus nigra, P.eldarica, P. sylvestris, two provenances of Cupressus arizonica, two provenances of Picea abies and Cedrus deodara at spacing of 3 × 3 m.The result showed that J.virginiana, B. orientalis, P. eldarica, P.sylvestris, C.arizonica and four prevanances of P. nigra were the most adaptable species (>86% survival), whereas P.abies and C.deodora were the worst adaptable species (<40% survival). The species differed significantly in respect to survival and height growth at 5% error. The greatest and the lowest values of height growth belonged to P.eldarica and P.abies, respectively. Based on the results and aims of the study, it could be concluded that the species C.arizonica, B.orientalis and P. eldarica are appropriate species for forest plantation, but the other species need further more studies.