Silvicultural characteristics and site demands of Gall Oak (Quercus infectoria Oliv.) in Shineh, Lorestan province Iran

Gall oak (Quercus infectoria Oliv.) is one of rare species that is only presence in the northwestern part of Zagros mountains. This research aims at studying site demands and some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Qurecus infectoria. For this purpose, the distribution area of this species was studied in Lorestan province in western Iran. Twenty four sample plots, each 1000 m2, were established in 3 land forms (ridge, valley and slope), in 4 aspects (north, east south and west) and in 2 altitudes level (1200-1600 and 1600-2000 m.a.s.l.). Also the chemical and physical properties of soil in the sample plots were studied. The results showed that the surface of distribution area of Gall oak is 5751 ha and its extended from 1200 to 2400 m.a.s.l. The soil of oak sites were usually light (loam) to heavy (clay) with a pH between 7.4 and 8.0. Organic matter is realtively good and EC is insignificant in the studied site soils. In general, slopes and vallies with north aspect in altitude between 1200 and 1600 m.a.s.l. are suitable sites of this oak spieces. The highest oak tress were observed on north faced vallies (7.7m), the longest trunk length (3.2 m), the widest crown diameter and also the highest proportion of oak trees with good quality (75%) were assessed all observed on north faced slopes.