Effects of physiographical factors on oak sprout-clumps structure in Baba-Kooseh forest; Kermanshah province

Sprout is one of the most important regeneration mechanisms in degraded oak forests. The main goal of this research was study of effects of different physiographical conditions on oak sprout-clumps structure. For this purpose a section of Baba-Kooseh Olia forest in Kermanshah province with an area of 430 ha was selected. Then 84 square sample plots with an area of 1600 m2 by systematic - random network and random starting point were established in the mentioned region. Some important quantitative parameters were measured in plots including maximum height, crown area, basal area and number of sprouts in oak sprout-clumps. 5 altitude classes, 3 slope classes, 4 aspect classes and 3 land form classes were considered too. Result showed that the main woody species was Quercus brantii and average number of sprouts in oak sprout clumps was 5.9. Results of analysis of variances (ANOVA) showed that there was a significant difference between oak sprout-clumps structure relation to altitude and slope changes. There was also a significant difference in sprout number with aspect. The maximum number of sprouts was observed in elevation range of 1600-1700 m.a.s.l., in slope percent range of 0-12%, eastern aspect and in valley land form.