Relationship Between Spatial Pattern of Persian Oak (Quercus brantii Var Persica) and Wild Pistachio (Pistacia atlantica) Trees with Some Site and Stand Characteristics in Manesht Forests of Ilam Province

Understanding the spatial pattern of tree species in their social life could have many applications from the standpoint of ecology and applied silviculture for their optimal management. For the purpose of studying the spatial pattern of Quercus brantii and Pistacia atlantica in relation to stand form and topographic factors, we selected the Manesht forested area in northern Ilam. In this research, 75 sample plots (with 2000 m2 area) were chosen, using systematic random sampling method within the study area. The variables in the plots comprised the number of tree species and topographic factors. The dispersion indices of interest included Morisita, Sstandard Morisita, Green, Lioyd and variance to mean ratio. The calculation of quantitative indices, by running the relevant computational formulas, was performed by Ecological Methodology Software. In addition, in terms of accuracy, the efficiency of quantitative indices was studied and compared. Statistical analysis of data was carried out using SPSS Software. The results showed that, for Q. brantii, the values of variance to mean ratio, Morisita and Lioyd indices and for P. atlantica, the values of Morisita, Green and Lioyd were higher in standard and coppice stands than the coppice and standard stands. For both species of Q. brantii and P. atlantica, all of the indices in question increased with increasing elevation, and the highest values of indices were obtained in 2100-2300 m a.s.l. For Q. brantii, the values of all of the indices increased with increasing slope, and the highest value was obtained in the slope class more than 60%. Moreover, for P. atlantica, the highest values of all indices were obtained in the slope class of 30-60%. The spatial pattern in classes of 0-30% and 30-60% was clumped and in more than 60%, it was regular. For Q. brantii, the values of all indices and for P. atlantica, the values of Morisita and Lioyd were the highest in the southern direction. The results of the precision study of the indices showed that for Q. brantii, the indices of Morisita and Standard Morisita and for P. atlantica, indices of Standard Morisita and Green had the highest precision. It was concluded that the value of dispersion indices (especially more accurate indices) varies by environmental factors and thus changes in values could be used in forest dynamic studies and the interpretation of changes in forests