Effect of physiographic factors on absorption of essential nutritional elements of the leaf in Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) affected by decline (Case study: Helen forest, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province)

Today, a considerable amount of Zagros forests is faced with the phenomenon of oak decline. Environmental stresses have caused the weakness of the trees, imbalance in food and water absorption, and eventually the deterioration of trees. Site factors play an important role in the resistance of trees to biotic and abiotic stresses. This research was conducted to evaluate the reaction of health and non-health Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) trees to nutrients absorption in different aspects and elevations in the Helen forest of Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province. Three transects were considered in two main aspects (North and South) of the study area. On each transect, three plots (with an area of 1000 m2) were designed in three elevation levels (800-1500, 1800-2000, and above 2000m a.s.l) randomly. Leaves of five health and non-health trees were gathered to measure the nutrient elements. This research was conducted as a factorial experiment in randomized complete block design and the mean values of variables were compared using Duncan test. The results showed that the effect of geographical aspects was significant on N and Ca uptake. Also, the difference in the absorption of essential nutrients in leaves of health and non-health oak trees were significant. The absorption of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in the leaves of the trees in the northern aspects was higher than the southern aspects. Health trees also absorbed more of these elements compared to non-health trees.