Impact of some important ecological factors on presence of Mountain Almond (Amygdalus scoparia Spach.) in Qom province, Iran

This investigation was carried out in three distribution regions of Mountain Almond using typology maps in Qom province, central Iran. In each region, three landforms including slope, valley and ridge with four geographical aspects (north, east, south and west) were selected and physico-chemical soil properties, as well as some qualitative and quantitative characteristics of almonds were studied. Results showed that the maximum density of almond was found on slopes, whereas the maximum height, crown diameter, annual height increment and canopy cover were measured in valleys. Geographical aspect showed an important role on characteristics of almond, hence the maximum density of this species was observed on south and east aspects. In addition, the highest presence of almond was obvious on sites with light soils (moderate texture). Principle Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that potassium, phosphorus and lime showed the highest positive relation with both vectors (one and two), while the soil texture parameters (clay, sand and loam) showed negative relation with the second vector.