یعقوب ایران منش

Forests are one of the most important carbon sinks in the world and play an important role in mitigating climate change. The Zagros forests due to the coverage of oak and other species stands provide a wide range of important and key environmental functions, including carbon sequestration and storage. In this research, the carbon storage in the forest above-ground, litter and soil of two one-hectare sample plots in two stands with different conditions, including Darsarvin Sardasht (30% canopy cover, coppice with standard) and Piranshahr Pardanan (90% canopy cover and all of trees were of coppice), in the Zagros forests of West Azarbaijan Province was compared.

After expert investigations and forest survey, a square sample plot of one hectare (dimensions 100 x 100 meters), using 100% inventory the research was carried out. To calculate above-ground carbon stock, the variables of average crown diameter, diameter at breast height, total height, trunk height, crown height, collar diameter, crown starting diameter and crown density were measured and recorded for all the trees in the sample plot. In order to estimate the biomass and carbon storage, the allometric equations of oak were used for single-stem and coppice trees. Furthermore, five soil samples were systematically taken from a depth of 0-30 cm in each sample plot. Ten microplots of 0.5 square meters were also randomly and regularly measured in each sample plot. Then, the litter in them was separated into Coarse Woody Litters and Fine Woody Litters, and their dry weight and carbon content were measured. In order to measure the percentage of organic carbon in litter and plant samples, the method of combustion in an electric furnace was used. Soil organic carbon was measured by Black–Walkley method and soil Bulk density was determined by Clod Method.

In the Darsarvin sample plot, Sardasht, 277 trees per hectare were recorded, of which 212 trees were seed-origin  and 65 trees were coppice-origin. In the Perdanan sample plot, Piranshahr, 747 trees were recorded per hectare, and all the them in this sample plot are coppice-origin. The biomass and carbon stock of the trees in the sample plots were determined. The amount of above-ground biomass of trees in Pardanan and Darsarvin sample plots was calculated as 53.35 and 36.93 tons per hectare, respectively. Also, the amount of above-ground carbon stock was obtained in Pardanan and Darsarvin plots, 25.99 and 17.93 tons per hectare, respectively. The comparison of soil carbon stock between the Pardanan and Darsarvin sample plots showed that the average soil organic carbon stock in the Pardanan sample plot is 154.24 and in the Darsarvin sample plot is 121.96 tons per hectare. In terms of litter carbon stock, the amount of Coarse Woody Litters and Fine Woody Litters carbon stock in Pardanan sample plot is 0.66 and 3.75 tons per hectare, respectively. Coarse Woody Litters and Fine Woody Litters carbon stock in the Darsarvin sample plot was 0.23 and 2.83 tons per hectare, respectively.

The results show that the effect of stands conditions, diversity and density of vegetation canopy cover and forest management is very important in the carbon stock of the forest ecosystem, and on this basis, the difference of about 41 tons per hectare of the total carbon stock in the Pardanan sample plot (184.64 tons per hectare) compared to the Darsarvin sample plot (142.96 tons per hectare) was observed in this study. Based on the results of this research, it is suggested to prevent the cutting and collection of litter and branches, in order to increase the storage of carbon stock of above ground, soil and litter.

Zagros forests, as a second forest ecosystem in Iran. These forests have diverse ecosystem services and have a valuable position in terms of ecology, economy and society, and carbon storage. Tree species are one of the most important factors influencing soil characteristics through the production of litter and play an essential role in the carbon storage. Also, fine woody litter and coarse woody litter are very important to increace the carbon storage in forest soil. The purpose of this study is to investigate the trend of carbon storage of fine woody litter and coarse woody litter in the Marivan forests of Kurdistan province between 2019 to 2021 years.

To do this research, a two-sample plot (one-hectare) was selected in Garan (protected and protected stands) and Dolah Naw (typical forests of the Marivan county). The research was do from 2019 to the end of September 2021, and to ensure the location of the center of the microplot, the location of the microplot was recorded and marked. At the end of September of each three years of the study, by implementing 10 micro-samples of 0.5 square meters. In order to measure the dry weight and carbon stock, the samples of small scraps and wood chips were placed in an oven at 104 degrees Celsius for 24 hours according to the ASABE S358.2 (2010) standard, and then the dry weight of the samples was immediately calculated. To measure the percentage of organic carbon in the samples of scrap and wood chips, the combustion method was used in an electric furnace, and the samples were placed for 4 hours at a temperature of 550-600 degrees Celsius, and after measuring the percentage of carbon, the percentage of carbon was calculated, and then it was calculated by multiplying the percentage of carbon by weight. After the samples were dry, the weight of carbon was calculated for each microplot (separated by carrion and wood chips). in each sample, fine woody litter and coarse woody litter were sampled and samples of scraps and pieces of wood are packed in the storage space and their dry weight, percentage moisture, carbon percentage and carbon storage amount are measured in the laboratory. Two-way analysis of variance test was used to compare carbon percentage, dry weight and carbon storage of fine woody litter and coarse woody litter, and the effect of two stands (site) and sampling period (two years of research include 2019 and 2021) on research parameters was investigated. Also, Duncan's intergroup comparison test was used to check and compare the research parameters in three sampling periods. Data analysis and statistical comparisons were done using SPSS 20 software.

The finding showed that the dry weight of fine woody litter was 4.46, 2.89, and 4.94 tons per hectare in the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, and the average fine woody litter in Garan site was higher than that of Dolah Naw. Garan site fine woody litter carbon was estimated as 1.878, 1.21, and 2.009 tons per hectare in the three years of study, and these values were higher than Doleh Naw site. The results of two-way analysis of variance showed that the difference in dry weight and carbon storage in two stands (site) was statistically significant. Also, the average dry weight of coarse woody litter in the sample plot of Garan in the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 was 0.456, 0.327 and 0.599 tons per hectare, respectively. 0.214, 0.178 and 0.322 tons per hectare were confirmed, and in total, the carbon storage of coarse woody litter in Garan habitat was more than that of Doleh Naw, and this difference was statistically significant. On the other hand, the average carbon percentage of fine woody litter in Garan sample plot in 2019, 2020 and 2021 was 42.07, 42.22 and 41.03%, respectively, and the carbon percentage of fine woody litter in Garan sample plot was more than Doleh Naw. Based on the two-way analysis of variance test for coarse woody litter, a significant difference was observed for the parameters of dry weight, carbon storage and carbon percentage of the samples in the years of statistical collection, but no significant effect was observed in the context of the site and the interaction effect of year × stands (site). In general, in the Garan site, the carbon storage of fine woody litter and coarse woody litter was estimated as 4.09 and 0.46 tons per hectare, respectively, which was more than Dolah Naw (with values of 3.55 and 0.39 tons per hectare). The highest carbon storage in fine woody litter and coarse woody litter occurred in the years 2021, 2019 and 2020, respectively. The general results showed that the amount of carcass dry weight and carbon storage in Garan site was 0.14 more than Dolah Naw site.

The general findings of the research showed that the average dry weight and carbon storage for fine woody litter and coarse woody litter in Garan stands (site) was higher than Doleh Naw stands and according to the positive effect of protection on the amount of carbon storage a fine woody litter and coarse woody litter; in order to optimally manage the study forests and other similar forests, it is suggested to manage and use protection in degraded areas. Forest restoration and development increased the amount of fine woody litter and coarse woody litter.

This study was conducted in the Zagros forests to investigate and monitor the status of elements in the soil and their absorption in areas with and without oak decline. Two plots, each with 100 trees, were randomly established in the south direction in the areas of "Sama Castle" and "White Mud," representing the decline and control (without decline) sites. In the oak decline plot, five healthy and five declining trees were selected, while only five healthy trees were chosen in the control plot. Selection of healthy and declining trees in the first year was done selectively and with proper distribution throughout the sample. In the following years, soil and leaf samples were collected from the selected trees. Soil samples were collected under the tree crowns at two depths (0-30 cm and 30-60 cm). Additionally, 20 leaves per tree were sampled in late July and early August. The results showed that the amount of phosphorus in the leaves of trees in the both decline and control sites was significantly different at a 99% confidence level. As the intensity of drought increased, the amount of phosphorus in the leaves also increased. Soil moisture was estimated at 5.74% in the decline site and 7.14% in the control site, with this difference being statistically significant. The amount of calcium in the soil of the control area was approximately 1.5 times greater than in the area experiencing decline. The results of this research, focusing on soil characteristics related to oak decline, can provide important data for the oak decline information system in the Zagros forests of Iran.

The Zagros forests, being the largest and most important forest ecosystems in the country, provide valuable ecosystem services. The percentage of forest canopy cover, a crucial component of forest statistics, has a strong relationship with ecohydrological processes and plays a vital role in forest inventory programs. In this study, changes in canopy cover percentage were examined in sample plots located in the provinces of Kurdistan (Dulehnaw, Gharan, Belveh, and Saraki) and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (Gelsefid, Rahimabad, Gardaneh Cheri, and Mavarz), representing the northern and southern Zagros forests, respectively. Each plot underwent a comprehensive measurement process, including the assessment of species composition, growth form, and average crown diameter. Static images of tree canopies were captured in 2021 and 2022 to analyze changes in canopy cover. The analysis revealed statistically significant differences in canopy cover between provinces. Significant differences in canopy cover changes were observed in the Dulehnaw, Gharan, and Rahimabad forest stands over the two years, but no significant statistical differences were found in the Saraki, Belveh, Gardaneh Cheri, Mavarz, and Gelsefid stands. Furthermore, in both provinces, the highest increase in canopy cover percentage was recorded in the southern direction, with values of 7.46% and 3.97%, respectively. Detailed and comprehensive analyses of the canopy cover index, particularly in the Zagros region, are crucial for effective management planning in forest ecosystems. The two-year variations in this index provide valuable insights into the influence of vegetation type, structure, and ecological conditions on canopy dynamics, serving as a gateway for energy to plants.

This research was conducted on two square plots (each 1 ha) located in Vezge Mansurabad (a protected area in Boyer-Ahmad County) and TuteNadeh (in Dena County) in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. Five soil samples, taken regularly over three years from a depth of 0-30 cm from each plot, were analyzed for carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, water content, microbial respiration, soil bulk density, and gravel percentage. The mean carbon storage of soil was estimated at 84.80 t/ha and 67.60 t/ha in the TuteNadeh and Vezge Mansurabad plots, respectively. Three years of monitoring revealed a significant difference between the two plots in terms of soil parameters. In TuteNadeh, the three-year changes in organic carbon and total nitrogen content followed a parallel trend, with a reduction in the former directly leading to a similar drop in the latter's content. At this site, the content of absorbable phosphorus was found to be irregularly altered. Variations in organic carbon content were directly correlated with variations in soil microbial respiration. In Vezge Mansurabad, variations in organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, water content, and microbial respiration were similar to those in TuteNadeh, but variations in soil phosphorus were sinusoidal and followed an irregular pattern. The mean quantities of absorbable phosphorus, water content, and microbial respiration in the TuteNadeh plot were 15.44 mg/kg, 12.59%, and 434 mg/kg, respectively, which are significantly different from the corresponding values of 10.05 mg/kg, 13.94%, and 547 mg/kg in Vezge Mansurabad. In conclusion, the results show that soils with higher organic carbon content are relatively richer in other influencing variables.

This research measured and analyzed forest ground vegetation in permanent plots of typical and exclosure areas in the Zagros provinces, providing the possibility for long-term monitoring of quantitative and qualitative changes in vegetation. In total, 30 one-hectare square sample plots and 600 one-meter square microplots were studied along the Zagros, with floristic and environmental data related to tree and forest floor measured and recorded. According to the results, 370 species were identified in the ground vegetation and 20 species of phanerophytes. The most abundant families in exclosure and typical sites were Asteraceae and Poaceae, respectively. Sixty-six percent of the ground vegetation population belonged to the Poaceae family, with the most populated genus being Bromus, comprising 25% of all plant individuals. The largest genus was Astragalus (with 18 species), and its population was about 2.5 times higher in exclosure sites than in typical sites. The average percentage of ground cover (51.2%) and litter cover (34.3%) in exclosure plots was significantly higher than in typical plots (37.6% for ground cover and 25.2% for litter cover). The number of phanerophyte species in the exclosure area was significantly greater than in the typical area, while the difference for other life forms was insignificant. The comparison of diversity indices for ground species in the exclosure and typical plots showed no significant difference between these two groups. In general, the relative protection implemented in some parts of the Zagros, although it did not affect ground species diversity indices, did affect ground vegetation cover, litter cover, species composition, and phanerophyte species.

The Zagros forests vegetation area, with an area of more than 5 million hectares and providing more than 40% of the country's water, is ecologically very important. The forest covers 256,000 hectares of Kurdistan province (8.8% of the province) and makes a significant contribution to carbon sequestration. Atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased significantly in recent decades. In reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide, vegetation and the soil beneath it play a very important role. The aerial parts of trees (the ground layer) contribute greatly to biomass production and carbon sequestration. The purpose of this research was to investigate the carbon sequestration of the tree layer in two sample plots: Garan (Gargh and protected stands) and Dolah Naw (typical forests of the province).

 In order to carry out this research, two samples from Garan and Dolah Naw in Marivan County were selected. In each region, a square sample plot of one hectare was established, and with 100% statistical inventory, quantitative characteristics, including tree species, breast diameter, tree height, crown height, and crown area, were recorded. In both sample plots, the trunks and top branches of the trees were sampled, and for this purpose, three trees were selected for each species in each plot. Samples were taken from the trunk, main branches, and secondary branches of the trees. In the laboratory, the wet weight, dry weight, and carbon percentage of wood samples were calculated by burning the dried samples in an electric furnace. Then, the above-ground biomass of trees was calculated using allometric equations, and finally, the carbon stock of all trees was estimated. The quantitative parameters and the average of the above-ground biomass and carbon stock were compared. An independent t-test was used to compare quantitative parameters and carbon storage in the two sample plots of Garan and Dolah Naw.

 The findings of the research showed that the amount of biomass on the ground in Dolah Naw and Garan sample plots was 45.3 and 41.4 tons per hectare, respectively. In the Dolah Naw sample plot, two species, Quercus brantii and Q. infectoria, with a total of 24.68 tons per hectare, accounted for 54.5% of the biomass of the tree layer. The carbon stock of the tree layer in Dolah Naw and Garan samples was calculated as 22.4 and 20.3 tons per hectare, respectively, and the results of the independent t-test showed a significant difference between the quantitative characteristics of diameter at breast height, total height, tree crown area, biomass, and carbon storage in the two sample plots. The contribution of the Q. infectoria species to carbon sequestration in Dolah Naw and Garan samples was 6.48 and 9.13 tons per hectare, respectively. On the other hand, the averages of quantitative characteristics, including tree height (3.7 meters), diameter at breast height (15.79 cm), and crown area (6.77 square meters), in the Dolah Naw sample plot were greater than those in the Garan sample plot.

 The general results showed that the carbon storage of Dolah Naw stands (wood biomass with slightly higher forest characteristics) was greater than that of Garan forest. To optimally manage these forests and increase carbon dioxide storage, it is essential to manage and control the factors of forest destruction (such as the development of agriculture under the forest canopy, intensive grazing, excess livestock capacity, fire management and control, coal mining, and other factors) and take action in degraded areas to promote reforestation and afforestation using native species (Quercus brantii, Quercus infectoria, Quercus libani, and Pistacia atlantica) in the destroyed stands.

Reproduction (regeneration) is a fundamental process that drives the dynamics of a forest, occurring continuously in a healthy and natural forest with a specific spatial and temporal pattern. Natural regeneration poses significant challenges in Zagros forests, Iran. This research was undertaken to examine and analyze the current state of reproduction of tree and shrub species in the monitoring sample plots of Zagros forests. This study, while scrutinizing the species composition, origin, distribution curves, and health of seedlings and saplings, explores the interrelationship between reproduction and nurse species. It will serve as the foundation for long-term studies that determine the temporal changes in reproduction and its characteristics in the Zagros forests.

This research was conducted in the permanent monitoring plots of Zagros, spanning from West Azerbaijan to Fars province. A total of 120 sample plots of 100 square meters were studied within these plots. Each province had 30 studied sites in the typical forests, with 10 of them located in the protected forests. The variables studied included reproduction density by species, origin and type of reproduction, nurse species, height of seedling, terminal bud, and health status of reproduction. A height of 0.5 meters was set as the criterion to distinguish reproduction. The t-test was used to compare parametric data in two groups, while the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were employed for non-parametric data.

In the studied area, the reproduction of 20 forest tree and shrub species was recorded, and the density of seedlings and saplings was calculated to be 366 plants per hectare. However, the reproduction was not uniformly distributed, with 37% of the sample plots lacking reproduction. The abundance distribution diagram in the height classes revealed a decrease in the number of oak (Quercus spp.) and hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) reproduction with a height of less than 5 cm. Of the total number of recorded reproduction, 72.5% originated from seeds and 25% were shoots. Overall, 66% of reproduction was dependent on nurses, with oak, hawthorn, stone, and rock playing the greatest roles as nurses. Stones and rocks played a more significant role in the revival of seedlings. Cerasus microcarpa (C.A.Mey.) Boiss., Q. infectoria Oliv., and Q. libani Oliv. had the highest dependence on the nurse, while Pyrus spp., Daphne mucronata Royle, and Crataegus spp. had the least dependence on nurse species. Reproduction sheltered by nurses was significantly healthier than those without nurses. Also, reproduction sheltered by stones and rocks had a higher health rate than reproduction sheltered by trees, although this difference was not significant. Lonicera nummulariifolia Jaub. & Spach, Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl, and Acer monspessulanum L. had the worst condition in terms of reproduction. Despite the presence of mature trees, they had no reproduction (L. nummulariifolia and F. angustifolia) or had very low reproduction (A. monspessulanum). The results showed that the number of reproduction in protected sites was higher than non-protected sites. Although this difference was not significant, the reproduction in the protected sites was significantly healthier.

The results indicated that the reproduction in the Zagros forests is not in a normal situation. However, given suitable spatial and temporal conditions, reproduction occurs and establishes. Although in conditions of disturbance and overgrazing, reproduction attempts to survive by taking shelter near stones, pits, or under thorny shrubs, the conservation of the forest stand by maintaining the tree canopy (oak, hawthorn, and other species) and the forest’s natural structure provides the best conditions for the establishment and survival of reproduction, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the ecosystem.

Investigating the growth and ecological characteristics of trees through dendrochronology will provide essential messages for reconstructing climate models for the past and future. This research investigated the historical, ecological, and climatic characteristics of the Brant's oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces. A typical single-stem Q. brantii was selected and cut. Then, a disk sample was prepared. Dry weight and carbon content were measured using the combustion method. The number and width of the disc's annual rings were measured. In climate studies, temperature and precipitation anomalies were used. In addition to extracting all the morphological characteristics, this research showed that the amount of carbon stored in different organs increases with the woody tissue of the plant, and the amount of moisture in the plant organ decreases. The measurement of annual rings showed that the average growth diameter of the studied oak tree is 3.9 mm. The relationship between temperature anomaly and tree diameter growth data showed that the temperature variable has comprehensive control over the geographical distribution of the oak, and the Q. brantii has a more robust response to temperature instead of precipitation variables.

Measurement and monitoring of structural characteristics of forest stands are essential for studying the dynamics of vegetation, as well as planning forestry interventions such as silvicultural operations and restoration activities. This research, conducted within the framework of the comprehensive Zagros Forest Monitoring and Assessment Program, aimed to evaluate the structure of forest stands in the growth area of Zagros, using a total of 34 one-hectare sample plots designed through a location-based monitoring approach. In each location, a randomly selected square-shaped one-hectare sample plot was established. The results demonstrated that the total number of tree and shrub species ranged from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 6 species, with a density ranging from 18 to 924 stems ha-1. Regarding the tree species composition, the maximum number of branch base stems was 826, and branch base stems were dominant in most sites. The average diameter of branch shoots ranged from 3 to 69 cm, while tree heights ranged from 3 to 10.8 m. Furthermore, the study revealed that the uniform angle index value ranged from 0.469 to 0.086 across different sample plots, indicating a scattered pattern in all stands. The composite index value ranged from 0.2 to 0.5, suggesting that most stands are in a fair to moderate condition in terms of stability. Monitoring the temporal changes in structural characteristics of the studied stands through repeated measurements in the future phases will provide valuable insights into Zagros Forest stands.

Crown canopy is a major structural characteristic of forest trees and is vital to their ecological function. The present study investigated tree crown changes in Marivan County coppice forests. This research was conducted in two forest areas, Garan and Doleh Naw. First, five trees were selected for each habitat. The crown of each tree was photographed in the four main geographical directions one meter from the tree trunk. It was done in September 2021 and 2022. Tree canopy measurement in each image was done using MIP Cloud4 student software. Paired t-test was used to compare tree canopy percentages in two imaging periods. According to the results, the canopy of trees in Garan and Dolah Naw habitats in 2022, compared to 2021, increased by 9.02% and 11.51%, respectively. Meanwhile, in the habitats of Garan and Dolah Naw, the highest increase and change in the tree crown was observed on the southern and eastern sides of the tree crown. Also, from 2021 to 2022, the weather conditions improved. Dolah-Naw habitat trees had slightly larger average parameters than the Garan habitat. Irrigation of degraded areas (with increasing tree crowning) is crucial for sustainable management due to the importance of tree crown canopy in forest stand functions.

The Zagros forests are known as the second-largest forest ecosystems in the country in terms of surface area, and they provide many ecosystem services such as carbon storage. Soils are the largest reservoir of carbon storage in dry ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to investigate the carbon storage status of coppice oak stands (exclosure and non-protected stands). In this regard, two forest stands, Garan (an exclosure area) and Dolah Naw (a typical forest of Kurdistan province), were selected in Marivan county, Kurdistan province. A square sample plot of one hectare was considered randomly in each stand. In each plot, five soil samples were taken from a depth of 0-30 cm, and physico-chemical characteristics of the soil, microbial respiration, and organic carbon percentage were measured in the laboratory. Considering the normality of the data, the independent t-test was used to compare the averages of the study parameters in the two plots. The results showed that the percentage of organic carbon and carbon storage in the Garan, with values of 3.63% and 104.3 tons per hectare, respectively, was significantly higher than that of the Dolah Naw (with 2.63% and 86.7 tons per hectare). Additionally, the parameter values of gravel percentage, microbial respiration, and C/N ratio in the Garan (37.3%, 472.9 mg CO2/kg, and 13.1, respectively) were higher than those in the Dolah Naw. The general results of the research showed that carbon storage in the Garan stand (under protection management) exceeded that of the Dolah Naw. As a result, exclosure and forest protection increases the percentage of carbon storage and the amount of soil carbon storage.

Kelussia odoratissima is a valuable edible species endemic to the central Zagros highlands, recently introduced to science. It is valuable for its food importance. Although this plant was recently discovered, it has deep roots in the culture of the Bakhtiari people. From the past to the present, a substantial part of the local population's income is provided through it. In this paper, the conservation status of K. odoratissima is evaluated based on criterion B (geographical range) of the IUCN Red List categories and criteria. This study shows that this plant's status has reached an alarming level. It is now in the "Endangered/EN" category of the IUCN Red List. Even though a significant part of the distribution area of this plant is protected with the help of the local community and the country's Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, every year, illegal and official harvesting occurs in this area. Therefore, it is necessary to protect a part of its distribution range, including many other endemic species, in the form of an enclosure or protected habitat. Also, due to the complete isolation of the known populations of this plant, it is strongly recommended to keep the seeds of these populations in the Gene Bank of Natural Resources and the National Gene Bank of Iran. Therefore, considering the food and medicinal value of Kelussia odoratissima, there is great potential for its commercialization. Overall, it is essential to promote its cultivation in fields by the Research, Education, and Extension Organization. This is to support and protect it in its natural habitats. This will lead to the survival of this plant and a stable economic and currency source for the country.

Forest destruction causes soil destruction as the basis of terrestrial ecosystem life. Therefore, monitoring the soil and evaluating the process of changes over time can prevent the destruction of the soil and consequently the ecosystems with scientific data. In this study, the chemical and biological properties of soil were investigated in two Brant's oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) sites, Chari and Mavarz, as a part of Zagros Forests in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-10 cm and chemical and biological characteristics were measured in two years 2019 and 2021. The results in Chari site showed that the values of organic carbon, organic matter, substrate induced respiration, and nitrification potential increased significantly in the second year compared to the first year. This finding can be attributed to the more species diversity, higher canopy percentage, and relative protection of the Chari site. While in Mavarz site, only electrical conductivity and dry weight of soil showed significant changes in the second year compared to the first year which could be caused by livestock grazing and decrease in rainfall. The trend of changes in the Chari site has been positive which made improvement of some soil characteristics. Generally, management based on protecting the Zagros habitats as well as its positive effect on the biological and chemical characteristics of the soil can have a significant role in the health of oak trees which are encountering the oak decline.

Zagros forests are one of the most important vegetation areas in Iran that play an important role in protecting water and soil resources. Over the past decade, the decline of some tree species in these forests, including oak, has raised serious concerns about the endangerment of these forests. Climate change, site poverty, absorption of heavy metals from dust, reduced nutrient uptake and site factors are an important factor of this phenomenon. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of nutrition spraying on controlling the drying process of oak trees (Quercus brantii Lindl.) and compensating their needs through foliar application.

This research was carried out in Monj region of Lordegan city in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Thirty oak trees (including 15 coppice and 15 Single stem trees) were selected in one of the areas with drought. Trees in each vegetative form were divided into three health classes including healthy, diback and drought up to 50% of the crown. In total, this study had three treatments including vegetative form (two levels), health (three levels), sampling time (two levels) and five replications. Foliar spraying (three per thousand) was carried out during the full growth of leaves from early June to July with an interval of 10 days in three shifts.

The results showed that the amount of high macronutrient elements including potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen at the beginning of the growing season were 1.22, 0.27 and 0.998 percent, against the end of the growing season that were 0.17, 0.24 and 1.11 percent, respectively, that was a significant difference at the level of 95% confidence. The amount of these elements in coppice and Single stem trees in healthy trees was more than two classes of drought, but this difference was not significant statistically.

In general, macronutrients can stop the decay of oak trees by increasing the ability of trees to withstand environmental stresses. In between, the role of phosphorus and potassium was important in increasing the resistance of trees to environmental stresses and stopping the drying process.

With the registration of Hyrcanian forests in UNESCO and increasing environmental sensitivities, these forests are in a state of conservation. The aim of current study is to investigate the effects of conservation on the structure, biomass and diameter distribution of mixed beech forests of Asalem of Guilan province. For this purpose, two protected and unprotected parcels were selected in a series five of watershed-12. In each area, 50 sample plots were accomplished by randomized systematic method and the diameter and height of all trees in the plots were measured. After calculating the common quantitative indicators, aboveground biomass of trees in the two stands was estimated using allometric equations. Then, the diameter distribution of trees in the two regions was modeled using eight probability distribution functions. Based on the results, the average number per hectare, basal area and volume of trees in non-conserved stands were calculated significantly less than the conserved stand. The biomass of the non-conserved area was 75.25 tons per hectare less than the conserved area. Among the distribution functions used, Johnson and beta functions in the conserved stand and Johnson and gamma in the non-conserved stand showed the best fit with the diameter distribution of the trees. The results of the this study showed that conservation had a significant effect on the biomass structure and diameter distribution of trees and lack of conservation had the greatest negative effect on low-diameter trees.

Indigenous knowledge is the accumulated knowledge, skills, and techniques of a particular community that results from their direct interaction with the environment that should be respected as a source of environmental knowledge. Indigenous knowledge is an important part of the life of local forest communities and plays an important role in their lives. In this research we tried to record the indiginous knoeledge of gum extraction of wild pistachio in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Snowball sampling method was used to collect information. Data were recorded using semi-structured interviews and by writing information, video recording of events, and taking pictures. Information was analyzed by editing documents, integrating, transforming and highlighting information. The results of this study showed that the local people consider the pistachio tree as an economic plant and strongly avoid from cutting and damaging it, and even try to protect and develop it. Gum is the important byproduct of pistachio tree and gum extraction takes place in different stages including tree selection, rifting, put the bowl, double and triple rifting, purification and cooking the gum. Medicinal use of gum is the most common use of this product. Local resident believe to the technical and principled use of pistachio trees.

Traditional knowledge is knowledge that is obtained due to the experience and traditions of the local people of a region and using the method of trial and error in a laboratory called nature. The identification of traditional forest-related knowledge has become very important in recent decades, especially in the field of achieving sustainable forest management and with the ultimate goal of achieving sustainable local, regional, national and global development. The purpose of this study is to identify the traditional knowledge related to harvest of acorns of Quercus brantii Lindl.

This research was carried out in two local regions of Chigo and Bidleh located in Monj section of Lordegan city in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The required information was obtained from the local community by reputation approach and using 56 interviews. The role of acorns in formal studies was also examined separately using library studies to evaluate the traditional knowledge of acorn harvesting of these trees. Finally, using qualitative evaluation and analysis of effects and consequences, ten criteria for measuring traditional and formal knowledge and the difference between the two knowledge were explained.

Among other uses of acorns which is almost common in most rural households in the study area the use of oak seeds (acorns) to prepare various muskets is common. The various uses of oak that are commonly used by local people living in the Zagros, such as: oak sap, oak kebab and boiled oak. Also, a brown colored juice called Qazūlah honey is formed on the fruit cup in late summer and early autumn, which is called "Man Shocked".

The results showed that since a formal knowledge can be based on scientific needs, the speed of information production, the rule of scientific regulation, scientific accuracy and media communication in line with research related to the seeds of Quercus brantii trees can be the benefits of formal knowledge. In this process (similar to other formal knowledge), but on the other hand, traditional knowledge due to adaptation to local conditions and social acceptance can provide the basis for participatory management in the Zagros forests.

What the Local people of forest ecosystem design for different purposes and in order to meet their needs and wants is in the broadest sense of the traditional structures of local communities. The purpose of this study is to fully identify the production structures of local communities in the forests of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. At the first, this identification will help to improve the role of local communities in the forests of the Zagros and secondly, by analyzing the production pattern in this production system, the best conditions for the continuation are introduced and the grounds for improving the conditions are determined for this continuation. In this study, snowball sampling method was used to collect information in the local community. In the section of identifying production structures, the most important knowledge and environmental components that constitute the input of this system were described. In the analysis of production pattern, while introducing appropriate criteria in evaluating the production process, the necessary requirements in order to improve the production pattern among the local communities of Zagros forests are introduced. The results of this study showed that among the three production patterns (craft, lean and agile), the traditional structures of local communities are the most suitable for the craft production pattern. While the agile production pattern is the best model of the production process in most production evaluation criteria. It is necessary to change from craft to agile model, considering environmental uncertainties and leveraging the effect of information on Zagros forest management.

Forests as one of the important ecosystems plays a noticeable role in reducing the carbon dioxide by the  annual atmospheric carbon sequestration into the biomass of woody plants and soil. The three determining factors for estimating the carbon storage in a forest ecosystem are soil, vegetation, and litters. This study was carried out to investigate the carbon storage and its sequestration in four 1 ha square sample plots in forests of Boyer-Ahmad and Dena counties, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. Relevant allometric equations were used to estimate the biomass and carbon storage of the tree species in two vegetative form of coppice and high forests. For the measurement of soil carbon storage, five soil samples were taken from depths of 0- 30 cm, and percentage of organic matter and bulk density were measured in the laboratory. Analysis of variance showed that the total carbon storage in the trees, soil and litter had no significant difference amongst different sites, but the total carbon storage among the trees showed a significant difference (Parikadon site with 31 and Vezg site with 17 tons/ha, respectively). According to the results, the enclosed area (Vezg) had the highest carbon storage and the Sarabtaveh (northern aspect) had the lowest carbon storage. The average carbon storage of the studied areas was more than 159 tons/ha. The average of carbon storage in litters was about 730 kg/ha and the mean economic value of total carbon storage per ha was estimated 188 million Tomans.

Soil in forest ecosystems is a giant source for storage of atmospheric carbon that would increase its contribution against climate warming under proper management. In the current research, soil and litter contribution in carbon sequestration were compared between a 50 years old enclosure (less degraded) and un- enclosure (degraded) wild pear stands. Besides, some soil characteristics including soil moisture, bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and soil microbial respiration were studied. In each stand, 5 soil samples and 10 litter samples were collected from each plot and the characteristics were compared with T-student independent analysis. The results clearly indicated that soil carbon storage and carbon storage in coarse litter due to greater tree covers in enclosure field were two times higher than un- enclos6ure. Meanwhile, carbon storage in fine litter was same in the both stands. Phousphurus content and total nitrogen in soil of enclosure field were 6 and 2 times higher than un- inclosure, respectively. Moisture content Not only was higher in less degraded field (36%) in comparison with degraded one (21%) but also soil microbial respiration in less degraded field was higher around 31% when compared with degraded field. Finally, it can be proposed that enclosure management not only can improve soil carbon storage more than two times but also can increase soil fertility. This finding highlights the importance of enclosure management in Zagros region for maintaining of soil functions.

The phenomenon of oak decline is one of the most important current problems in the Zagros forests. Lack of nutrients and differences in nutrient uptake between healthy Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) and trees affected by decline is one of the main causes of dryness of these trees. Tree nutrition can be considered as a management strategy to solve this problem and stop the decay of oak trees. Nutrient spraying is one of the common methods of plant nutrition that meets the needs of the plant in a short time. In this research, the similar trees of two forms (coppice and seed-origin) were selected in the Monj area of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. In each form, trees were divided into three levels of health (Healthy, dieback and crown drought up to 50%). Five similar trees by dimension were selected in each level of health (totally 30 trees). Before and after nutrient spraying, the quality characteristics of the trees were recorded and a mixed sample of leaves was prepared from them. Nutrient spraying were done at full time of leaves from early June to July with an interval of 10 days in three shifts. The results showed that the amount of micronutrients elements in the leaves of trees at the beginning of the growing season was significantly higher than the end of the season. Among the micronutrients elements, the amount of boron in the leaves of healthy trees was more than decaying trees. Qualitative evaluation of trees showed that the progression of dieback has stopped in most of the studied trees. Feeding of decaying trees and increasing the possibility of nutrient uptake from the soil can be effective in stopping the decay of trees.