javad mirzaei

Changing the Land-uses of forests effects biodiversity and other ecosystem components. There is little information about biodiversity and soil characteristics in different Land-uses in Zagros forests. For this purpose, the effect of changing natural oak forests to coniferous plantations, deciduous plantation, rangeland, and agricultural on the biodiversity of herbaceous species and soil characteristics was investigated in the forests of Chardavol river, Ilam, in 2018. In each of the land uses, 5 square-shaped sample plots with dimensions of 20 × 20 meters were randomly taken, and in each of the main plots, four 1.5 × 1.5 square meters plots were used to check the herbaceous plant species. In order to check soil characteristics a mixed sample of soil was prepared at two depths of 0-5 and 5-15 cm in each plot. The results showed that different land uses have significant differences in terms of Shannon-wiener diversity and Margalof richness of herbaceous species. The highest value of Shannon-wiener diversity index was observed in rangeland and the lowest was observed in agricultural land uses. Also, the highest richness of herbaceous species was observed in rangeland. The results of soil characteristics at two depths showed that phosphorus and nitrogen were affected by land use and soil depth. The results show that the change in land use from the natural oak forest to agriculture and forest plantation has caused a decrease in biodiversity and richness of herbaceous species. Also, the change of land use to agriculture and forest plantation has caused an increase in salinity, bulk density, and a decrease in organic matter.

Gaps affect the soil and other ecological features by affecting the amount of light inside the forest. In this study, the effect of natural and artificial gap of mixed and pure stands of Fagus oreintalis on the physical and chemical properties of soil was investigated. For this purpose, 24 trees in the mixed type and 24 trees in the pure beech type were selected in the Hajikola-Tirankoli forestry project from the Tajan river watershed, in 2015. These gaps are classified into three classes: small (less than 150 square meters), medium (between 150 and 350 square meters) and large (350 to 500 square meters). In each gap, 5 plots were made on the diameters. Inside each plot, a soil sample was prepared from a depth of 0-30 cm and a composite sample was prepared. In addition, a control soil sample was also prepared outside each gap. The gap size had a significant effect on pH, EC, potassium, carbon, nitrogen while, the type of stands had significant effects on organic matter and nitrogen (P<0.05). Also, the interaction effects of gap size and stand type had significant effects on nitrogen, organic matter (P<0.05). The highest amount of potassium was observed in large gaps (with an area of ​​350-500) in pure beech stands and the lowest in mixed stands. The results of the present study showed that the amount of carbon, organic matter, nitrogen and potassium increases with the increase of the gap size. In the gaps resulting from cutting (artificial), the highest amount of nitrogen was observed in the large gaps of pure beech mass. There was more organic matter in the large gaps than the small ones. Also, the gap size and the stand type had no effect on the amount of phosphorus in the soil. Therefore, it can be said that in the mixed stands, especially in large gaps, soil fertility is higher than in small gag in pure stand.</span></span></span></div>

The study aimed to investigate the decline of oak in relation to the woody species diversity, soil characteristics and physiographic factors in Bankol region of Ilam province. This study was carried out in two aspects of the northern and eastern slopes and in three altitude classes (1340-1440, 1440-1540 and > 1540 m above sea level) with circular sample plots of 1000 m2. In the sample plots, the diversity of wood species and the dieback percentage of oak were determined. Soil samples were taken from the depth of 0 to 30 cm. The effect of topographic factors on soil properties, species diversity and dieback rate was investigated using two-way analysis of variance and comparing the means of Duncan's multi-range test. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to investigate the relationship between diversity indices, soil characteristics and dieback intensity along the elevation classes in each aspect. The results showed that elevation and aspect have a significant effect on soil properties, woody species diversity and dieback intensity. Based on the results, the amount of organic matter was higher on the north aspect than on the east aspect. The highest amount of total nitrogen recorded in 1440-1540 m and > 1540 m on the northern aspect and the lowest amount was in 1340-1440 m in the eastern aspect. The amount of soil phosphorus was highest in the northern aspect and at 1440-1540 m. Shannon-Weiner and Simpson's diversity indices and the richness of woody species were higher in the northern aaspect and middle and high elevation classes than the low elevation class. The highest dieback intensity was observed at altitudes > 1540 m in both the northern (9.88%) and eastern (10.55%) aspects, and the lowest value was in the middle elevation on the northern and eastern aspects, and these situations should be prioritized for protection, restoration and silvicultural merasures related this phenomenon.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi constitute an important component of soil microflora and coexist with 80% of plant species. The present study was conducted with the aim of Morphology identifying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in three habitats (Shanachir, Ilam and Malekshahi) with different climatic conditions and in two aspect slopes, north and south, in the Oak forests of Ilam province.

In order to take soil samples, in each habitat   and both north and south aspect slopes 20 mixed soil samples were taken. A total of 60 samples was taken from all three habitats based on a completely random sampling plan from a depth of 0-20 cm in the spring season. Spore extraction of mycorrhizal fungi was done using the method of sieving and centrifugation with sucrose, and the identification of fungi was done based on the measurement of morphological characteristics and using the identification key and reliable internet sites. The abundance percentage of fungal species was also calculated using the percentage of spores belonging to a fungal species. Venn diagram was used to determine the similarity percentage of fungal species in different habitats and aspect slopes in each habitat.

The results of this study showed that a total of 39 species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi belonging to 11 genera were identified in three studied areas and two aspect slopes. 36 fungal species belonging to 11 genera were identified in Ilam habitat, 37 mycorrhizal fungal species belonging to 11 genera Malekshahi and 34 fungal species belonging to 10 genera were identified in Shanachir. The highest percentage of the relative frequency of the fungus genus also belonged to the two genera Acaulospora and Glomus.In all habitats and aspect slopes, the two species Glomus nanolumen and Acaulospora lacunosa had the highest percentage of fungal species abundance. The results of species similarity in different habitats showed that 30 species of mycorrhizal fungi, equivalent to 76.92% of the species, were common among the habitats, and there was one endemic species (Glomus macrocarpum) in Malekshahi city. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the spore density in the study areas (p=0.000), which was higher in Malekshahi and Shenchir than in Ilam. The average spore density was higher in all habitats in the southern aspect slope than in the northern aspect slope. The average density of spores in different areas varied from 111.20 in Ilam to 140.25 in Malekshahi and among different aspect slopes from 105.60 in the north of Ilam to 150.90 in the south of Malekshahi.

The result of the present study showed that mycorrhizal fungi in different areas and aspect slopes were different in terms of the number of fungal species, distribution and number of spores and the highest spore density was observed in the southern aspect slope and in Malekshahi region.

Forest conversion to agriculture, Forest Understory cultivation and grazing in the forest are considered as the most important factors in the destruction of Zagros forests and in this regard, local and governmental stakeholders have different and contradictory views together. The purpose of this study was to gain a perspective of stakeholders regarding agricultural and livestock activities in Almaneh allotment forests in Sarvabad city. In the Almaneh`s forest village, agricultural activities whether farming or horticultural are carried out either inside the forest (in the form of understory farming, or deforestation and conversion to agriculture and orchard) or at the edge of the forest which in any case affects the forest. In this village livestock also has a direct impact on the forest and it can always be described as an integral part of the forest.

The statistical society of this study includes the people of Almaneh village and some experts of the Natural Resources and Agricultural offices of Kurdistan province. The main instrument of the study is a questionnaire and In total, 115 local and state stakeholders views using a Likert scale on Forest conversion to agriculture, Forest Understory cultivation and grazing in the forest were investigated. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for data analysis using SPSS software.

According to the results, local stakeholders are not aware of their activities in deforestation and agricultural experts agree with them. But natural resources experts have opposite view. In other words, local and state practitioners have a different perspective on many aspects of the activity and the conflict between local practitioners and government experts, especially natural resource experts, is clearly visible.

So, from a stakeholders perspective, a common item is selected as the selected stakeholders item in all three activities, which shows that these activities are due to economic problems and the lack of local people's income.

The occurrence of fires is one of the important factors that determine the different characteristics of many terrestrial ecosystems. For a long time, fires have severely affected forest areas, and sometimes their negative effects remain for several years after the occurrence of the fire, so that the state of vegetation does not return to its previous state. The aim of this study is to model the restoration of vegetation in Zagros forests (Ilam province) following fire.

We used various climatic and environmental data as independent variables (vegetation at the time of fire (NDVI+1), burn severity index, temperature and precipitation anomaly, average temperature, annual precipitation, slope, aspect, and elevation) and NDVI +5 as dependent variable for the modeling (using random forest, decision tree and gradient boosting) the vegetation recovery following fire. Landsat satellite images were used to prepare indices indicating vegetation density status and burn severity, and after preprocessing the images, these indices were prepared by spectral ratio. Climatic variables (precipitation, average temperature, minimum temperature and maximum temperature) were also estimated according to the regression relationships between these variables and the elevation in the study area. Finally, three machine learning algorithms, including decision tree, random forest, and gradient boosting, were used for modeling, and also the accuracy of these models were evaluated.

The results showed that among the various variables investigated, the annual precipitation, average annual temperature, normalized vegetation difference index (NDVI) and burn intensity index at the time of fire were the most important factors affecting the vegetation restoration post fire in these forests. The precipitation and temperature were the most important factors affecting the restoration among the mentioned factors. Also, the results showed that among the different models, the gradient boosting algorithm with R2 = 0.66 models vegetation restoration better than other models. In this model, the climatic factors were the most important in the vegetation recovery.

According the relationships between the NDVI and other studied factors and the results of the modeling; it is possible to explain the effective role of climate factors in the vegetation restoration in the study area.

Measuring rainfall and its components is essential in forest areas to manage the land's water resources. Throughfall is one of the most important components of the water cycle in forest ecosystems, which has many spatial variations due to the heterogeneous structure of canopy and variable rainfall patterns. However, few studies conducted to determine the optimum samples size for estimating this variable. This study aimed to estimate the number of collectors needed to estimate the average cumulative throughfall of Persian oak (Quercus brantii), pine (Pinus eldarica) and silver cedar (Cupressus arizonica) stands within certain error limit percentage in the semi-arid Zagros forests (Chaoghasabz Forest Park, Ilam County). By determining the appropriate number of collectors, it is possible to have a proper measurement of rainfall and its components in forest areas with acceptable accuracy and saving time and cost.

This research was conducted from October 2017 to February 2018, in natural stands of Persian oak, 30-year eldar pine and silver cedar plantations. The amount of rainfall was measured by five rain gauges located in the open space (outside the canopy), adjacent to the studied stands. The measurement of throughfall was carried out by 27 collectors in Persian oak underneath the canopy and 36 collectors in each eldar pine and silver cedar stands. The average stemflow of five trees in each stand was considered as the average stemflow of the stand. The amount of rainfall interception was estimated from the difference between the amount of gross rainfall and the sum of throughfall and stemflow.

During the study period, 20 rainfall events (in total, 258.2 mm) were measured, and on average, 80, 50 and 59% of it has passed through the canopy in the form of throughfall in each oak, pine and cedar stands, respectively. The mean values for rainfall interception were computed as 46.23 mm for Persian oak, 113.17 mm for eldar pine and 92.17 mm for silver cedar stands. The average number of required collectors estimated with 5, 10 and 15% error percentage of the cumulative average of throughfall at a confidence limit of 95% are 102, 25, and 11 for oak, 5, 10, and 15 for pine and 30, 8 and 3 for cedar, respectively.

According to the results of this study, a positive and strong relationship was observed between the amount of rainfall and throughfall for Persian oak (R2=0.9155), eldar pine (R2=0.8831) and silver cedar (R2=0.8967). On this basis, it can be said that with the increase of rainfall size, throughfall increases. Considering the rainfall regime and the importance of water in these areas, in forestry and modeling of ecohydrological processes in forest ecosystems, priority should be given to planting species with higher throughfall and less interception loss.
The estimated number of 27 collectors is enough to measure average cumulative throughfall of Persian oak with an error of 10%. In the eldar pine and silver cedar stands, where 36 collectors used, this number found to be optimum for measuring the cumulative average of throughfall with an error of 5%. Thus, in the Persian oak stand, the number of collectors should be increased in order to estimate the cumulative average of throughfall with a lower percentage of error, and in the other two stands, the number of collectors was found to be suitable.

Afforestation with oak (Quercus brantii Lindl) trees has been done for restoration of degraded areas in Zagros forests, however, few studies have been done on the dynamics of leaf and soil nutrients compared to natural trees (standard and coppice). The aim of this research is to compare the nutritional elements of leaves in natural trees (standard and coppice) and planted forms of persian oak (with an average age of about 30 years).

According to the objectives of the research, in the city of Ilam, where afforestation with persian oak species was carried out in the vicinity of its natural form, sampling were done from leaves and the soil (at a depth of 0-20 cm) in the two seasons of spring (April) and summer (September) to compare the changes in carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium and some physical and chemical characteristics of the soil. Two-way analysis of variance (GLM) used to compare the soil and leaf properties among different regions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation test were used in order to investigate the relationships between leaf and soil nutrients and their changes in different forms.

results of GLM showed that nitrogen and phosphorus of leaves were affected by different forms of oak species and season, and their amount is higher in spring than in summer. So that the amount of nitrogen in the leaves of standard (20.2% to 1.68%) and planted trees (1.78% to 1.25%) was higher in spring compared to summer. The amount of calcium in the leaves in summer was between 1.5 and 2 times higher than in spring (planted oak; 303.66 ppm to 170.33 ppm, coppice; 282.33 ppm to 149.33 ppm, standard tress, 285.66 to 233 mg/kg. Leaf potassium was influenced by different oak forms and seasons. So that it was more in spring than in summer and in standard (201.16 mg/kg) and planted trees (161.47 mg/kg) it was 1 to 1.5 times than that of coppice trees (128.30 mg/kg). Principal component analysis and Pearson correlation showed that in two seasons, different forms of oak can be separated from each other.

Therefore, it can be said that the planted Persian oak trees are similar to the standard form in terms of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus elements and were more than coppice trees. In addition, in planted, unlike natural forms, the amount of leaf elements were higher in summer than in spring.

Local people are always dependent on cutting down and pollarding of Zagros forests trees to provide their livelihoods needs such as house heating, cooking, supply of livestock forage and building materials. The stakeholders also have many conflicts in terms of forest utilization, which is the main cause of many irregularities in the forest management. The present study was conducted to investigate the views of local and governmental forest stakeholders on the cutting down and pollarding of forest trees in the Almaneh village, Sarvabad city of Kurdistan province. The main tool of the research was a questionnaire whose validity was evaluated based on the opinions of specialists and its reliability surveyed through Cronbachchr('39')s coefficient. In total, the views of 115 local and governmental stakeholders were studied using a Likert scale. All data were submitted to SPSS to analyze using Kruskal wallis and Mann whitney tests. According to the results, local stakeholders stated that they currently forest trees are not severely cut down and pollarded as in the past (Average stakeholder views for cutting and pollarding were 2.3 and 4.1, respectively), and their utilization is limited to the collection of dead trees that do not damage the forest (Average stakeholder views were 4.03) and oppose the governmentchr('39')s inhibition. Natural resources specialists, despite the confirmation of the decline in these utilities in recent years (Average stakeholder views for cutting and pollarding were 3.14 and 3.9, respectively), have considered the destruction of forests, and the bilateral participation is necessary in this regard. In total, our results showed explicit signs of conflict between the views of local and governmental stakeholders to each other. In spite of the conflict of views, in general, stakeholders announced the positive impact of entering the gas into the village and changing the source of livestock forage (Average stakeholder views for cutting and pollarding were 3.79 and 4.1, respectively).

The decline of forest trees has always been one of the main problems of various ecosystems. Today’s, this phenomenon is occurring in the natural resources and forests of Zagros, and has a wider dimension every day. Various biotic and abiotic factors have been identified and introduced in different countries as the main factor or factors affecting the weakness, dryness and death of oak trees. But in Iran, the factor or main factors of the trees decline in the Zagros forest have not yet been determined accurately. The incidence and severity of this phenomenon in recent years due to the importance of forests in the province of Ilam from the viewpoint of in environmental issues and their becoming generous to oak decline, have been investigated. For this purpose, in the present study, in the multi-criteria decision-making space and the use of the AHP hierarchical process, six main criteria and a total of 28 sub-criteria were evaluated. The weight of each criteria and sub-criteria was computed by distributing 30 special questionnaires of forest specialist and obtaining opinions from experts group and using Expert Choice software version 11. The results showed that the highest weight was for drought and climate change (0.289), and the lowest weight for the quantitative and qualitative criteria of the tree and its forestry characteristics (0.097). Other criteria In order of importance were; pests and diseases (0.194), human and animal factors (0.192), air pollution (0.123) and site quality of habitat (0.105).

To study the effect of canopy gaps on aboveground plant composition and permanent soil seed bank in mixed and pure stands of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis lipsky), artificial and natural canopy gaps with different sizes considered at the Hajikola-Tirankli forest plan, Sari. All canopy gaps were grouped in different classes including small (less than 150 m2), medium (150-350 m2), and large (350-500 m2) sizes. The variation of aboveground vegetation composition in response to the gap characteristics was surveyed by Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), and similarity of the aboveground vegetation with soil seed bank in the two depths was compared using the Jaccard similarity index. In total, 71 plant species were identified in the region, from which 26 belonged to above ground, 24 species to soil seed banks and 21 species were similar for both sections. Species such as Carex sylvatica Huds. Carex riparia Curtis, Rubus hyrcanus Juz. and Hypericum androsaemum L. were dominant in the soil seed bank. In addition, results showed that plant composition in vegetation differed with a soil seed bank. The Jaccard similarity index indicated that the similarity rate of aboveground vegetation and the corresponding seed banks under large gaps was higher than those of small/medium gaps and control plots. Moreover, the similarity rate between soil seed bank in the upper layer (0-5 cm) with above-ground vegetation composition was higher compared with the deeper layer (5-10 cm). These differences, especially with regard to the variation of similarity between the soil seed bank and vegetation across a range of gap sizes calls for increased attention to management and rehabilitation measures that are appropriate for each of the microhabitats created by the canopy gaps.

Todays the pollution of air, water and soil caused by industrial units, has been proved in the world. Among them, the cement industry is one of the most important environmental pollutants that have adverse environmental effects on the surroundings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of afforestation on sequestration of Cd, Zn, Pb and Mn in soil of 7 stands around the Ilam Cement Factory.

In each stands, some plots (10 × 10 m) were established systematically. Soil sampling was done from the depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm. Also, heavy metals from the soil samples and electro filter were measured.

Results showed that the amount of Cd in the electro filter was similar to Cd in soil of the stands, but the amounts of Pb, Zn and Mn in electro filter are more than of those that in soils of the stands (0-10 cm and 10-20 cm depth). The results also showed that with increasing soil depth the amount of Pb sequestration decreased. In natural Oak stand, the most amount of Cd was seen in surface soil (0-10 cm depth), the most Zn were in deep soil (10-20 cm depth) and the Most amount of Mn sequestration in both depths were observed.  

In general, we can say there are direct relationship between the degree of tree mixing and sequestration of heavy metals. In addition, in the natural Oak stand, the amount of heavy metal sequestration was higher than other stands.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the soil physiochemical properties and regeneration of Prosopis cineraria in Bushehr and Hormozgan provinces, and to determine the most important soil factors effecting P. cineraria distribution and regeneration establishment. For this purpose, we selected four natural pure sites including Chah Mobarak, Nakhl Ghanem, Amani, and Bahdeh in Bushehr and Hormozgan provinces. In each site, five 25*25 m plots were randomly selected and soil samples were taken in each plot in two depths of 0-5 and 6-25 cm. Also, all of the regeneration in each plot, were counted and categorized based on their height (seedlings, <10, 11–25, 26–50, 51–75, 76–100, 101–130, 131–200 and >200 cm height). Collected soil physiochemical data and regeneration classes were subjected to one-way ANOVA. Result indicated that the highest and lowest amount of soil calcium carbonate belonged to the Amani (57.28%) and Bahdeh (80.6 %) sites, respectively. However, no calcium carbonate was observed in Chah Mobarak and Nakhl Ghanem sites. The maximum and minimum soil electrical conductivity belonged to the Chah Mobarak (5.58 ds/m) and Bahdeh (1.28 ds/m) sites at the depth 0-5 cm, respectively. Furthermore, the highest amount of calcium carbonate were recorded in Bahdeh (77.7 %) and Amani (55.4 %) at the depth of 6-20 cm. Soil Organic matter (1.24 %) and nitrogen (0.12 %) were greater in Nakhl Ghanem compared to other sites. Results of regeneration indicated that there are significant differences among the studied sites. Furthermore, Nakhl Ghanem, Amani, Bahdeh, and Chah Mobarak had 3814, 1491, 2813, and 3088 regeneration per ha. No regeneration was recorded in Amani and Bahdeh for >200 cm height class. Based on the results, the most important soil factor effecting P. cineraria distribution are silt followed by sand, potassium and clay. Moreover, nitrogen is an essential soil element in P. cineraria regeneration establishment. However, calcium carbonate and electrical conductivity had negative effects on P. cineraria regeneration and should be considered in plantation plans.

High demand to wood and its products followed by decrease in forests area leads to give special importance to forest plantation. This study aimed to consider the impact of 20-year pure and mixed plantation of Eucalypt and Arizona cypress on above-ground growth features and soil properties in Seymareh Park in Ilam province, Iran. A complete randomly design was conducted with two treatments of pure plantation of Eucalypt, and mixed plantation of Eucalypt and Arizona cypress with three repetitions in 2014. In total, 42 sample plots were determined. The quantity characteristics were as follow: diameter at breast height (DBH), diameter of collar (DC), tree height (H), crown coverage (CC), slender coefficient (SC), Form quotient, tree volume (V), leaf dry mass (LDM), leaf area index (LAI), total growth ring width (TWR), and wood density (WD). In order to determine the chemical and physical properties of soil, three soil samples from each plot at the depth of 0 to 30 cm were collected and a mixed sample was transformed to the laboratory for the further works. The results showed that DBH, DC, H, V, TWR of Eucalypt in pure plantation was significantly higher than those of mixed plantation (P< 0.05). According to the analysis of main components and growth features of Eucalyptus, two groups were separated across first and second axes as each of them indicated high adaptation with place of sampling (mixed or pure mass). The measuring soil properties between two plantations showed that potassium, nitrogen, phosphor, organic carbon and saturation moisture content were significantly more than that in pure plantation.

To understanding of effect of canopy gap disturbance on quantity and quality of seed germination of forest trees, seeds of two economic trees in Hyrcanian forest including Fagus orientalis and Carpinus betulus were collected from some canopy gaps with different sizes and their germination parameters were studied. In this regard, 48 canopy gaps were identified from a mixed Fagetum stand at Hajikola-Tirankli forestry plan from Tajan River watershed. In the following, the canopy gaps were classified to three difference size classes such as smaller than 150 (small), 150-350 (moderate) and 350-500 m2 (large) and the seeds of the Beech and Hornbeam were collected from inside and outside of the canopy gaps and seed germination test were done on the collected seeds. Seed germinant percent, germination speed and mean seed germination time were calculated and then statistically analyzed. Comparison of the collected data showed that there is no considerable difference between natural and artificial canopy gaps in aspect of seed germination parameters while for both species, collected seeds from moderate and large canopy gaps had higher seed germination and sometimes germination speed. It seems that optimal environmental condition such as moisture, temperature and light is better provided in canopy gaps bigger 150 m2 for seed germination of both species. Same research would be suggested on the other tree species.

The present study was carried out during a one year period in 2016-2017 in order to investigation of population fluctuation and biodiversity of soil mesofauna including myripods (Arthropoda: Myriapoda) of forests in Ilam region (Ilam Province, west of Iran). For this purpose, soil samplings were performed from three regions located at different altitudes of Gachan, Manesht and Ghalarang Mountains during different seasons of the year. Soil samples were transferred to the laboratory and myripods were extracted using the Berlese funnel. Totally, 730 specimens of centipedes and millipedes were collected and counted, all belonging to three families Dignathodontidae (Henia sp.), Scolopendridae (Scolopendra cingulata) and Julidae (Cylindroiulus sp. and Amblyiulus sp.). The maximum density of soil myripods in all three areas was observed in the spring; and their population density was higher in Gachan Mountain (147 centipedes / m2, 136 millipedes / m2) than in Manesht (111 centipedes / m2, 128 millipedes / m2) and Ghalarang (92 centipedes / m2, 131 millipedes / m2). In late autumn, population density decreased significantly in all three areas. Based on the results of analysis of variance, the effect of different seasons on population density of myripods in all three regions was significant at 1% level. Given the diverse vegetation in this area, the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices were high and optimal in all three areas. The results of Shannon's evenness index also showed that the value of this indicator for millipedes was higher than centipedes in all the three sampled areas. According to this study, myripods are potentially one of the main factors in food chain in Zagros forests and our results show the importance of biodiversity conservation and management of natural resources of this area.

Loranthus europeaus Jacq. is a threatening factor in Zagros forests. It is seen on various tree species. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of continental mistletoe (Loranthus europeaus Jacq.) on carbohydrate, proline and chlorophyll content in Persian Oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.), Montpellier maple (Acer monspessulanum L.) and Almond (Amygdalus elaeagnifolia Spach.) as its common hosts in Ilam forests.
Nine habitats with the mistletoe infested were selected in different forest areas of the Ilam province. From each habitat six infected trees of Quercus brantii, Acer monspessulanum and Amygdalus elaeagnifolia were sampled. These trees were in the same conditions of diameter, height, severity of infectious and aspect conditions. After that, the leaves were collected from healthy and infected branches. From each tree, four mature leaves were individually sampled from below and above the mistletoe clump in the host tree, the leaf of the mistletoe, and the leaf of the healthy branch of the host tree. For measuring the carbohydrate, proline and chlorophyll content, the leaves then transferred to the laboratory.
The results showed that the content of chlorophyll a, b and carbohydrate in almond and Persian oak had significant different in the various position including below and above of mistletoe clump in the host tree, mistletoe leaves and uninfected branch. In addition, the highest levels of chlorophyll a and b were observed in the two mentioned-above tree species. A. monspessulanum species did not show significant difference in terms of proline, chlorophyll and carbohydrate in different sampling parts, but the highest amount of chlorophyll (2.282 mg/g) and proline (0.552μm/g) was determined in L. europeaus. A significant difference was seen between chlorophyll b values of L. europeaus and below the clump, and the highest amount of this feature was in almond. The highest amount of carbohydrate (3.017 mg/g) in the almond was in the mistletoe clump and tree leaves below it (2.99 mg/g). In Persian oak, the lowest (2.159 mg/g) and highest (3.094 mg/g) amount of carbohydrates was observed in the L. europeaus and oak leaves below the clump, respectively. Also, among the host trees, the leaves in the position above the mistletoe clump showed some differences and Q. brantii and A. monspessulanum had the most and lowest amount of carbo. The proline values were significantly different between mistletoe leaves and leaves of host trees. Highest amount of proline can attributed to the leaves of almond tree.
The amount of features like proline, carbohydrate and chlorophyll were significantly different in diverse sites as well as in different sample leaves. In other words, it can be said that the hemiparasite mistletoe as a biological stress affects the physiological activity of forest trees, which differs from one species to another.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are among the soil microorganisms that play an important role beside soil microorganisms. Because of their mutualistic relationship within the roots of the host plants. These fungi are importance for the food and energy cycling, have important effects on the dynamics and decomposition of organic matter in the soil and could effect the growth and physiology of plants.This study aims to identify AMF associated with Acer monspessulanum subsp. cinerascens in Arghavan protected area in Ilam province. Soil samples were taken from A. monspessulanum rhizosphere in the summer and to the depth of 30 cm. Soil samples were transferred to the laboratory for soil physiochemical analysis and AMF spore extraction. AMF spores were extracted by wet saving followed by centrifuged. AMF identification was performed based on the on spore’s morphological characteristics.roots pieces were colored with one percent aniline blue, in order to determine the root colonization. Our results indicated that there are 24 AMF species belong to 7 genera in A. monspessulanum rizosphere. Funneliformis and Glomus with 28.38 and 27.78 percent ere the most common genera in the studied stands, respectively. While, Rhizophogus intraradices with 10.23 percent was the most frequent species. The average percentage of colonization was 49.71% and the average density of spore density was 85 in 7 grams of soil.

The effects of some environmental factors on distribution of Lonicera nummulariifolia were studied in Manesht-Ghalarang protected area in Ilam Province. Vegetation, physiographic characteristics and soil (texture, Ph, EC, SP, Cao, OC, P, N, K and bulk density, depth of 0-30 cm) was investigated in 125 plots. Totally, 166 plant species belong to 121 genus and 44 families were identified in this study area. The families of Asteraceae (21 species), Labiateae (20), Poaceae (15 species), Papilionaceae (13 species) had the highest number of plant species. Multi-variant analysis showed that Lonicera nummulariifolia had positive relationship with organic matter, nitrogen, altitude and formation of Asmary and negative relationship with lime, EC, clay and silt. Also, Amygdalus elaeagnifolia, Cotoneaster luristanica, Daphne mucronata, Rhamnus Pallasii, and Cerasus microcarpa has the most ecological similarity with L. nummulariifolia. The results can be a useful for the development of L. nummulariifolia in areas with similar ecological conditions.

This study aimed to select the most suitable chemical and physical treatment for germination and breaking seed dormancy of Crataegus pontica. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized with 5 replications and 12 treatments in laboratory conditions. In this study, each replication involved 30 seeds. Treatments were hot water - sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid for 15 and 20 minutes, gibberellic acid for 24 and 48 hours, scarification, chilling wet seeds (-20 °C for for 2 weeks), freezing seeds in water (-20 °C for for 2 weeks), nitric acid for 20 and 25 minutes, hot water and cold water and control. In this study, characteristics such as germination rate, germination value, speed of germination and Kotowski's coefficient of velocity, germination vigour, mean daily germination and mean germination time were measured. According to the ANOVA, significant differences were detected between treatments in term of mean germination time, Kotowski coefficient of velocity, speed of germination, mean daily germination, germination rate and germination vigour. The highest amount of germination rate, germination value, speed of germination, germination vigour, mean daily germination and mean germination time was related to hot water - sulfuric acid treatment while the lowest one was related to control treatment.

Bacground and Since the Long-term forest ecosystems sustainability is related to soil quality, forest soils study and evaluation of soil physico-chemical properties is necessary for soil forming process. This study was designed to compare the environmental characteristics and ordination of woody plant species and their relation in Ilam forest. For this purpose in Cercis griffithii, Cerasus microcarpa, Amygdalus Arabica, Amygdalus elaeagnifolia, Daphne mucronata Royle, Crataegus puntica, Lonicera nummularifolia and Acer cinerascen stands 4 Sampling location were randomly selected. In each location, three soil samples were taken from the depth of 0-30 cm and pooled. Samples were transferred to laboratory and Soil physico-chemical properties including: pH, EC, P, N, K, Cao3, C, bulk density, saturation humidity and soil texture were determined.
Resuits: Our result indicted that the highest and least values of nitrogen and organic carbon were observed in Lonicera nummularifolia and Amygdalus arabica respectively. The highest phosphorus, potassium, saturation moisture, electrical conductivity and pH were observed in Acer cinerascens stand. Cercis griffithii had the highest bulk density value. The least and highest cao3 were belonged to the Lonicera nummularifolia and Cercis griffithii respectively. Furthermore, the most and least amount of sand were observed in Amygdalus Arabica and Amygdalus elaeagnifolia stands. The highest and least value of clay belonged to the Cerasus microcarpa and Lonicera nummularifolia stands respectively. Lonicera nummularifolia had the most and Amygdalus arabica olivler had the least amount of silt. Also, Amygdalus elaeagnifolia was in the higher elevation above sea level rather than other species. Acer cineracens and Lonicera nummularifolia were located in steeper slopes. The result of CCA (Conical Correspondence analysis) revealed that there are significant correlation between environmental factors and studied woody plants species. Soil organic Carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium carbonate, electrical conductivity, clay, silt, sand, elevation and aspects have great impact on the presence or absence of studied woody plants species. Presence of Lonicera nummularifolia and Amygdalus elaeagnifolia together in a habitat with a similar conditions indicated the similarity of these two species for the site demands. Furthermore, higher phosphorus, potassium, total nitrogen, organic carbon, soil moisture and silt were observed in higher elevation. Also, the similarity of Daphne species, Crataegus puntica, Cerasus microcarpa and Cercis griffithii habitat might be interpreted by higher values of calcium carbonate and sand in these habitats. soil physico-chemical properties and environmental factors were significantly different in studied stands and these factors effects on presence or absence of species.

Sensory marketing is a technique that increases customer loyalty by a stimulation of their five senses and an experience of positive purchase. In other words, this marketing stimulates customers’ senses to attract their satisfaction and trust. This study aimed at investigating the effect of sensory marketing on customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty to sports brands (Adidas, Nike, Puma, Reebok, Majid and Daei). The method of the present survey was descriptive - correlation and application. The statistical population included 385 customers who purchased sports brands (Adidas, Nike, Puma and Reebok) in Tehran city were randomly selected as the sample. For data collection, standard Yu Sharon Kit (2013) Questionnaire was used. Content validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by sport management professors and marketing experts. The reliability was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha. For data analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and simple linear regression. The results indicated that brand experience had a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction, trust and loyalty. Also, satisfaction had a significant effect on trust and loyalty. Trust had a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty.

Phytoremediation of heavy metals from polluted sites could be an efficient and cost-effective alternative in removing heavy metals from soil. This study aimed to investigate the sequestration of Cd, Zn, Pb and Mn in the leaves and soil of Eucalyptus Micro theca, Cupressus arizonica Green and Robinia Pseudo Acasia, which have been planted around the Cement factory of Ilam.
Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to measure the accumulation of metals in leaves and in the soil at a depth of 0-10 and 10-20 cm in three species as well. Furthermore, the amounts of precipitated metals in Electro filter of factory were measured.
The results showed that Cd (0.55 mg/kg), Zn (3.92 mg/kg), Pb (40.25 mg/kg) and Mn (3.74 mg/ kg) sequestration occurred in electro filter; which were totally more than the amounts of them in soils and leaves of tree species. Results of metals sequestration in the soil revealed that increasing soil depth leads to decrease of Pb sequestration rate in all three species. The most sequestration of Cd and Zn both in the soil and leaves were observed in Robinia Pseudo Acasia. Likewise, the most sequestration of Pb and Mn in the soil at both depth and also in leaves were observed in Eucalyptus microtheca.
Eucalyptus microtheca and Robinia Pseudo Acasia demonstrated the most sequestration of heavy metals, and thus are suitable species for planting and green space development around the factory.

This research was conducted to study the site demands of Tamarisk (Tamarix romosissima Ledeb.) in Ilam province. At first the sites that tamarisk was dominat, including Zoheiri, Darbalut, Cham jangal, Pol-e Saymereh, Banroshan, Golan and Konjancham regions were recognizes. In each selected site, five soil samples were taken randomly from the depth of 0-30 cm and soil physicochemical properties including pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, texture, moisture, bulk density and particle density were determined. Our results indicated that T. romosissima can tolerate 0.92 to 9.03 ds/m salinity, pH between 6.9 and 8.0, organic carbon between 0.09 and 3.39%, total nitrogen between 0 and 0,29%, phosphorus between 17.17 and 23.14 ppm, potassium between 2,35 and 402.35 ppm and soil moisture between 0.06 and 30,56%. One-way ANOVA results revealed that sand, silt, clay, moisture, electrical conductivity, pH, phosphorus, potassium, total nitrogen, and organic carbon were significantly different in the studied sites. The principal component analysis and TWINSPAN results revealed that distances from river, organic carbon content, electrical conductivity, soil moisture, phosphorus and silt are among the most important factors affecting the presence and distribution of T. romosissima.

Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) is one of the most important species of Zagros forest ecosystem that it’s natural regeneration has become a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the composition and species diversity component (alpha, beta and gamma) of indicator plant species in well and poorly seed-origin oak regenerated spots in north of Ilam city. In this study, ten 100-m2 plots were randomly selected from each of the spots. Four sample plots (1 × 1 m) were established in each spot for counting the number of plant species. The Monte Carlo test detected 23 and 13 indicator species from 109 and 58 species in well and poorly seed-origin oak regenerated spots, respectively. Based on Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), two spots were different in terms of species composition. The dominant life forms in the two spots were therophytes and hemicryptophytes. The results showed that different components of species diversity i.e. alpha, beta, and gamma were higher in well seed-origin oak regenerated spots than in poorly regenerated spots. In both spots, diversity within the sample units (alpha) compared with diversity between sample units (beta) had a greater contribution in total diversity (gamma). In general, it can be concluded that the composition and diversity of plant species could be used as a bioindicator for monitoring the heterogeneity of oak regenerated spots.