فهرست مطالب yaghoub iranmanesh

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.

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.

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.

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.

Computation of tree biomass, leads to a clear understanding of production potential of natural and artificial forest habitats. Measuring the biomass of trees is possible by direct-cutting and estimation methods. The present study was performed to evaluate the accuracy of allometric equations in estimation of poplar (Populus alba L.) biomass in Koran village of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. For this purpose, 30 number of trees in the study area were randomly selected and their quantitative characteristics including diameter and height of trees were measured and recorded. Then, the biomass of selected trees was calculated by using allometric power equations and applying a diameter at breast height. Then, all selected trees were cut down, sectioned, weighted and sampled and by deducting the percentage of moisture calculated for the samples and extending it to the whole of each section, the biomass of the different organs of the trees was calculated and the results of the cutting method were compared with the estimated biomass of the allometric equations. The results of paired samples t-test showed that the highest biomass of the trees belonged to trunk, branch, twigs and leaf, respectively. Also, results of comparing the two methods showed that there were no significant differences between two methods in calculating the trunk biomass (P 0.387), shoots (P 0.093) and leaves (P 0.082). But for branch biomass, there was a significant difference between the two methods (P: 0.007). The results of this study showed that allometric equations have high accuracy (90%) in estimating the biomass of poplar trees and can be used in related studies instead of destructive and costly cutting off method.

For this purpose, a total of 50 interviews were conducted and the information received was documented by writing commentary points and recording audio and video .Then, data analysis was performed using content analysis methods. According to the results of the research, the traditional charcoal extraction steps include digging a trapezoidal charcoal kiln, cutting wood into trees and arranging them in the kiln, installing a chimney at the inlet and outlet, covering the wood surface with Dried leaves, covering the leaf insulation with soil, lighting the charcoal furnace by fire and closing its opening, turning the wood into charcoal in a certain time, cooling the charcoal furnace and unloading and loading. Due to the lack of a well-codified and up-to-date source of traditional charcoal method in the available sources, the present study is a pioneer in terms of paying attention to this indigenous knowledge and its results, in addition to recording local knowledge of charcoal production, used it in teaching the method of application of wood waste from dried, blown or pruned trees, especially emphasized in garden ecosystems.

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

The effective role of environmental resources in continuing the process of sustainable development and preservation of human life has led to economists focusing on the non-market roles of these resources. Awareness of the amount of benefits which are exited from the society by destroying environmental resources motivates the protection and support of these valuable natural treasures in the society. Awareness of the benefits of environmental resources requires the valuation of these resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic functions of carbon sequestration, oxygen and forage production in Gandomanwetland with an area of 980 hectares with a sustainable management approach. For this purpose, a 200-meter transect was established in the representative areas of three plant types of Juncus inflexsus-Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus longus-Cladium mariscus, and Phragmites australis, and a total of 30 plots of one square meter were randomly placed along the transects. Then, in each plot, in addition to soil sampling, the percentage of canopy cover of all plant species, litter, rocks, and pebbles was estimated. Also, the aerial biomass of the plants was cut at a distance of one centimeter above the soil surface and then collected and dried in 50% of the plots. Plant carbon storage was measured using the electric furnace method and soil organic carbon was measured using the Walkley-Black method. The amount of oxygen production was also calculated based on the amount of plant dry matter. Based on the results of this research, the amount of carbon stored in the plant biomass and soil and the amount of oxygen production were determined separately by plant types. The results indicated that the annual average forage production was 14.8 tons per hectare. Also, the amount of carbon stock and oxygen produced in the whole Gandman wetland was equal to 8.9 and 22.4 tons per hectare per year, respectively. The carbon stored in the wetland soil was estimated at 554.7 tons per hectare. Therefore, the economic value of Gandman wetland per hectare per year for forage production, carbon sequestration, and oxygen production was 72728345, 9 9457140, and 11189600 Rials, respectively. The economic value of carbon stored in the soil of Gandman wetland was 589,424,220 Rials per hectare.

In this research, important habitats of the species of salix in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province were identified. Then, one-year branches were produced for the production of cuttings. Then the seedlings were transferred to the main field of the project and surveyed for 8 years. Height, DBH and diameter of the canopy were measured. Also pests and diseases of the trees were investigated continually. The results showed that five species including Salix excelsa S.G.Gmelin, Salix acmophylla Boiss., Salix alba L, Salix elbursensis Boiss and Salix-issatisensis were identified in this province. Quantitative studies showed that Salix alba L (206) with 7.86 m height and 16.12 cm DBH and Salix alba L (208) with 18.66 m2 of canopy surface were better than other species and have high resistance to cold and frost. The results of pests and diseases also indicated that 8 species of pest were existing on all Salix species.

This research was performed in order to survey quantitative characteristics of Pistacia atlantica trees on gum production in the forests of Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari Province. At the first step, two elevation classes (1200-1600 m and 1600-2000 m) were choosen and trees selected in different DBH classes. Biometric characteristics of wild pistachio trees such as DBH, crown diameter, total height and bole height were used to assess the impact of gum production on wild pistachio trees. The gum was extracted from selected trees separately and weighted. The results showed that the mean of gum production is 571.9 g in each pistachio tree. Also, significant difference at 5% level between the factors of DBH and total height and at 1% level between crowns diameters were seen. The tree gender also showed a significant effect on the amount of gum production, so that the average production of gum in male and female trees were 608.1 and 354.8 g respectively. The results showed that there is no significant difference between amounts of gum production in different bole height.

Wetlands and aquatic ecosystems are valuable reserves of biodiversity in the world. It is necessary to protect these natural ecosystems because of wetlands importance from the plant and animal biodiversity point of view. There are different types of wetlands in Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province because of variety of physiographic and climatic factors and abundance of water resources such as rivers, streams and springs conditions. Choghakhor wetland is one of the most important wetlands in terms of tourism and biodiversity in this province. This wetland is one of most important international wetlands of Iran. The result of this study shows that 123 plant species, belonging to 34 families and 85 genera, are present in this wetland. Unbelievable biological and tourism opportunities in this wetland, including unique habitats of animal and plant species, increase the importance of these natural communities and demand for more attention to this biological treasure among the wetlands of Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province.

There are different types of wetland in Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province, because of mountainous habitats and abundance of water resources such as rivers, streams and springs. These habitats are important in terms of biodiversity and aesthetic with vital role in the livelihoods of the people. Gandoman wetland is one of the most important wetlands in terms of biodiversity and tourism in this province. This wetland is one of the top 10 bird watching wetlands in Iran. The result of previous study showed that, 129 plant species, belonging to 32 families and 87 genera, are present in this wetland. Parnassia palustris has been reported for the first time from this wetland in Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province. Considering the limited area of Gandoman wetland, the presence of significant diversity of plant species, birds, fishes, amphibians, and phytoplanktons have increased the importance of this natural habitat. In this paper, the unique characteristics of Gandoman wetland are introduced.

Pistacia atlantica Desf. is one of the most important species in the Zagros forests. This research was conducted in order to investigate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pistachio forests in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. At first, all of the forest regions were investigated and typology map of forests was made on 1:50000 map. Then the digital map of forest types was made. Sampling grid was established on the map, so that at least 30 plots were selected on the biggest type of pistachio. Using the same method, number of sample plots was calculated for other forest types. A total of 39 circle plots, each 1000 m2, were selected. The results indicated that Pistachio was present in 6 forests types. Quercus-Pistacia covering 84801 ha area was the largest type, while Acer- Pistacia was the smallest type that covered 537 ha. Pistachio type with 90 trees per hectare was the most dense forest type, while Amygdalus-Pistacia type with 20 trees per ha was the less dense type. The thickest and tiniest pistachio trees were recorded in the Acer-Pistacia and Amygdalus-Pistacia types, respectively. Considering the presence of pistachio in the vast and widest forest type of Quercus-Pistacia, we can plant this species in pure and dominant oak stands of the province.

Oak decline is a multidimensional and complex phenomenon, involving the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors. The history of this phenomenon goes back more than three centuries ago and the latest has occurred in some European countries during 1980s. Zagros oak forests faced with this phenomenon since 2002s. Nowadays, more than one million hectares of Zagros oak stands is affected by oak decline syndrome. Administrative and technical operations have made clear different aspects of the crisis; however, full control of this crisis requires serious commitment and attention to the importance of it.

Landuse change is one of the most important influential factors on the protection of natural ecosystems, since it greatly contributes to, for example, stabilizing soil and avoiding its erosion. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different landuses on soil carbon sequestration potential in Chahartagh-e Ardal area of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. To this aim, six different landuse types including natural forest, disturbed forest, enclosure forest, garden, grassland and agriculture were selected, followed by randomly drawing ten samples in each landuse type. In addition, quantitative parameters of existing vegetation, and 60 soil samples were also taken from the 0-60 cm soil depth in each plot. Soil analysis was performed to determine the texture, bulk density and soil organic carbon. The results showed that enclosure forest has the highest rate of carbon sequestration in soil among the different land uses (47.466 Mg C ha-1) and the lowest rate related to disturbed forest (13.689 Mg C ha-1), which was attributed to its appropriate vegetation and ecosystem dynamics. Moreover, a significant difference (p

Sequestration of atmospheric carbon in plant and the underlying soil is a mechanism to encounter the global warming. This study investigated carbon sequestration in biomass and soils of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari’s poplar plantations. To this aim four one-ha regions were initially selected, in which Populus alba seedlings were planted. The 10-year individuals were planted at four different planting spaces (0.5×0.5, 1×1, 2×2 and 4×4 m). From each of the areas 10 trees (total number of 40 trees) were selected and felled. They were immediately weighted, and the wet weights for different tree parts were recorded separately. Biomass was derived after sampling carbon stocks, which revealed that the highest sequestration rates in tree organs is accumulated in trunk, branches, twigs and leaves, respectively. The sequestrated carbon in the biomass was derived by burning in electrical kiln. In addition, 10 soil samples were randomly drawn from two different depths (0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm) across each region. The Walkley-Black method was applied to obtain the amount of carbon sequestration in the soil. The highest amount of sequestrated carbon (226.465 ton per ha) was recorded for 0.5×0.5 m planting space. The results indicated a 50% decrease in carbon sequestration along with increasing the planting space, with 79.6 and 76.3 tons per ha in 0.5 m and 1 m space, whereas 37.6 tons per ha was sequestrated in low-density plantation.

Wild pistachio (Pistachia atlantica Desf.) is one of the economically important woody species in Zagros region of Iran. Because of its economic importance, this species has an essential role in protecting soil and water resources. The possibility of seed oil extraction adds to the economic advantages of Pistacia atlantica. This study in Lordegan forests aims to determine the amount of seed production, oil percentage and chemical properties (e.g. fatty acid) to quantify the economic value of wild pistachio. Initially, 3 trees were selected in each diameter class ranging from 10 to 50 cm. The seeds of all trees were collected to measure the amount of seed and oil percentage in each diameter class. The Soxhlet analysis showed oil production of 27.16%, whereas rated 19.3% by using the mechanical analysis. Maximum oil production as measured by Soxhlet method was shown to be 32.1% for the diameter class of 45 cm. In addition, minimum production rate of 23.48% was recorded for the diameter class of 40 cm. The maximum seed oil of 24.8% was recorded by using the under pressure method in diameter class of 50 cm, while the same method resulted in the minimum oil amount of 16.85% in diameter class of 40 cm. The analysis of the samples revealed 13 fatty acids, including 7 unsaturated (Oleic, Iso-sic-oleic, Linoleic, Linolenic, Palmitoleic, Gadoleic, Behenic) and four saturated (Palmitic, Stearic, Miristic, Arachidonic) in oil extractedform Pistacia atlantica seeds.

Associations between plant coverage and environmental parameters help to understand the natural habitats, as well as the effective functions on growth and establishment of plant species. The Marsdenia erecta (L.) R. Br. ex DC.is one of shrub species which occurs in forests of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, about which almost no report on ecological characteristics and regional distribution has been published so far. In this study, growth regions of Marsdenia erecta were initially identified following site visits and preliminary checks, based on which two habitats of Chahartagh and Dorak Anari were selected. Field sampling was accomplished by means of 35 circular plots of 1000 m2 each. In each plot, quantitative characteristics of species, including number of standing trees, average crown diameter and height were measured. In addition, a mixture soil samples were collected from the surface soil horizon, which were then analyzed in terms of chemical and physical properties such as electrical conductivity, organic carbon, lime, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, sand, silt and clay contents. The properties were statistically analyses on species level. Furthermore, the relationship between Marsdenia erecta distribution and soil characteristics was surveyed by principal component analysis. The results showed maximum diameter, height and canopy of Marsdenia erecta across Dorak Anari test site, whereas Chahartagh test site revealed the highest density. Quantitative results also revealed a significant difference between the measured heights of Marsdenia erecta individuals across the two test sites. However, no significant difference was observed by comparing the mean values of soil variables (acidity, organic carbon, lime, phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, sand, silt and clay). Based upon the applied principal component analysis, soil texture was the most influential factor on distribution of Marsdenia erecta in Dorak Anari, whereas chemical variables of soil such as organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen were the major determinants in Chahartaghtest site.