Simulation of plantation map using the spatial pattern of natural trees to restore degraded forests in Zagros region

To design an optimal plantation map for reforestation، a convenient and accurate method is required to analyze plant communities as well as to simulate the plantation map using the spatial pattern of natural trees. In this study، a new algorithm was designed to simulate a plantation map in Zagros forests. To accomplish this، ten hectares of intact stands located in 45 km south of Khorramabad city in Lorestan province was selected. A set of previously-developed algorithms were evaluated to design a new algorithm. The map extracted from the algorithm showed that the required conditions in drawing the map were met. In addition، an appropriate pattern of plantation in different areas can be reached by using the results of this algorithm. Since this study is the first study of its own in Iran، further investigations are required to remove the weak points. Therefore، it is suggested that the presumably existing weak points may be best removed by applying this algorithm in various regions، as well as by integrating effective indexes such as soil type، height from the sea level and physiographic factors. Being based on computer simulations، the results obtained here should be further experimented in different study sites within Zagros region، followed by a thorough evaluation of their plausibility under natural forest conditions.