The Effects of Some Environmental Factors on Natural Regeneration of Trees and Shrubs Species in Zagros Forests (Case Study: Forest of Baye, Ilam)

Natural regeneration is the most important principle to maintain and sustain of vegetation in each region, therefore, doing the research about the relationship between natural regeneration and environmental factors can be useful for conducting a better management in these regions.Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of physiographic factors and soil parameters on natural regeneration of trees and shrubs species in the forest of Baye Mountain in Eyvan city, Ilam province. Using systematic random sampling, 27 plots were implemented in the area with a total area of 900 square meters. Then environmental factors (physiographic and soil) and the number of natural regeneration were studied and measured. Correlation analysis showed that Cerasus microcarpa regeneration had positive correlation with OM and Ca and negative with EC. Regeneration of Acer monspessulanum L. had negative correlation with clay, and Amygdalus lycioides regeneration had positive correlation with silt, while there was no significant correlation between other species and other soil factors. The results showed that elevation had significant effects on natural regeneration of Cratagus pontica and Amygdalus lycioides, while the slope of gradient hadnt any significant effect on regeneration. Only, aspect had significant effects on Cerasus microcarpa regeneration, and regeneration of this species in the eastern and northwestern direction was more than other aspects.