Spatial Evaluation of Forest Structural Features in Zagros Forests (Gahvareh Forests, Kermanshah)

Assessment of forest structure and their spatial patterns are essential for managing and evaluation of forest ecosystems. This study was conducted at the Zagros forests in Kermanshah to evaluate the forest structural characteristics and their spatial distribution. Data was collected from 25 plots (400 m2) in a 100 m × 100 m systematic sampling grid. The spacing between plots was 50 m. In each plot, all living trees were mapped and measured. The important properties of the forest structure such as tree species, origin of trees (seed or shoot), number of sprouts in sprout-clumps, diameter (DBH), height and the largest and smallest diameters of crowns were measured. Furthermore, crown area and diameter were calculated. According to the results, the mean values of height, diameter, Crown area and dieback percentage were 3 m, 7 cm, 3.4 m2 and 19.56%, respectively. The low amount of canopy cover (18%) indicated the sparse cover in this area. All variables showed spatial structure at the large distances. Also cross variograms showed that the dieback percentage was spatially correlated to height and number of sprout. With this information, we will be able to manage forest ecosystems more efficiently and to reach the sustainability purpose.