Changes in Carbon Sequestration and some Edaphic Traits in Forest Types of CEntral Zagros (Case Study: The forests of Lorestan Province)

Tree species through litter fall have the most important effect on soil properties and play a fundamental role in the carbon cycle and nutrient release. This study aimed to investigate the corelation between tree species and changes in carbon sequestration and some soil properties in the forest types of central Zagros The tree species features in the Persian oak, Aleppo oak, and Wild pear forest types were measured by 24 plots of 500 m2 (20×25 m) and soil properties were determined (at two depths of 0-10 & 10-30 cm) by 48 combined sample. Data on tree features, soil properties, and carbon sequestration variables were analyzed and compared by one-way ANOVA. Based on the results, unlike crown height and tree density, canopy area showed no significant difference. Significant differences among forest types were also observed in carbon sequestration, soil texture, N, OC, K, pH, and saturated humidity in the 1st sampling depth but the T.N.V, C/N ratio, EC, Ca, bulk density, and saturated humidity showed no significant differences in the 2nd sampling depth. The most values of clay, silt, and pH, were seen in both Wild Pear and Aleppo oak forest types while Persian oak forest type had the most values of carbon sequestration, sand, K, N, OC, and saturated humidity in the 1st sampling depth. The crown height was the most important variable that showed significant correlation with the changes of carbon sequestration, K, pH, and saturated humidity. It is concluded that the changes in carbon sequestration and soil nutrients in Zagros forest types is mostly affected by forest types and crown height. It is suggested that to estimate carbon sequestration by remote sensing in Zagros forest, the Lidar data that able to measure crown height be applied.