Effects of Nurse Plants and geographical direction on survival and growth of Juniperus excelsa seedlings in the Hezarmasjed forests

Land trials were conducted in Hezarmasjed mountains to study the effects of nurse plants (planting under nurse plant or planting in open areas) and their planting geographical position (north, south, east, west) on survival and height growth of Juniperus excelsa seedlings. The layout was randomized systematic design. With three replicates and 30 seedlings in every replicate. In total 720 seedlings was planted. Seedling survival and seedling height were measured twice a year (middle spring and middle autumn). Results showed that seedlings survival under nurse plants and in north directions were higher than others. Seedling height in open area and north directions were relatively higher rather than other directions. In conclusion, seedlings planted under nurse species such as Cotoneaster sp, Rosa sp. have more growth survival and establishment in primary years than seedlings planted in open areas.