Effect of Soil and Physiographic Factors on Habitats Differentiation of Three Oak Species: (Q. Infectoria, Q. Libani and Q. Brantii)

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the relationship of some effective environmental characteristics on dispersion of three species of Oak (Q. infectoria, Q. libani and Q. brantii) in northern Zagros forests. Regarding to the geographical direction and landform, 54 circular sample plots, each 500 m 2 have been established considering the presence of at least small group of the study species. In each sample plot, a soil profile has been prepared to routine soil testing. SAS 9/2 and SPSS v.22 and PC-ORD for Win.Ver.4.17 Mc software were used to analyze the data. Result indicated that distribution of oak species is related to the soil characteristics and topographic conditions, except C%, the other variables have significance differences and the parameters of greatest value in describing the habitats of the species were pH, CaCO3, Clay, Sand and Altitude. Comparison of these species showed Q. brantii and Q. infectoria habitats are closer to each other while Q. libani has special nisch ecologic and more restricted habitat and Q. brantii has wider distribution range.