THE EFFECT OF ALTITUDE ON THE STRUCTURE OF ALEPPO PINE TREES IN THE CHETTABA FOREST (ALGERIA)

Knowledge of vegetation characteristics is necessary for the management of disturbed areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of elevation on tree structure in Aleppo pine spatial systems in the Chettaba forest, located in northeastern Algeria. An inventory of trees of P. halepensis forest formations was conducted based on dendometric parameters (tree diameter and height) which were measured on 4 plots (30 m × 30 m). The results obtained showed that the average height varies from 7.79 cm to 9.71 cm, while the average diameter appears from 24.39 cm to 30.61 cm, respectively. The height-diameter relationship of the trees varies with the altitude horizons (774 m to 1023 m). The Weibull theoretical distribution was used to characterize stand structure, due to its flexibility and the wide variability of distribution shapes it produces. Management measures, such as full protection of forest relics, will have to be implemented.