Investigation on soil carbon sequestration and understory biodiversity of hard wood and soft wood plantations of Khoramabad city (Makhamalkoh site)

Abstract

In forestry, human seeks to achieve a new ecological system which suits local conditions. The aim of the research is to investigate soil carbon sequestration and its economic value, herbaceous cover biodiversity of the studied forest plantation stands and introduce factors affecting carbon sequestration. In order to measure biodiversity in five stands, 10 healthy and dominant trees were selected at each stand and 1 x 1 m. plots were allocated under each canopy cover (at four geographical aspects) and out of it at north aspect Sampling was made from soil surface beneath each tree's canopy cover. The results showed that the greatest species according to the studied criteria, using Analytical Hierarchy Process, were Pinus brutia, Cercis siliquastrum and Fraxinus excelsior, respectively and they are recommended for forest plantation at similar ecological conditions. Furthermore, step by step regression analysis showed that gravel %, moisture %, bulk density and organic content % are the most effective parameters for carbon storage.

Keywords

• forestry
• Economic value
• AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process)
• Pinus brutia
• Cercis siliquastrum and Fraxinus