Journal of Forest Science - In Press

Foliar nutrients and tree growth of planted Cupressus arizonica in pure and mixed stands

Mahdieh Safizadeh

This study aimed to compare pure and mixed plantation stands on vegetative and nutritional characteristics of Cupressus arizonica. Systematic-random sampling method was employed using a grid of 75 × 75 m with 20 x 20 m square plots established for data collection. Sampling and chemical analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels in leaves was conducted at the third end of the tree crown. The diameter at breast height (DBH) of all trees and the two crossed crown diameters of all trees were used to calculate the mean crown diameter and mean crown area. Characteristics that were measured included average DBH, average basal area per ha, number per ha, number in diameter classes per ha, mean crown diameter, mean crown area, mean crown area in diameter classes and the regression relationship between the DBH and crown area. The study analyzed data using SPSS20 software, employing one-way ANOVA and Tukey test analysis for mean comparison at 95% level. Results indicated the mixed with broad-leaved stand had a favourable effect on the vegetative characteristics of Cupressus arizonica and among two different studied types of mixed stands (mixed broad-leaved, mixed coniferous), only mixed with broad-leaved stand resulted in the improvement of nutritional status of Cupressus arizonica.