Relationship between Natural Regeneration of Juniperus polycarpus L.
with some Physical and Chemical Soil Properties

N. Avani¹, H. Jalilvand^2*, M. R. Pormajidyan², M. A. Bahmanyar²

¹ Mazandaran University, Sari, Iran

² Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Mazandaran University, Iran

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Hamid Jalilvand
phone: +98-152-4222981-5, fax: +98-152-4222982
e-mail: hj_458_hj@yahoo.com

Abstract

Relationship between natural regeneration of juniper (Juniperus polycarpus L.) and some physical and chemical soil properties were investigated. Some soil variables including moisture content, buffer density, minerals, pH and available phosphorus was laboratory analyzed and measured. Four samples in natural regeneration sites and two samples in opening areas and under canopy with three depths of 0-5, 5-10 and 10-15 cm were taken. Results of this study show that in the first layer (depth) buffer density, percentage of calcium bicarbonate, available phosphorus and soil moisture increased meanwhile pH decreased. Also, results revealed that maximum density and mineral content in regeneration areas were greater than that of under the canopy. The greatest moisture under canopy trees and the greatest lime in regeneration areas were seen. The amount of soil pH in natural regeneration areas was more than that on the other regions, but available phosphorus in regeneration areas was less than whole regions. Entirely, we can inference that natural regeneration areas have unfavorable conditions, but other agents including deaf of seed, dormancy of embryo and embryo of hardy skin might be caused of unsuccessful natural regeneration of juniper.

Keyword: Juniper (Juniperus polycarpus L.), Natural Regeneration, Physical and Chemical Soil Properties