Forest and Wood Products

Forest and Wood Products

Comparative analysis of leaf area index and carbon stocks in litter and soil of Prunus arabica (Olive) and Prunus elaeagnifolia (Spach) in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Sohrab Ghafari 1
Yaghoub Iranmanesh 2
Mohammad Kazem Parsapour 3
Hamid Reza Riahi Bakhtiari 1
1 Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.
2 Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Isfahan, Iran.
3 Forests and Rangelands Research Department, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center
10.22059/jfwp.2025.387003.1319
Abstract
Evaluating carbon stocks in the litter and soil of Zagros forests, recognized as vital carbon reservoirs in Iran, is essential for understanding the carbon cycle. This study examines the Leaf Area Index (LAI), litter, and soil carbon stocks of Prunus arabica and Prunus elaeagnifolia in the Kareh-Bas forest region of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. A total of 30 shrubs, 15 from each species, were selected. LAI was quantified by weighing leaves, while litter samples collected from beneath each tree were weighed and transported to the laboratory. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was assessed using the Walkley-Black method, with samples taken from beneath and outside the canopy at three depths. Results indicated that LAI was higher in P. elaeagnifolia than in P. arabica, and the correlation between leaf biomass and LAI was stronger in P. elaeagnifolia. Litter biomass was 0.78 tons per hectare in P. arabica and 0.32 tons per hectare in P. elaeagnifolia, although the proportion of organic carbon in litter showed no significant difference. In both species, SOC was highest in the top 15 cm of soil, decreasing with depth, and was greater under the canopy than outside. The soil carbon stock was 29.9 tons per hectare in P. elaeagnifolia and 28.4 tons per hectare in P. arabica. These findings provide insights for the sustainable management of these habitats and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.
Keywords
Carbon accumulation
Climate change
Ecological indices
Wild almond
Zagros
Subjects
  • Mo, L., Zohner, C.M., Reich, P.B., Liang, J., De Miguel, S., Nabuurs, G.J., Renner, S.S., van den Hoogen, J., Araza, A., Herold, M., & Mirzagholi, L. (2023). Integrated global assessment of the natural forest carbon potential. Nature, 624(7990), 92-101.
  • Hanafi-Bojd, A. A., Sharififard, M., Jahanifard, E., Navidpour, S., & Vazirianzadeh, B. (2020). Presence probability of Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861 using maximum entropy approach in the western areas of Zagros Mountains, Iran. Veterinary World, 13(2), 296.
  • Pan, Y., Birdsey, R.A., Phillips, O.L., Houghton, R.A., Fang, J., Kauppi, P.E., Keith, H., Kurz, W.A., Ito, A., Lewis, S.L., & Nabuurs, G.J. (2024). The enduring world forest carbon sink. Nature, 631(8021), 563-569.
  • Berryman, E., Ryan, M.G., Bradford, J.B., Hawbaker, T.J., & Birdsey, R. (2016). Total belowground carbon flux in subalpine forests is related to leaf area index, soil nitrogen, and tree height. Ecosphere, 7(8), e01418.
  • Jiang, J., Johansen, K., Stanschewski, C.S., Wellman, G., Mousa, M.A., Fiene, G.M., Asiry, K.A., Tester, M., & McCabe, M.F. (2022). Phenotyping a diversity panel of quinoa using UAV-retrieved leaf area index, SPAD-based chlorophyll and a random forest approach. Precision Agriculture, 23(3), 961-983.
  • Pourhashemi, M., Eskandari, S., Dehghani, M., Najafi, T., Asadi, A., & Panahi, P. (2011). Biomass and leaf area index of Caucasian Hackberry (Celtis caucasica Willd.) in Taileh urban forest, Sanandaj, Iran. Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 19(4), 620-609. (In Persian)
  • Panahi, P., Pourhashemi, M., & Hasaninejad, M. (2013). Comparison of specific leaf area in three native oaks of Zagros in national botanical garden of Iran. Ecology of Iranian Forest, 1(2), 12-26. (In Persian)
  • Poorghasemi, N., & Abbasi, M. (2016). Relationship between LAI of Quercus persica and Pistacia atlantica with Field Spectroscopy. Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology, 5(16), 55-67. (In Persian)
  • Adl, H.R. (2007). Estimation of leaf biomass and leaf area index of two major species in Yasuj forests. Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 15(4), 426-417. (In Persian)
  • Khalili Ardali, Z., Mirazadi, Z., & Mansuor Samaie, R. (2019). Estimation of biomass, carbon sequestration and leaf area of Acer monspessulanum in Middle-Zagros, case study: Ghaleh Gol forests in Lorestan province. Forest Research and Development, 5(2), 245-257 (In Persian).
  • Pearson, T., Walker, S., & Brown, S. (2013). Sourcebook for Land use, Land-use Change and Forestry Projects. World Bank, Washington, DC.
  • Scheibe, A., Steffens, C., Seven, J., Jacob, A., Hertel, D., Leuschner, C., & Gleixner, G. (2015). Effects of tree identity dominate over tree diversity on the soil microbial community structure. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 81, 219-227.
  • Takahashi, M., Ishizuka, S., Ugawa, S., Sakai, Y., Sakai, H., Ono, K., Hashimoto, S., Matsuura, Y., & Morisada, K. (2010). Carbon stock in litter, deadwood and soil in Japan’s forest sector and its comparison with carbon stock in agricultural soils. Soil Science & Plant Nutrition, 56(1), 19-30.
  • Andivia, E., Rolo, V., Jonard, M., Formánek, P., & Ponette, Q. (2016). Tree species identity mediates mechanisms of top soil carbon sequestration in a Norway spruce and European beech mixed forest. Annals of Forest Science, 73, 437-447.
  • Rezaeinejad, R., Khademi, H., Ayoubi, S., & Goujani, H. J. (2020). Changes in physical and chemical soil properties under the influence of the rhizosphere and canopy of wild almond trees (Amygdalus arabica) with different ages. (In Persian)
  • Zeidi Joodaki, A., Pilehvar, B., & Jafari Sarabi, H. (2021). Effect of reforestation by broadleaf and coniferous species on aggregate stability and soil carbon sequestration in the Rimaleh, Khorramabad, Iran. Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 29(3), 201-213. (In Persian)
  • Ghasemi Pirbaloti, S., & Soodaee Moshaee, S. (2024). Monitoring and Evaluation of Chemical-Biological Characteristics and Determining the Quantitative Index of Soil Quality in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Almond Orchards. JWSS-Isfahan University of Technology, 28(1), 65-79. (In Persian)
  • Saberi, F., Kiani, B., Omidvar, E., Azimzadeh, H., & Esmaeilpour, M. (2023). Evaluating the plantation success by mountain almond (Amygdalus scoparia Spach.) and its effect on vegetation and soil in Arjan habitats of Jamal Beyg region, Fars province. Water and Soil Management and Modelling, 3(4), 227-240. (In Persian)
  • Bagheri, R., & Zare, S. (2014). Investigating the effect of Amygdalus scoparia Spach Tillage on some of the Physicochemical Properties of the Soil. Plant and Ecosystem, 10(28), 3-20. (In Persian)
  • Jarideh, S., Alvaninezhad, S., Gholami, P., Mirzaei, M. R., & Armin, M. (2021). Soil properties and soil organic carbon stock changes resulted from deforestation in a semi-arid region of Zagros forests, Iran. Arid Ecosystems, 11, 18-26.
  • Karamian, M., Mirzaei, J., Heydari, M., Mirab-Balou, M., Kooch, Y., & Pehlivan, N. (2023). Non-native and native tree species plantations and seasonality could have substantial impacts on the diversity of indigenous soil fauna in a semi-arid forest ecosystem. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195(11), 1268.
  • Maleki, S., Pilehvar, B., & Mahmoodi, M. A. (2024). Comparison of Soil Organic Matter in Pure and Mixed Types of Oak in North Zagros (Case Study: Armardeh Baneh Forests). Ecology of Iranian Forest, 12(1), 50-62. (In Persian)
  • Iranmanesh, Y., & Parsapour, M. K. (2024). Biomass and carbon stock in deadwood, litter, and soil of Persian oak (Quercus brantii) stand (Case study: Atashgah forest area, Lordegan, Iran). Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research. Article in press. https://doi.org/10.22092/IJFPR.2024.365345.2156. (In Persian)
  • Sharifpoor, R., Jafari, A., & Gojani, H.J. (2016). Effects of aspect on age dependent quality and quantity of mountain almond (Amygdalus arabica Olivier) oil (case study: Karebas, Cheharmahal-va-Bakhtiary). Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, 32(4), 688-697. (In Persian)
  • Arias, D., Calvo-Alvarado, J., & Dohrenbusch, A. (2007). Calibration of LAI-2000 to estimate leaf area index (LAI) and assessment of its relationship with stand productivity in six native and introduced tree species in Costa Rica. Forest Ecology and Management, 247(1-3), 185-193.
  • Provin, T. (2014). Total carbon and nitrogen and organic carbon via thermal combustion analyses. Soil Test Methods From the Southeastern United States, pp. 149-154.
  • Pearcey, R., Mooney, H.A., & Rundel, P.W. (Eds.). (2012). Plant Physiological Ecology: Field Methods and Instrumentation. Springer Science & Business Media.
  • MacDicken, K.G. (1997). A guide to monitoring carbon storage in forestry and agroforestry projects. Winrock Internationl Institute for Agricultural Development, Forest Carbon Monitoring Program. 87 p.
  • Cotter, M., Asch, F., Hilger, T., Rajaona, A., Schappert, A., Stuerz, S., & Yang, X. (2017). Measuring leaf area index in rubber plantations− A challenge. Ecological Indicators, 82, 357-366.
  • Husch, B., Beers, T.W., & Kershaw Jr, J.A. (2002). Forest Mensuration. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Fang, H., Baret, F., Plummer, S., & Schaepman‐Strub, G. (2019). An overview of global leaf area index (LAI): Methods, products, validation, and applications. Reviews of Geophysics, 57(3), 739-799.
  • Khosravi, S., Namiranian, M., Ghazanfari, H., & Shirvani, A. (2012). Estimation of leaf area index and assessment of its allometric equations in oak forests: Northern Zagros, Iran. Journal of Forest Science, 58(3), 116-122.
  • Giweta, M. (2020). Role of litter production and its decomposition, and factors affecting the processes in a tropical forest ecosystem: a review. Journal of Ecology and Environment, 44(1), 11.
  • Iranmanesh, Y., Pourhashemi, M., Jahanbazi Goujani, H., Haidari, M., Fani, B., Parsapour, M. K., & Mokhtarpour, T. (2024). Assessment of canopy cover changes in the northern and southern Zagros forests (Case study: Kurdistan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Provinces). Forest and Wood Products, 77(2), 139-152.
  • Perry, D.A., Oren, R., & Hart, S.C. (2008). Forest Ecosystems. JHU press.
  • Askarii, Y., Iranmanesh, Y., & Pourhashemi, M. (2021). The economic value and comparison of carbon storage in different forest areas in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. Iranian Journal of Forest, 13(2), 169-182. (In Persian)
  • Iranmanesh, Y., Pourhashemi, M., Jahanbazi, H., & Talebi, M. (2021). Comparison of biomass and carbon stock on above ground, litter and soil between healthy and declined stands of Brant's oak in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology, 10(2), 17-31. (In Persian)
  • Parsapour, M. K., Kooch, Y., Hosseini, S. M., & Alavi, S. J. (2024). Assessing soil microbial catabolic diversity in alder and oak plantations at varying developmental stages. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 54(12), 1410-1424.
  • Bigler, C., & Veblen, T.T. (2011). Changes in litter and dead wood loads following tree death beneath subalpine conifer species in northern Colorado. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 41(2), 331-340.
  • Parsapour, M. K., Kooch, Y., Hosseini, S. M., & Alavi, S. J. (2021). Quantitative evaluation of soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics under oak and alder‎‎ afforestations‎. Forest Research and Development, 7(2), 235-248.
  • Ahmadi, H., Heshmati, G., & Naseri, H. (2022). Soil carbon sequestration potential in desert lands affected two species of Haloxylon aphyllum and Stipagrostis plumosa (Aran-o-Bidgol, Iran). Desert Ecosystem Engineering, 3(5), 29-36. (In Persian)
  • Puladi, N., Delavar, M.A., Golchin, A., & Koper, A. (2013). Effect of alder and poplar plantation on soil quality and carbon sequestration (A case study: Safrabasteh Poplar Experimental Station). Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, 21(2), 286-299. (In Persian)
  • Laskar, S.Y., Sileshi, G.W., Pathak, K., Debnath, N., Nath, A.J., Laskar, K.Y., Singnar, P., & Das, A.K. (2021). Variations in soil organic carbon content with chronosequence, soil depth and aggregate size under shifting cultivation. Science of the Total Environment, 762, 143114.
  • Kooch, Y., Parsapour, M. K., Egli, M., & Moghimian, N. (2021). Forest floor and soil properties in different development stages of oriental beech forests. Applied Soil Ecology, 161, 103823.
  • Derakhshan, F., Abdi, N., Torang, H., & Ahmadi, A. (2022). Comparing soil and phytomass carbon sequestration in two land uses: rangeland and cropland (case study: Mahallat, Galcheshmeh region, Iran). Journal of Rangeland Science, 12(1), 21-32. (In Persian)
Forest and Wood Products
Volume 77, Issue 4
Winter 2025
Pages 423-438