Abiotic factors impact on oak forest decline in Lorestan Province, Western Iran.

ABSTRACT: The Zagros oak forests in Iran are facing a concerning decline due to prolonged and severe drought conditions over several decades, compounded by the simultaneous impact of temperature on oak populations. This study in oak woodlands of central Zagros forests in Lorestan province analyzed abiotic factors such as climate properties, topographic features, land use, and soil properties from 1958 to 2022. We found that higher elevation areas with steeper slopes and diverse topography show significant potential for enhancing oak tree resilience in the face of climate change. Additionally, traditional land use practices like livestock keeping and dryland farming contribute to a widespread decline in oak populations. Preserving forest biodiversity and ensuring ecological sustainability requires im

SUBMITTER: Mehri S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10874411 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature