Ecology of Iranian Forest

Extended Abstract

Background: Dead trees serve as significant carbon pools within terrestrial ecosystems and are essential components of forest areas. The measurement of carbon storage in forest soil is a critical criterion for assessing the sustainability of an ecosystem. Understanding the dynamics of carbon storage is vital for forest management and conservation efforts. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dead trees on changes in soil carbon storage across an altitudinal gradient in the Qalajeh forest located in Kermanshah Province. This research seeks to highlight the ecological importance of dead trees and their role in carbon sequestration, thereby contributing to broader discussions about forest health and sustainability.
Methods: To achieve the objectives of this study, an area of the Qalajeh forest with an altitude range of 1400 to 2100 meters above sea level was selected for analysis. The selected area was divided into seven altitude classes, each differing by 100 meters. This stratification allowed for a comprehensive examination of how altitude influences soil carbon storage in relation to dead trees. At each elevation class, one-hectare sample plots were established, with three replications conducted in order to ensure the reliability of the data collected. These plots were specifically designed to estimate the amount of soil carbon storage in areas that contained both standing and fallen dead trees. In each sample plot, soil samples were collected from different locations: beneath the standing dead trees, beneath fallen dead trees, at the base of healthy living trees, and in open areas devoid of tree cover. Soil samples were taken from a depth of 0-20 cm to capture the most relevant data regarding carbon storage. This sampling depth was chosen because it is where most root activity and organic matter accumulation occur, making it a critical zone for assessing soil carbon levels.
Results: The results of the study indicated that the amount of soil carbon storage in areas with dead trees, both standing and fallen, was significantly higher than in soils under healthy tree foundations and in open areas. This finding underscores the ecological value of dead trees in enhancing soil carbon content. Furthermore, the data revealed a general trend of increasing soil carbon storage with rising altitude. Specifically, the lowest recorded amount of carbon storage was 124 tons per hectare, found in the altitude class of 1400-1500 meters. In contrast, the highest carbon storage, measured at 197 tons per hectare, was located in the altitude class of 2000-2100 meters. Additionally, the results of the correlation tests demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the amount of soil carbon storage beneath both standing and fallen dead trees and altitude. This correlation suggests that as altitude increases, the contribution of dead trees to soil carbon storage also rises, highlighting the importance of these trees in carbon sequestration processes across different elevations.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that dead trees play a crucial role in soil carbon storage, in addition to their well-documented ecological functions. The data clearly indicate that areas with dead trees contribute significantly more to soil carbon reservoirs compared to areas without them. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the importance of dead trees in relation to carbon storage and their role in the overall health of forest ecosystems. Given these findings, the harvesting and removal of dead trees in forested areas should be reconsidered. Effective forest management practices must prioritize the preservation of dead trees to enhance carbon sequestration efforts and maintain ecosystem sustainability. Furthermore, additional research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of dead trees on soil carbon dynamics and to develop strategies that incorporate the ecological benefits of these trees into forest management policies. By doing so, we can ensure that forest ecosystems continue to thrive and contribute to global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation efforts.