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چکیده
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Aim. This study evaluates the post-fire response of Persian oak (Quercus brantii) in the Zagros forests of Iran, focusing on sprouting behavior (type, number, diameter, and height growth) across different time intervals after fire events (5, 10, and 15 years post-fire). Methodology. Three fire-affected forest stands (2 hectares each) in Kermanshah Province, Iran, with similar physiographic conditions, were selected. A 100% inventory of 730 burned trees was conducted, recording stump diameter, sprout type (root vs. stem), and dominant sprout dimensions. Sprout frequency distribution, diameter, and height increments were analyzed across diameter classes. Statistical comparisons employed the Mann-Whitney test (sprout number/type) and ANOVA with Duncan’s test (diameter/height growth), using SPSS27. Results. Persian oak primarily regenerated via root sprouts (significantly more frequent than stem sprouts, p < 0.01), with peak sprouting in intermediate diameter classes (10–20 cm). Diameter growth was highest in stumps of 20–35 cm but declined in larger stumps (DBH>40 cm) and over time (5, 10, and 15 years post-fire). Height increment increased with time since fire, showing significant differences among stands (p < 0.05). Research implications. The study highlights Q. brantii’s resilience through root sprouting, critical for post-fire recovery in semi-arid Zagros forests. The study provides key recommendations for forest management in fire-prone Mediterranean regions, including the optimization of conservation measures. The results identify optimal stump sizes and natural regeneration timeframes, promoting more effective forest recovery.
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