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Mirzaei, M., Bonyad, A.E., Moradi Emamgheysi, I., Hassanzad Navroodi, I., 2019. Effects of inventory grids on estimation of tree species diversity in semi-arid forests of Iran. Folia Oecologica, 46: 24-29.Species diversity is one of the most important indices used to evaluate the sustainability of forest communities. The sampling method and the number of plots are factors affecting the estimation of plant biodiversity. In the present study, effects of different inventory grids on estimation of tree species diversity were compared in semi-arid forests of Iran. There were selected 50 hectares of these forests representing the regional forests. Sampling procedures were carried out on circular plots (1,000m 2 ) within inventory grids, with dimensions of 50 × 50 m (200 plots), 100 × 50 m (100 plots), 100 × 100 m (50 plots), 200 × 50 m (50 plots), 200 × 100 m (25 plots), and 250 × 200 m (10 plots). For each plot, the type of the species and the number of trees were recorded. Simpson (1-D), Hill (N 2 ), Shannon-Wiener (H ' ), Mc Arthur (N 1 ), Smith-Wilson (E var ) and Margalef (R 1 ) indices were used to estimate the tree species diversity. The inventory grid was evaluated based on the precision and cost criteria (E% 2 × T). The obtained sampling error values showed that the inventory grid consisting of 200 plots exhibited more accuracy for estimating the biodiversity indices. But based on the results of E% 2 × T, the inventory grid with 25 plots was selected as the most appropriate one for estimating the tree species diversity in semi-arid forests. The results of this study can also serve to estimate the tree species diversity in other semi-arid forests of Iran.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate methods for fixed area and distance sampling in the Zagros open forest area in western Iran. Basic forest management and planning required appropriate quantitative and qualitative information. Two sampling methods were compared on the basis of the actual means of characteristics derived from the 100 % survey. In total, 37 sampling plots were systematically installed with a grid of 100 m 9 100 m in the study area. Density, crown canopy, and basal area of the stands were measured. The 100 % survey showed that tree density above 12.5 cm diameter at breast height was 68.04 stem ha -1 , basal area was 15.16 m 2 ha -1 and crown canopy percentage was 35.71 % ha -1 . The values for the traits determined by the two sampling methods differed significantly (P = 0.05). When the time required for the methods was compared, transect sampling required less than systematic-random sampling. Therefore, the transect sampling method was the more economical method for the Zagros open forests. The transect sampling method was statistically defensible and practical for quantitating characteristics of the Zagros open forests.

In recent years, g-C3N4@MXene photocatalysts have received much attention due to their special composition and excellent properties. MXenes consisting of transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides derived from the MAX phase are used as cocatalysts or g-C3N4 (GCN) supporting composites in a variety of photocatalytic processes that accelerate the separation of charge carriers with their heterojunction structure. In addition to the high ability of g-C3N4@MXene nanocomposite to absorb light, it has high photocorrosion resistance in the processes of hydrogen evolution, wastewater treatment, nitrogen fixation, NO treatment, and oxidation and reduction photoreactions. In this review, the latest developments and new technologies for the manufacture and application of noble metal-free g-C3N4@MXene nanocomposite have been discussed and the future perspective has been drawn to deal with challenges related to energy and the environment.

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