Ecodendrometric study of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) in the region of Mostaganem (western Algeria)

Abstract

The evaluation and monitoring of forest species provide a fundamental source of information for the implementation of effective and adapted conservation strategies for these species. The present study aims to determine the ecodendrometric characterisation of even-aged stone pine stands in the region of Mostaganem (western Algeria). Seventy-two temporary plots (1,151 trees) of circular shape with a surface area of (4–6 a) were installed according to age and density in stands that were as regular as possible. These plots were subjected to a complete dendrometric inventory (total height, crown diameter, circumference at 1.3 m, age, etc.) and an ecological description (soil depth, altitude, aspect and slope). It was found that this species is characterised by a regular structure forming young populations. Relationships between parameters such as mean total height/mean circumference, mean crown diameter/diameter at 1.3 m and basal area/mean crown diameter were very positive and significant. The ecodendrometric data was processed by a multivariate principal component analysis, which revealed the effect of altitude, especially soil depth, on stone pine production.