Recolonization by Indigenous broadleaved species of a conifer plantation (Cupressus spp.) in Northern Iran after 25 years

Abstract Key message A vegetation analysis revealed the extent of recolonization by native a 25-year-old Cupressus spp. plantation in northern Iran. young indigenous Quercus-Carpinus community replaced conifers low-slope areas with deeper, heavier, and more fertile soils. Context Reforestation degraded or clear-cut-harvested lands can modify site conditions, facilitating succession reestablishing forests. It is critical to investigate terms vegetation, natural regeneration, environmental variables better understand ecological restoration. Aims This study examines Cypress deforested Hyrcanian broadleaf forests determines which edaphic, topographic, structural are correlated degree reconstitution. Methods systematic random sampling method was used establish 55 plots plantation, followed plot classification using TWINSPAN environment-vegetation CCA. The groups were compared an variance. Tested included floristic composition, stand structure, topography, soil parameters. Results Four identified based on composition. first group demonstrated least forest reconstitution, as planted ( spp.) established alongside pioneer shrubs, enhancing Zelkova carpinifolia (Pall.) K.Koch regeneration. While most disappeared third group, Carpinus betulus L., , Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey became dominant. influential factors communities low-slope, heavier higher organic carbon potassium content. Conclusion On soils, recolonize coniferous plantation; however, steep poor sandy trees well relatively xerophytic shrubs understory may establish.