Impact of aspect on growth performances in afforestation of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.)

Abstract

In this study, aspectual impact of on growth performances in afforestation of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) was investigated based on tree height, diameter at base and diameter at breast height in 25-years afforestation established in Isparta region of the species to contribute and to discuss for afforestation and other forestry practices. 300 m² area was sampled from each north, south, east and west aspects. Averages of tree height, diameter at base (D₀) and diameter at breast height (d_1.30) were 6.4 m, 17.4 cm and 13.2 cm, respectively, while east aspect had the highest performances for tree height (7.6 m) and diameter at breast height (14.7 cm), and north aspect for diameter at base (19.6 cm). They were the lowest for tree height in south for tree height (5.5 m) and in west aspect for diameters [14.3 cm (D₀) and 11.0 cm (d_1.30)]. Aspects showed significant (p<0.05) differences for all the characteristics by analysis of variance results. Positive and significant (p<0.05) relations among the characteristics according to results of correlation analysis in all aspects.