TITLE:
Structure, Tree Growth and Dynamics of Cedrus atlantica Manetti Forests in Theniet El Had National Park (N-W Algeria)
AUTHORS:
Mohamed Sarmoum, Rafael Mª Navarro-Cerrillo, Frédéric Guibal, Fatiha Abdoun
KEYWORDS:
Atlas Cedar, Algeria, Structure, Regeneration, Radial Growth, Forest Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.8 No.8,
August
30,
2018
ABSTRACT: In North Africa, Cedrus
atlantica forests are in decline, following decades of anthropogenic
pressure and repeated drought events. Mixed C. atlantica-Quercus ilex stands located
in the Theniet El Had National Park (northwestern Algeria) were considered in
the present study. Based on a stratified sampling, six temporary plots were
established to describe structure (species composition, density, total height,
diameter and basal area) and radial growth in relation to type of stand (pure
and mixed), using a dendroecological approach. The diameter distribution of C. atlantica indicated the presence of few young individuals and a poor
regeneration status in all the stands. The density and basal area of C. atlantica were significantly higher in pure stands, which necessitate
silvicultural operations. In contrast, Q. ilex showed a progressive dynamic, at
moderate altitude. Radial growth showed a significant decline from 1980 to the
2000s. The absence of an appropriate management plan and the increase in
anthropogenic effects, without ruling out a role for the current climate
conditions marked by drought, seem to be the causes of C. atlantica decline.