STRUCTURE DEMOGRAPHIQUE ET REPARTITION SPATIALE DES POPULATIONS DE Pinus halepensis MILL DE LA FORET DOMANIALE DE BENI OUDJANA (KHENCHLA)

Abstract

The establishment and interpretation of diameter and height structures is essential for forest management decision-making. This study aims to describe the diameter structure and spatial distribution of Pinus halpensis populations in the Beni Oudjana (Khenchela) forest. Knowledge of these parameters is an essential step in their sustainable management. The diameter at 1.30 m from the ground, the total height of P. halpensis individuals were measured on 6 plots according to an altitudinal gradient. The diameter and height structures were established according to the diameter or height classes and adjusted to the theoretical Weibull distribution. The density of the species increases according to this gradient from 4060 feet/hectare in plot P3 (at an altitude of 1472m) to 340 feet/hectare in plot P2 (1106m altitude). The stand of plot 4 is characterized by the lowest average values for diameter (5.784±7.03cm) height (3.19±2.56m), basal area (0.00±0.02m2/ha), total volume (0.03±0.10m3/ha) and relative density of 15%. Analysis of diameter and height structures shows an increase in the frequency of young individuals. These results contribute to the improvement of knowledge on current status indicators of natural P. halpensis stands that can be used as a basis for the management of the Beni Oudjana forest