CHARACTERISATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE DECLINE OF THE OULED BECHIH FOREST (ALGERIA)

Abstract

The establishment of the state of the massif by a diagnosis on different forest plots is part of a project of monitoring and silvicultural management. The purpose of this study is to assess the health status of the Ouled Bechih forest. The methodology used was the visual assessment of the tree crown of the dominant species (i.e. Quercus suber and Quercus canariensis) according to the protocols DEPEFEU, DEPERIS and ICP Forests. These protocols were selected for adoption based on field observations and their applicability in record time. The results obtained indicate that the health status of the trees within the studied plots is declining. The DEPEFEU value index shows an average of 1.75 for Quercus suber and 2.6 for Quercus canariensis while the DEPERIS has an average level of 2.36 Q. suber in and 3.37 in Q. canariensis. ICP Forests has also contributed to providing clearer information on the consequences of this health situation by deducting an average visibility rate of 1.20 and 2.63; social status of 1.17 and 3.11 and competition of 1.11 and 2.49 for Q. suber and Q. canariensis respectively. In general, the health status of the tree crown is average and almost adapted to the environmental conditions. In contrast, the carrying capacity of biodiversity is low and needs to be improved.