FLORISTIC DIVERSITY AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE FOREST OF CHETTABA (ALGERIA)

Abstract

"The structure of various stands, defined as the diversity of trees in the stands, can be an indication of overall biodiversity and habitat suitability, be useful in predicting stand growth and provide stand details for forest inventories. In an effort to find sustainable resource management strategies, a study was conducted on the structural and ecological characteristics of stands in Chettaba forest (Algeria). In this study, six diversity indices were used to characterize the horizontal and spatial distribution of individuals in multi-species stands, using four plots, located in the Chettaba forest (East-North Algeria). The results obtained allowed us to note that P2 and P3 present similar average densities (600 feet/ha), the plots P1 and P4 present low average densities (250 feet/ha and 350 feet/ha). The average DBH values vary from 25.65 cm for the P2 stand to 30.61 cm for the P1 stand. The average basal area varied between 33.73 m²/ha (P3) and 18.92 m²/ha (P1). The Shannon and Weaver index reached its maximum in plot 4 with 8 species. The study allowed us to evaluate the floristic diversity of the forest. Moreover, it indicated the need for its integral protection for its dynamics towards a dense forest vegetation."