Morphometric and ecological characterization of Atlas Pistachio stands (Pistacia atlantica desf.) in el Bayadh region (Algeria)

The Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) is well adapted to arid and semi-arid regions and protected in Algeria. This research aims to determine the main morphological characteristics of the species and establish the interactions between them in the Saharan phytogeographical sector of the El Bayadh region. For this work, 12 groves were studied. For morphometric characterisation, we measured the total height, bole height, and diameter at 1.30 m of 609 trees. Ecological assessment, The ecological characterisation of the Pistacia atlantica. Stands were carried out using the sigmatist phytosociological method. A vertical stratification of the flora inventoried was carried out. The species identified were indicated by their biological type. Phytodiversity within the groves studied was assessed using the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H’) and the Pielou equitability index (E). The results show that Pistacia atlantica. Stands are characterised by a high degree of dendrometric variability. 16 species belonging to 11 families and 16 genera were identified, 31% of which are therophytes. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index H’ = 2.59 and the Pielou equitability index E = 0.55 show that these stands are characterised by average diversity.