Assessing the Impact of Biotic and Abiotic Factors on Seedling Survival of <i>Pinus brutia</i> Ten. in a Semi-Arid Zone (Dohuk Region)

The process of natural regeneration in forests is crucial for the sustainability, growth, and stability of biodiversity. It is, therefore, a fundamental concern in forestry development. Natural regeneration is influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors. This study aimed to evaluate the survival and growth of Pinus brutia Ten. seedlings resulting from natural regeneration in uneven-aged mixed forests in Dohuk Governorate, located in northern Iraq. Field data were collected from 28 random samples during two inventory periods: the first in October 2022 and the second in October 2023. Data on tree and seedling species distribution within these samples were gathered and analyzed statistically to examine the relationships between the factors influencing the survival rate of Pinus brutia Ten. seedlings. The results indicated that the strongest biotic factors affecting seedling survival included the mean height of Pinus brutia trees, spacing between tree species, the number of all tree species, and the number of Pinus brutia mother trees. The corresponding correlation values were (-0.59), (-0.48), (0.3), and (-0.27), respectively. Among the abiotic factors, soil nitrogen content also had a notable influence, with a correlation value of (-0.33).