Identify the Topographic Aspect Characteristics Preferred by Wild Olive Trees in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research is to identify the topographical Aspect characteristics preferred by wild olive trees in Al-Baha region, This study successfully identifies the aspect responsible for wild olive distribution. Results indicate that wild olive occurrence is more dominant in the aspect facing west, which comprises fog-affected seaward-facing mountain slopes. These landscapes support dense deciduous woodland dominated by juniper and acacia. Fog increases humidity, thereby favoring wild olive growth; the influence of fog decreases in the north-east. However, there are areas in Al-Qura, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, and part of Bajurashi that have high occurrences of wild olive on the slopes facing north. Moreover, there is no significant difference in the crown size and neighbouring species based on difference in the aspect of landform. Therefore, the findings of the study show theoretically potential landform suitable for olive plantation. Thus, these topographical characteristics are the prerequisites for suitability of olive plantation. However, it is obvious that site suitability is subject to the temporal dynamics of environmental variables.

KEYWORDS

Wild olive tree, Mapping, Extent, Distribution, Al-Bahah region, Remote Sensing, Crown size, Aspect, Neighbouring Species

Cite this paper

Abdullah Saleh Al-Ghamdi. (2021) Identify the Topographic Aspect Characteristics Preferred by Wild Olive Trees in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia.. International Journal of Agricultural Science, 6, 87-100