From 30 January to 22 July 2011, we measured the rainfall interception (I) of individual trees of
Cupressus arizonica planted in a semi-arid climate zone in the Chitgar Forest Park, near Tehran,
Iran. Gross rainfall (GR) was measured using the mean of six rain-gauges placed in an open area
adjacent to the trees. To measure throughfall (TF), twenty rain-gauges were installed beneath the
crown of the five individual trees of each species. I was calculated as the GR minus TF. The
event-based mean values of I:GR for C.arizonica trees was 37.5%, respectively. Significant
negative relationships were observed between mean values of I:GR and GR for C.arizonica (r2=
0.69) trees (t=3.93, p<0.001). I should be considered when choosing trees for plantation projects
in a semiarid climate zone.
