Structure of intact mixed broad-leaved stands in Hyrcanian Forests (case study: Loveh, Golestan province)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Prof., Forest Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (RIFR), Agricultural Research, education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, I.R. Iran

2 Assist. Prof., Forest Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (RIFR), Agricultural Research, education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, I.R. Iran

3 Research Expert, Forest Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (RIFR), Agricultural Research, education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, I.R. Iran

4 Assoc. Prof., Forest Research Division, Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands (RIFR), Agricultural Research, education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, I.R. Iran

5 Senior Research Expert, Research Division of Natural Resources, Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Gorgan, I.R. Iran

6 Research Expert, Research Division of Natural Resources, Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (AREEO), Gorgan, I.R. Iran

7 Senior Forest Expert, Forest Management Office, Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Organization (FRWO), Chalus, I.R. Iran

8 FRWO

9 Forest Expert, General offices of Natural Resources, Gorgan, Sari, Noshahr and Rasht, I.R. Iran S. Rahanjam; M.Sc. Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran

10 Ph.D. Forest soil biology, Faculty of Forest Science, University of Agriculture and natural Resources, Gorgan, I.R. Iran

11 Ph.D. student, Faculty of Forest Science, University of Agriculture and natural Resources, Gorgan, I.R. Iran

Abstract

The importance of study on the structure of mixed stands is not less than that of studies on beech stands. For this purpose, nine sample plots, each one ha, were established in the control compartment of district four in Loveh forest. After recording the general characteristics of the stand, 100% inventory was done in the plots. Coordination and diameter at breast height (dbh) of all woody species with dbh larger than 7.5cm were measured. Spatial pattern of species was mapped using PAST software. Moreover, the locations of the stands were determined in the structure triangle. Results showed that the studied stands were three-storied uneven-aged and composed of 12 woody species with the highest abundance of hornbeam. Mean stem number was 384ha-1, height of trees varied between 3.6 and 34.7 m and large and extra-large trees of Lime and Chestnut-leaved oak with a total height of more than 25m appeared in the upper story. Mean basal area, total volume and dead wood volume accounted to 36.1 m2ha-1, 420.6 m3ha-1 and 17 m3ha-1, respectively. Spatial pattern of the trees was generally cluster. All nine plots were located on the upper part of the structure triangle indicating abundance of old and large trees which were far from the theoretical irregular structure. Considering this structure, immediate application of group selection method is too early in such stands; we suggest starting with silvicultural interventions and moving towards irregular structure, and later establishment of young generation keeping tree diversity and sustainability in mind.

Keywords

References

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 73, Issue 4
February 2021
Pages 439-453

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