Investigation on some qualitative and quantitative characteristics of oriental beech in the optimal phase (Case study: Sangdeh, Caspian forests of Iran)

Investigation on some qualitative and quantitative characteristics of oriental beech in the optimal phase (Case study: Sangdeh, Caspian forests of Iran)

Majeid Hassani, Manoochehr Amani

In order to investigate some of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) at optimal phase, this research was carried out in the Caspian forests of Iran in 1999. The study area consisted of a natural stand which was located at Sangdeh District (Mers-e-se) with three hectare area. It was located at 1900-1950 m.a.s.l. Moreover, six sample plots with 0.36 ha area and 25m buffer zone, were selected and all trees (1244 stems) within the plots were measured and recorded. Results showed that the highest frequency of stem number was recorded between diameter classes of 25 to 40 cm. The mean dbh, stem number, basal area, and volume were 35 cm, 562, 53.59 m2ha-1 and 677.9 m3ha-1, respectively. The mean height and dominant height of the stand was 27.1 and 31.3 m, respectively. Moreover, crown canopy was 77%. The mean crown diameter and mean distance between trees was 5 and 4.5m, respectively. On the other hand, the mean slenderness and Reineke coefficient was 79.74 and 1.05, respectively. The results of qualitative characteristics showed that the healthy and non healthy trees of the stand were 48% and 52%, respectively. Moreover, 70% of the trees (402 stems per hectare) were defective or damaged. Thus, 30% of the trees (160 stems per hectare) were faultless, from which the good elite and fine elite trees were 23% and 7%, respectively. The frequency of forked and unforked trees were 28% and 72%, respectively.

2009

Caspian forest, elite trees, forking, optimal phase, Oriental Beech, qualitative & quantitative characteristics

DOI:

تحقیقات جنگل و صنوبر ایران

Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran

Forestry

FA