Comparison of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forests structure in natural managed and unmanaged forest stands (Case study: Shast Kalate forests of Gorgan)

The aim of this study is investigation on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forest structure in some part of managed forest stands (district one, Compartment number 4 to 22) and comparison with some part of unmanaged forest stands (district two, Compartment number 2 to 7) of Shast Kalate forests in Gorgan. The sample plots were collected in a systematic random sampling design in natural and managed forest stands. In each plot, we record species and their diameters, height and grade quality for all trees with a diameter at breast height (D.B.H.) greater than or equal to 12.5 cm. The results of statistical test showed that differences in slenderness coefficient Hornbeam, stand volume and basal area between managed forest stands and natural forest stands in 95% probability are significant but the differences in slenderness coefficient beech and tree density between managed forest stands and natural stands forest in 95% probability are not significant. Also, two type Carpinus - Parrotia and Parrotia-Carpinus as the dominant types are in natural and managed stands and two species Parrotia persica and Carpinus betulus have a highest abundance in natural and managed stands. Also, the numbers of trees in the first grade quality in natural and managed forest stands are not very different that indicating a positive trend is in management of managed forests in study area. Generally, the results of this study showed that the some of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forests structure have changes but difference the most of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forests structure between two stands are not statistically significant that indicating preservation of managed structure in study area and follow these forests from natural process and evolution.