Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Forest Stands Structure in Managed and Unmanaged Forest Stands (Case Study: Loveh Forestes and Khandushan Forests Plans)

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Graduated, Faculty of Forest Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

2 Faculty of Forest Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

3 Faculty of Forest Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources,

Abstract

Background and objectives: The aim of this study is to compare quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forest structure in managed forest stands (Loveh forestry plan) with unmanaged forest stands (Khandushan forestry plan).
Materials and methods: The sample plots were collected in a systematic random sampling design in unmanaged 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. Statistical Analysis was used to determine differences in structural characteristics, tree species diversity and regeneration between two forest stands. According to results differences in tree density, basal area and stand volume between managed and unmanaged forest stands was found significantly in 99% probability level.
Results: Tree density (ha) in managed stand is more than unmanaged stand whereas basal area and stand volume had a higher value in unmanaged stand. There is no significant differences (p >95%) in tree density, basal area and stand volume based on grade quality in two forest stands, but the number of healthy, 1and 2 grade quality trees in managed stand are more than unmanaged stands. Additionally, in both stands, two Carpinus – Querco and Querco-Carpinus forest types are as the dominant types and two specie European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and Oak (Quercus castanifolia C.A.Mey) have the highest abundance respectively. The diversity indices of trees in managed stand are greater than natural stand but evenness indices in unmanaged stands are greater than managed stands. The results indicated that natural regeneration of two stands have no significant differences in 95% probability but regeneration in managed stands is more desirable than unmanaged stands.
Conclusion: Generally, our findings showed that the managed forest stands had a desirable conditions in terms of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forests structure, stand composition and diversity for forestry plan management. It seems forestry plan management improve structure, composition and diversity of forest stands.
Conclusion: Generally, our findings showed that the managed forest stands had a desirable conditions in terms of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forests structure, stand composition and diversity for forestry plan management. It seems forestry plan management improve structure, composition and diversity of forest stands.
Conclusion: Generally, our findings showed that the managed forest stands had a desirable conditions in terms of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forests structure, stand composition and diversity for forestry plan management. It seems forestry plan management improve structure, composition and diversity of forest stands.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 24, Issue 4
March 2018
Pages 217-236

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