Effect of gap size on quantitative characteristics of regeneration groups in a Parrotio-Carpinetum forest type (Shastkola forest)

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 MSc graduate Student, Dept. of Silviculture and Forest Ecology, Faculty of Forest Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources

2 Associate prof., Dept. of Silviculture and Forest Ecology, Faculty of Forest Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources

Abstract

In this study, in order to investigate regeneration success and determine the best gap area, the quantitative characteristics of the regeneration groups were evaluated at different gap area classes. For this purpose, 15 regeneration gaps were selected at three area classes with five replications at each class, including: 50-150 (small), 150-300 (medium) and 300-600 m2 (large). Four square meter plots at two meter intervals were used to measure some quantitative characteristics of the regeneration groups by a simple systematic design on north-south (N-S) and east-west (E-W) transects. The data was analyzed, using the completely randomized statistical design and one way variance analysis and Duncan test methods. The Results showed that the total height and the height growth of the saplings were significantly higher in the large gaps in comparison to the small gaps. In addition, the frequency of seedlings and the density of sapling were the greatest in the medium sized gaps. For this reason seedling frequency of Carpinus betulus and Parrotia persica was found in the medium sized gaps. Overall, it can be concluded that in the selection cutting method, the medium sized gaps (150-300 m2) are the most suitable ones.

Keywords


- Amanzadeh, B., Amani, M. and Salehi, M. 2006. Investigation on regeneration of natural gaps in the Asalem Forests. Pajouhesh Va Sazandegi, 71: 19-25.
- Brunner, A., 1993. Die Entwicklung von Bergmischwaldkulturen in den Chiemgauer Alpen und eine Methodenstudie zur oekologischen Lichtmessung im Wald. Forst Forschungsber, Muenchen: 128-262.
- Denslow, J.S., 1987. Tropical rain forest gaps and tree species diversity. Annu. Rev. Ecol. Syst., 18: 431-451.
- Emborg, J., 1998. Understory light conditions and regeneration with respect to the structural dynamics of a near-natural temperate deciduous forest in Denmark. Forest Ecology and Management, 106: 83-95.
- Galhidy, L., Mihok, B., Hagy, A., Rajkai, K. and Standovar, T., 2006. Effects of gap size and associated changes in light and soil moisture on the understory vegetation of a Hungarian beech forest. Plant Ecology, 183: 133-145.
- Goleij, A., Jalilvand, H., Pourmajidian, M.R., Tabari, M., Mohammadi and Samaani K., 2007. A quantitative investigation of natural regeneration in the gaps derived from the first selective cuting in meskeli Buxus Hyrcana stand. Water and Soil Science (Journal of Science and Technology of Agriculture and Natural Resources), 11(41 (B)):465-472.
- Gaudio, N., Balandier, P. and Marquier, A., 2006. Light dependent development of two competitive species (Rubus idaeus, Cytisus scoparius) colonizing gaps in temperate forest. Annals of Forest Science, 65: 104-109.
- Gray, A.N. and Speis, T.A., 1996. Gap size, within gap position and canopy structure effects on conifer seeding establishment. Journal of Ecology, 84: 635-645.
- Jennifer, L., Gagnon, E.J., Jokela, W.K. and Moser, D.A.H., 2004. Characteristics of gaps and natural regeneration in mature Longleaf Pine flatwoods ecosystems. Forest Ecology and Management, 187: 373-380.
- Marvi Mohadjer, M.R., 2007. Silviculture. University of Tehran press, Publication No. 2709, 387 p.
- Mihok, B., 2007. Gap regeneration patterns in a semi-natural beech forest stand in hungary. Acta Silvatica Lignaria Hungarica, 3: 31-45.
- Minotta, G. and Pinzauti, S., 1996. Effect of light and soil fertility on growth, leaf chlorophyl content and nutrient use efficiency of beech (Fgus sylvatica L.). Forest Ecology and Management, 86: 61-71.
- Mosadegh, A., 1996. Silviculture. University of Tehran press, Publication No. 2314, 481 p.
- Mousavie, S.R., Shageb Talebi, Kh., Tabari, M. and Pourmajidian, M.R., 2003. Determination of Gap size for improvement of Beech (Fagus orientalis) natural regeneration. Iranian Natural Res., 56(1-2): 39-47 p.
- Anonymous, 1995. Revision Forestry plan for Seri 1 of Dr. Bahramnia Forest. Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 252 p.
- Renato, A. and Ferreira, L., 2005. Gap size measurement: the proposal of field method. Forest Ecology and Management, 214: 413-419.
- Sagheb Talebi, Kh., 1996. Quantitative und qualitative Merkmale von Buchen -jungwuchsen (Fagus sylvatica L.) unter dem Einfluss des Lichtes und anderer Standorts-faktoren. Beiheft zur SZF, 78: 219 p.
- Schmidt, W., 1996. Development of regeneration in two selection gaps in a beech forest on Limestone. Fores-und-Holz., 51(7) :201-205.
- Tabari, M., Lust, N. and Neirynck, J., 1998. Effect of light and humus on survival and height growth of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) seedlings. Silva Gandavensis, 63: 36-50.
- Vahedi, A.A., Mataji, A. and Noori Shirazi, Gh., 2008. Investigation on effects of relative light intensity on some quantitative characteristics of hornbeam saplings (case study: khanican series of Noushahr Forest, Mazandaran province, I.R. Iran). Proceeding of the Third National Conference on Forest, 11-12 May 2009, Karaj, I.R. Iran, Iranian Forestry Society, 1-12.
- Yammamoto, S., 1989. Gap dynamics in Fagus crenata forests. Bot. Mag. Tokyo, 102: 93-118.