Structural Characteristics of Coppice Stands of Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) in the Hyrcanian Forests: A Comparative Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12899/asr-2685Keywords:
Dead tree, beech, spatial structure, volumetric inventoryAbstract
Forests exhibit unique characteristics shaped by various environmental factors, with stand structure playing a crucial role in forest regeneration and microclimate regulation. This study investigates the structure of forest stands, focusing on coppice oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) within the Hyrcanian forests of Iran. Three 25-hectare coppice beech stands were selected for analysis in the Chetan, Douhezar, and Garasmassar regions. To evaluate spatial structure—the distribution patterns of tree species within a stand—five rectangular sample plots, each measuring 50 × 100 meters (0.5 hectares), were established within each stand, reflecting the high density characteristic of coppice stands. The volume of deadwood was estimated by measuring the height and diameter of all standing dead trees, as well as the length and diameter of fallen dead trees. In Chetan, the species density was 219.35 trees per hectare, primarily comprising beech (184 trees per hectare), with a total volume of 205.8 m³ha-1. Douhezar and Garasmassar exhibited densities of 294 and 365.5 trees per hectare, with volumes of 204.5 m³ha-1 and 350.7 m³ha-1, respectively. Across all stands, beech accounted for the highest volume and demonstrated a significant presence of deadwood. Chetan showed a notable prevalence of groups with four sprouts, whereas Douhezar and Garasmassar exhibited more groups with five sprouts. The deadwood analysis indicated varying degrees of decay, with the highest frequency observed for first-degree deadwood across all stands. Structural indices, including the Pielou separation index, Clark and Evans index, and diameter differentiation index, were applied to assess species diversity and stand uniformity. Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed significant differences in these indices among the studied regions. The structural analysis of beech coppice stands in the Hyrcanian forests—specifically in the Chetan, Douhezar, and Garasmassar regions—highlighted notable variations in species density, volume, and deadwood distribution. The findings underscore the necessity for sustainable forest management practices that address both ecological integrity and socio-economic needs of local communities.
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