Assessment of Structural Diversity of Beech Forest Stands in North of Iran

Abstract

<p>Stand structure is a key principle in stand biodiversity. High biodiversity was associated with the stands that have different trees species with different dimension. In this regard, for evaluation Structural diversity in different diameter and height classes and also their changing procedure of beech stands in north of Iran, 30 modified Whittaker plots by systematic random system were located. The heterogeneity indices of Shannon–Wiener, number of equally common species and evenness indices of Simpson and smith-Wilson were using for the quantitative data. In order to understand the diversity condition in horizontal and vertical composition of stand further, the diameter divided in 10-cm classes and method of Mohajer and the height divided in 10-m height classes and dominant height. Then diversity of each class was extract by ecological methodology software. Results showed the most diversity of trees and shrubs is in low height and diametrical classes. Thus, the study of biodiversity changes in different diameter and height category cause ecologically precise perspective in management of forest stands.</p

Effects of timber harvest on structural diversity and species composition in hardwood forests

“…They reported selection cutting of low and medium intensities caused to little variation in the stand structure, while high intensity of selection cutting caused to significantly changing in the stand structure. Sohrabi et al (2011) studied structural diversity of Beech stands in northern Iran and reported the most diversity of trees is in low height and diameter classes.…”

“…One main principle of biodiversity protection in multiple management of national forest is the protection of stands structure composition (Eyre et al 2010;Sohrabi et al 2011). In forest science, stand structure refers to the withinstand distribution of trees and other plants characteristics such as size, age, vertical and horizontal arrangement, or species composition (Powelson and Martin 2001).…”

“…Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) is the most industrial commercial tree species among more than 80 broad-leaved trees and shrubs. Many studies have been carried out on plant biodiversity in Beech stands in Iran and around the world (Sohrabi et al 2011;Brunet et al 2010;Sefidi et al 2011;Pourbabaei et al 2013). The study of forest structure especially in virgin forests is very important and gives us comprehensive information about the condition in forest for programming.…”