DefinePK

Abstract

The main objective was to determine the effect of shelter-wood logging method on the quality and quantity of natural regeneration of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky). To achieve this, an affectation of a beech forest district was chosen as the study site in N Iran (the western Caspian region) which has been logged by shelter-wood logging method. The random systematic sampling method with an intensity of 3.3% and a transect sampling was applied for the quantitative and qualitative studies, respectively. Four major silvicultural characteristics as healthy, mode of branching, mode of leaning and straightness were considered in transects. Present results showed that the quality and quantity of beech trees and the mixing ratio of regenerations were modified since the beginning of the shelter-wood logging period. This investigation revealed that eventually the beech regeneration quantity was in the weak class according to the classification of Forest and Range Organization of Iran (FRO). Quality of the beech regeneration was ultimately evaluated as a desired level however more than 90% of the regenerations was crooked relating to the effect of canopy gaps created by the shelter-wood logging method. High topography of the study site, dependency of the beech seed years on climatological factors, the high shade-tolerance of the oriental beech and ruinous effect of the forest dwellers as well as livestock overgrazing were combined to attain to a relatively unsuccessful shelter-wood logging method.