Individual Tree Growth Models for Uneven aged and Mixed Hyrcanian Forests management (case study: farim forest)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD Student, Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agriculture sciences and Natural Resource University, Sari, I. R. Iran

2 Associate Prof., Dept. of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Sari Agriculture sciences and Natural Resource University, Sari, I. R. Iran

3 Assistant Prof., Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

4 Associate Prof., Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sari Agriculture sciences and Natural Resource University, Sari, I. R. Iran

Abstract

Hyrcanian forests, which are located mainly on the northern slopes of Alborz are very important in terms of their specific features. Consequently, studying the evolution of these forest communities and their vegetative status can help planners and managers in tending forest stands. Growth and product models, which describe the dynamics of the forest, are widely employed in forest management to predict future products and to study management options. This study was conducted in Jojadeh section of Farim forest in northern Iran. Individual tree growth models including individual tree diameter growth, individual tree height growth, individual tree survival growth and individual tree regeneration growth were investigated in this study using 313 permanent sample plots (0.1 ha) in two 10-year periods. Competition in the stand was investigated by basal area and basal area large in the stand. Results showed that in the diameter model, the increase in diameter up to 90 cm was dependent on the diameter at breast height i.e. the diameter growth increased with the tree diameter; however, it decreased after attainment of 90 cm diameter. Oak and Maple trees had the highest diameter growth. In the height model, species type had no effect on the height model. In the survival model, the survival probability of alder species were lower than other species. In addition, the regeneration decreased with the basal area of stand in the regeneration model. in the present study, we have attempted to present models that estimate and measure theexact diametergrowth, regenerationand survival without regard to age

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