Investigation and comparison of natural regeneration structure of forest stands in protected and non-protected areas in Arasbaran.
In this study, a part of Arasbaran forest stands in two protected and non-protected areas have been compared for quantitative and qualitative factors of regeneration. Thus, using aerial photographs of 1967 in the scale of 1:20000, the similarity of these stands was examined and the comparable stands were chosen. Afterward, 77 circle plots of 0.01 ha in protected area and in the same way 77 circle plots of 0.01 ha in non-protected area with a grid size of 250x250 m were established. In each plot, all species with diameter at breast height (dbh) from zero to 7.5 cm were measured. According to the results the number of regeneration average in protected area was significantly higher than that in non-protected area. Oak and Hornbeam regeneration percentages showed highest significant difference in the selected areas. Additionally, these two species have the highest mixture percentage. The regeneration structure in both areas includes high and coppice systems, but coppice is prevalent. In both regions cutting, branching and grazing are the most important destructive factors, and the effects of these factors are higher in non-protected area.
Alijanpour
Ahmad
A
Faculty of Natural Resources, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
Mahmoudzadeh
Ahmad
A
D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D007492:Iran; D012038:Regeneration; D014197:Trees / Q000254:growth & development*