Determining structural variation in a managed mixed stand in an old-growth forest, northern Iran

Abstract

Numerous approaches have been developed to quantify forest structure modules. A variety has measured each as part of stand attributes. This study was carried out in managed mixed stands in northern Iran. The objective was to quantify stand structure and its variation before and after tree marking through the Gini index and structural triangle method. A full sampling inventory was taken in 2004 and 2014 at the beginning and end of a period, before and after tree marking operations in five stands. The results indicate that the Gini index was 39.5, 62.2, 43.0, 82.0 and 74.0% for I, II, III, IV and V stands respectively. Furthermore, approximate structural diameters were determined as a large category for I, III, IV and V stands while stand II had an intermediate-large class pre-tree marking to an intermediate-small class post-tree marking. The paired t-test results were not significant for tree numbers and growing stock changes for all species, and for beech, hornbeam, and velvet maple before and after tree harvesting in the whole stand. Therefore, the Gini index and the structural triangle method can be used for natural stand modeling, structural diversity designation, and for management practices in nature-oriented forestry strategies.

Keywords

Gini index / Growing stock / Mixed stand / Structure changes / Structural triangle method

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