Investigation on qualitative and quantitative characteristics and succession of oriental beech natural stands in Vatan forest (Golestan Province)

Knowledge on succession stage and quantitative and qualitative characteristics of beech (Fagus orientalis, Lipsky) in natural stands of north forest made it possible to apply the best siliviculture management. Through those methods the permanent and stable forest productivity could be continued. This study was done in beech natural stands (Vatana forest project), at 1300 meters altitude. Fifteen samples with 1 ha area were selected. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics and succession stage of all trees in each sample within the plat were measured. The results indicated that mixture species in Vatana forest project is fagues orientalis-carpinus betulus and structure type of these natural stands had uneven age and irregular. The average number of trees were estimated 122 per hectare and basal area was 32.44 m²/ ha. In addition, average coefficient height and coefficient density based on Rinke density coefficient estimated 69.4% and 39%, respectively. Dominate stand height was 34.7 m, its canopy volume 454 (silv/ha) and average trunk height were 11.4 m. Average canopy height and diameter were 15.9 m and 8.6 m, respectively. Qualitative characteristics of stand indicated that 59.2% of trees trunk were free of defects. The results also showed that the most area in this plan phase transformation was destroyed. The initial stage of transformation succession is rarely observed. Optimal stage of development is more rapid than initial succession and most of then observed to be in latter stages.