Effect of Single-Tree Selection System on Regeneration in a Mixed Beech Forest (Case Study: Dr. Bahramnia Forestry Management Plan)

Planning for regeneration establishment in forest is possible through silvicultural systems. One of these systems which is in most accordance with close-to-nature silviculture is selection system. This investigation was done to assess the effects of single-tree selection system on regeneration in mixed beech stands. Therefore 102 canopy gaps, including 15 in virgin stands, 43 natural and 44 artificial gaps within managed stands, were selected within a forest with species mixture of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica C.A.Mey.) and hornbeam (Carpinnus betulus L.). The status of regeneration was studied in 5 microplots with the area of 1 m2 within each gap. For each microplot some properties such as frequency, collar diameter and health condition of saplings were recorded. Results showed that beech regeneration is the most frequent species in the gaps. Diameter class distribution for most species was negative exponential distribution. Frequency of different species in diameter classes was not significantly different among three gap types. Increasing in gap size caused reduction in density of regeneration. Best health condition of regeneration found in natural gaps within the managed stands and worst status was in gaps within the virgin stands. Totally it can be concluded that single-tree selection is a suitable system for this forest which its implementation caused no significant change in the regeneration status of managed stands in comparison to unmanaged stands.