Effect of fire on structure and regeneration of oak coppice trees in Lorestan province (Case study: Tangeh Ghale area in Kuhdasht)

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fire on stand structure (qualitative and quantitative factors of trees) and regeneration of oak coppice forests, Kuhdasht city, Lorestan province. The study area with an area of 90 hectares is located at 5 km in north of Kuhdasht city. This area has been burned by a surface fire on 6 July 2005. In this study, A total of 60 square plots with an area of 400 m2 were taken in linear transect with 100 m interval. Two types of sample plots were used. Tree cover was measured in main plot. Herbaceous (%) and regeneration were measured in micro plots with an area 4m2. The unpaired t test results showed that the fire caused a significant reduction in canopy cover percent, individuals/ha and an increase in herbaceous cover percent, diameter at breast height, basal area per hectare and regeneration of oak trees in fire area. In general, it can be concluded that the fire caused making an even aged stand and had a negative and positive impact on quality-density and oak regeneration respectively.