Investigation on structure of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stand at optimal stage in Sangdeh forest

In order to study the spatial structure of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stand at ptimal stage, this research was carried out in the Caspian forests of Iran. The studied site consisted of a natural stand located at Sangdeh district (Mers-e-se) with three hectare area. It is located between 1900 and1950 m.a.s.l. Six sample plots each with 0.36 ha area, were systematically selected and all trees (1244 stem) within the plots were measured and recorded. Using increment borer, the mean age of the stand was estimated as 137 years; the age difference of trees was 40 years. Results showed that the stand has a closed canopy cover and distribution of stem number per diameter class was more or less homogenous (Bell shape) with a semi even-aged structure. Using Ripley's K function, the distribution of trees within the stand was random.