Spatial pattern of sprout-clumps of Brant's oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) in utilized forest stands of Marivan

Determination of spatial pattern of trees in forest stands, as one of the most important characteristics of stand structure, is essential in tending, reclamation and management programs. This research was carried out in Rikhalan forest of Marivan, Kurdistan province, to identify the spatial pattern of sprout-clumps of oaks. Three quadratic plots with different areas of 0.5, 0.75 and one ha with same origin point were considered. All of trees were numbered and their origin as well as the smallest and largest crown diameters was measured. Coordinates of all trees were determined using azimuth-distance method and spatial point pattern was analyzed by Ripley's K-function. Based on results, the main species was Brant`s oak (Quercus brantii Lindl.) and the tree density was 111 per ha. The mean values of crown diameter and crown area were 5.6 m and 28.2 m2 in one ha plot, respectively. Analysis of data by PAST software showed that the spatial pattern of Brant`s oak was cluster type. Furthermore, the suitable plot size to study spatial pattern in the studied stand was 0.75 hectare which is recommended for similar stands.