Assessment of Dead Tree Role in Natural Regeneration(Case study: Lalis Beech forests, Nowshahr)

Dead trees are an important factor for structure and activity controlling in forest temperature. For the sake of survey role of dead trees in the regeneration of trees species, regeneration density of environs dead trees in Lalis forests, Nowshahr was studied.

For a sampling of snags by circle plots (500 m2 area) and snag in the center, and also in the logs used of along plots into width four-meter and dead trees length. Decay classes of dead trees, topographic position and canopy gap area due to dead tree inscribed according to average diameter of canopy opening. In this study gaps were divided into five groups, including close canopy, very small (<50 m2), small (50-150 m2), medium-size gap (150-250 m2) and large size (250-480 m2).

Results of regeneration show that beech species had the most regeneration density. According to the results of density in decay classes, the fourth class had the most regeneration density for total species. Also with the increase in the size of gaps area, accrue in regeneration density and fifth class includes most regeneration. Differences mean values of density between slope and altitude classes weren't significant, but the density of Beech, Persian Maple, Cappadocian Maple, and Alder species were significant in different aspects.

The findings of the present study show that recognizing natural processes in virgin stands of forest ecosystems provides useful information for managers to make the right decisions.