The effect of native broad-leaved and non-native needle-leaved stands on the composition and diversity of understory herbal layer in Mazandaran, Sardabrood forest

Reforestation operations, recovery and acceleration of the regeneration and rehabilitation process of deforested areas are important to reach the pioneering forest. The current research aimed to study the effect of native broad-leaved species, redwood (Sequoi sempervirens) species and natural forest in Sardabrood forest, located in Mazandaran Province. For this purpose, four hectares from each studied forest stands (i.e. natural forest, redwood, maple, maple-alder and alder) were considered. In each of the stands, 16 sample plots (20 m ×20 m area) were taken to study of species diversity, richness and evenness indices in the term of plant biodiversity. Based on our data, the species of Carex sylvatica L. -Oplismenus undulatifolius (Ard.) P. Beauv- Pteris cretica L.- Viola alba L. - Microstegium vimenium (Trin.)- Ruscus hyrcanus Woron.- Rubus persicus Bioss. were found in all of studied stands. The highest diversity of forest floor belonged to the natural forest, so that the highest values of Simpson (0.94) and Shannon-Wiener (3.17), Camargo (0.49) and Smith-Wilson (0.24) were found in the natural forest. The greater amounts of Margalef (7.34) and Menhinic (4.78) were allocated to the redwood plantation. In the present study, monoculture plantation has led to the reduction of biodiversity. It is recommended to managing the degraded ecosystems. While maintaining the long-term quality and sustainability of forested areas, the maintenance of natural stands is prioritized and the reforestation with non-native needle-leaved species should be considered as next priority.