Spatial pattern and structure analysis of natural and harvesting gaps in Hyrcanian forests using spatial statistics methods (Case study: Chamestan- Nour)

Spatial distribution and size of canopy gaps have important implications for light regime and regeneration, and affect species diversity. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the spatial pattern and structure of harvesting canopy gaps and comparing with natural canopy gaps in mixed beech forests in the Sordar-Anarestan forestry plan located in Chamestan-Noor, Mazandaran. All natural and harvesting canopy gaps were surveyed by a full inventory and gaps area were measured by using of triangles method. In order to spatial analysis, O-ring statistics, variogram analysis and mark correlation function (MCF) were used. The results showed that the most frequency of gaps was related to canopy gaps with area less than 200 m2. The spatial pattern of natural and harvesting gaps was similar and up to a maximum distance of 35 m was clustered and then random. Only the harvesting gaps indicated a spatial structure up to a distance of 168 m. Natural canopy gaps did not have spatial structure and revealed that the gaps are independent of each other in terms of area. Thus, in silvicultural management, disturbance should be created with different areas that unfortunately have been less considered in the study area.