Comparison of the structural characteristics of coppice and standard stands of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) in Hyrcanian forests (Case study: forests of Kojoor, Nowshahr)

The beech tree has the ability to produce shoots and form a coppice stands under specific natural climatic and environmental conditions or under unusual circumstances caused by human interference. The current research aims to compare the structural characteristics of coppice and standard stands of beech in the Hyrcanian forests in the Chetan area in Nowshahr. The diameter at breast height of all trees was measured using the full calipering method to determine the stocking volume. Half-hectare sample plots were established using the distance-azimuth method to study the spatial structure. The standing and log stocking volumes were also determined. According to the results, the number of live and dead trees in the coppice stand was 174 and 9.7 per hectare, respectively, and their volume was 146.2 and 3.6 m³/ha, respectively. In the standard stand, the number of live and dead beech individuals was 145 and 11 per hectare, respectively, while their volume was 147.5 and 12.1 m³/ha, respectively. About 55% of the standing dead trees in the coppice stand and 35% of the standing dead trees and 42% of the fallen dead trees in the standard stand were primarily in the first decay degree. The highest number of individuals in a beech coppice group included four, which is 17%. Groups of five individuals and two individuals also accounted for 16.9% and 16.5%, respectively. Spatial structure indices of beech coppice, including the Pielou segregation, Clark and Evans, Mingling, DBH differentiation, DBH dominance, and uniform angle, indicate species continuity, clustering, severe dominance of beech species, moderate differences, small size dominance, and clump distribution, respectively. Traditional uses of forests have influenced the structural characteristics of beech stands. Therefore, it is suggested that these and other similar stands be protected as a forest reserve to ensure the development of these habitats towards a more favorable state and the stability of the landscape in these areas.