Comparison of unmanaged and managed Trojan Fir-Scots pine forests for structural complexity

Authors : Ferhat KARA, John M. LHOTKA

Pages : 62-70

View : 16 | Download : 5

Publication Date : 2020-02-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Unmanaged forests may exhibit a higher degree of biodiversity compared to managed forests. We examined and compared the stand structure, density, and volume of deadwood components of managed and unmanaged mixed forests of Trojan fir insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani [Asch. & Sint. ex Boiss] Coode & Cullen);-Scots pine insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Pinus sylvestris L.); in northern Turkey. The single-tree selection method has been employed in the managed forests. Density of large live trees ha-1, density of standing deadwood insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SDW); ha-1, and volume of lying deadwood insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(LDW); insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(m3 ha-1); were calculated for both treatments insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(i.e. managed or unmanaged);. Results showed that unmanaged forests had significantly higher density of large live trees and SDW compared to managed forests insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.005);. In addition, a lower amount of LDW was observed in the managed forests insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P < 0.005);. Our data suggest that the managed forests` lack of Scots pine trees in small- and middle-sized diameter classes indicates the potential risk of conversion of these mixed stands into pure Trojan fir forests. Initial results highlight the importance of large tree retention in managed stands to enhance biological diversity.
Keywords : Abies, biodiversity, mixed forest, Pinus, selection silviculture