Deadwood assessment in different developmental stages of beech ( Fagus orientalis Lipsky) stands in Caspian forest ecosystems

• Published in: International journal of environmental science and technology (Tehran) 2015-07, Vol.11 (5)
• Main Authors: Mataji, A, Sagheb-Talebi, K, Eshaghi-Rad, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Deadwood; Natural disturbance; Optimal stage; Stand structure
• ISSN: 1735-1472

Deadwood is an indicator that addresses many parameters of naturalness and is becoming a general reference for natural forests. If there are enough of the different kinds of deadwood in a forest, then it is likely to be properly natural. Also, it is a practical indicator, representing the health and biodiversity of forests. The aim of this research was to find out how much deadwood should be present in different developmental stages in a natural forest as a reference. For this purpose, a natural forest ecosystem in Mazandaran province, north of Iran, which is located in Noshahr, was selected. Species, diameter and height of all (living and dead) trees in each area were assessed. Then, developmental stages were determined, and their map was produced. The amount of deadwood was determined in different stages. Results showed that all three stages (initial, optimal and decay stage) could be recognized in the studied beech stands. Deadwood rate varied and greatest volume and number of it occurred in decay and initial stages, respectively. The frequency and volume of deadwood depend on the pattern of natural disturbance, developmental stages and stand structure. The amount of deadwood within managed forests is open to debate and requires detailed knowledge about beech stands in local conditions. So, based on these results in natural forests of beech in north of Iran, deadwood volume between 4.9 and 54.3 m3 ha-1 or 1.1-9.6 % of total volume of wood could be considered as a reasonable amount and each developmental stage must be different.