Comparison of tree diameter distributions in managed and unmanaged Kazdağı fir forests

Abstract

Forest structural complexity affects tree growth, species diversity, understory seedling density, wildlife habitat and fire behaviour. Thus, defining the structural complexity of forest ecosystems would play a crucial role in their management. The vertical structure in stands of shade-tolerant tree species can be described by using the distribution of tree diameters. In this study, the main objective was to determine and compare the diameter distribution patterns of managed and unmanaged Kazdağı fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani) forests in northern Turkey. Hierarchical clustering analysis was used to define the diameter distribution patterns. Three main diameter distribution patterns were examined in both managed and unmanaged forests. Two of the patterns in the managed forest did not possess the expected diameter structure of selection silviculture (i.e. reverse J-shape). The observed patterns in the unmanaged forest were mostly representative of the diameter structure of old-growth forests. Given the initial findings, it is likely that the small-scale disturbances created by selection methods may not be adequate to establish and recruit sufficient number of trees into small- diameter sizes in Kazdağı fir forests. The assessment of patterns of tree diameter distribution in these forests would create a basis for future research, aiming to enhance the structural complexity.

Dendrometric and Wood Anatomical Properties of Pinus sylvestris and Quercus petraea in Managed and Unmanaged Forests

“…In this study, the tree ring width was almost 1.5 times higher in managed stands than in unmanaged stands. The previous studies also well agreed with the current findings of this study (Mausolf et al, 2018;Kara, 2021). In this study, it can be suggested that forest management had a positive influence on the radial growth of Scots pine and Sessile oak trees in managed forests and also we can assume that managed forests could exhibit more adaptive trees to environmental stressors than in unmanaged forests.…”

“…In this study, we can assume that trees grown in unmanaged forests can be more susceptible to windstorms, icing, and snow damage than in managed forests. Ecologically, managed forests ensure sustainable productivity and health of the forest ecosystem and also increase the biodiversity of trees (Keenan, 2015;Campetella et al, 2016;Picchio et al, 2018;Latterini et al, 2023). Managed forests are generally better designed for the influence of natural disasters and climate change adaptation thus forests with good silvicultural treatments exhibit high long-term stability and vulnerability to environmental stressors.…”

“…To date, there are limited studies in the literature to determine how anatomical traits, growth, and development of different tree species vary between managed and unmanaged forests (Klein et al, 2013;Kara, 2021Kara, , 2022Parhizkar et al, 2022). The present study thus aimed to investigate how the stand characteristics, dendrometric and anatomical properties of Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) and Quercus petraea (Sessile oak) vary between managed and unmanaged forests.…”

Comparison Analysis of Clustering Methods for Clustering of Indonesian’s Gender Empowerment Conditions in 2022

“…Nilai agglomerative coefficient merupakan ukuran struktur pengelompokkan dan struktur pengelompokkan yang paling kuat akan terpilih (Kara, 2021). Struktur pengelompokkan aglomeratif ini akan semakin kuat apabila nilai koefisiennya mendekati satu.…”

Models for Mexican Temperate Forests: A Sustainable Management Approach

“…However, fire suppression in fire-adapted ecosystems often leads to changes in the forest fuel bed, and such changes may promote more are typical of old-growth forests, where tree competition often creates bimodal diameter distributions, and differentiates the stand into social cohorts . In the study of Kara (2021) forest, characterized by a potential fire regime of frequent and low-severity fires .…”