Forest Edge Effects on Seedlings in Mixed Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) - Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Stands

Abstract

Forest edges created by silvicultural treatment influence micro-climatic conditions and available light in forest stands. Studies regarding the impacts of forest edges on regeneration is limited in mixed Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky)-Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands. In this study, the influences of forest edges on height growth, root-collar diameter (RCD) growth and density of seedlings in an adjacent stand of Oriental beech-Scots pine were observed. In addition, the effects of stand basal area and height-to-crown base (HCB) on height growth, RCD growth and seedlings density were monitored. The study was conducted within Samatlar Forest Planning Directorate, in Kastamonu city, Turkey. In the selected Oriental beech-Scots pine stand, twenty-five transects were installed perpendicular to the forest edge, and all the measurements were taken within these transects. There were statistically significant relationships between the distance from the forest edge and the growth of Scots pine seedlings (p<0.05), while the stand edge did not have any effect on the growth of Oriental beech seedlings. Density of Scots pine seedlings decreased, while Oriental beech seedling density increased from the edge into the intact stand (p<0.05). Stand basal area and HCB did not significantly change from the edge into the intact stand (p>0.05). The differences in seedling growth and seedling density between the two species can be associated with their dissimilar tolerance to shade. The initial results obtained in this study point out the importance of forest edges on the regeneration of Oriental beech and Scots pine seedlings. Data suggest that regeneration of mixed Oriental beech-Scots pine should be successful using group methods rather than traditional shelterwood method within entire stand.