Altitudinal changes in stand density in Abies Nordmanniana subsp. bornmullerıana (mattf.) pinus sylvestris (l.) mixed stands in Ballidag forests, Turkey

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine the changes in the stand density of Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana Mattf. (Uludag fir) and Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) mixed stands according to the altitudinal zones (I: 1050-1250 m, II:1250-1450 m, III: 1450-1650 m). In the study, which was conducted in the Ballidag forests in Daday District of the city of Kastamonu, a total of 172 sample plots, each of which is 800 m(2) in size, were determined in a homogeneous distribution to represent the altitudinal zones. Stem densities (trees.ha(-1)), stand basal area (m(2).ha(-1)) and stand volume (m(3).ha(-1)) values are taking into consideration as stand density parameters. The changes in stand density parameters and mixing rates according to the diameter classes (I:8-19,9 cm, 11:20-35,9 cm, 111:36-51,9 cm, IV: above 52 cm) and altitudinal zones were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test.

At the end of the study, it was determined that the mixing rates of Scotch pine decreased from zone III to zone I; and the mixing rates of Uludag fir increased in the same order. In terms of basal area, the mixing rate decreased to 17.01% from 37.85% in Scotch pine, and increased to 82.99% from 62.15% in Uludag fir. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in diameter class and between altitudinal zones in terms of basal areas and stem volumes. Significant increases occur in Uludag fir tree in terms of the stem densities, stand basal areas and stand volumes with the altitudinal zones. The increase in the rate of Uludag fir in the mixture indicates that the stand structure might turn into a pure Uludag fir forest. For the purpose of maintaining the dynamics of the stands, a mixture of tree species must be maintained in the forest.