Factors affecting the success of natural regeneration in oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forests in Turkey

Abstract

The success of natural regeneration using the Uniform Shelterwood Method (USM) was determined in an oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) stand, in the Barti{dotless}n-Sökü Forest Range District. Number, height growth and root collar diameter of seedlings were investigated in the 10 experimental plots in the 5.0 ha regeneration area for 7 years (2004-2010). According to the result of factor analyses, it was found that amount of filled seeds, soil cover, growth status of seed trees, stand canopy closure, average crown projection area of seed trees, amount of organic substance in the upper soil layer, soil reaction in the upper soil layer and hillside status were the most effective factors determining the success of natural regeneration. © 2011 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.