Growth and Establishment of Fagus orientalis Seedlings in Areas Conducted either through Tree Selection or Clear-cutting Methods

Two non-regenerated beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) gaps of 200 and 700 m2, conducted respectively through single-tree selection system and group-tree selection system, together with a clear-cut area (~10000 m2) were investigated in north Iran. In each area, following a cleaning up of ground vegetation, wild (natural) beech seedlings, Taken out from the neighboring stand, were planted in four plots of 3×3m. The results, at the end of the fourth growing period, revealed that survival rate was greater in areas of single-tree selection (63%) than either in group-tree selection (39%) or clear-cutting (47%). Collar diameter (between 10.6 and 11.1 mm) did not significantly differ in the three experimental areas. Seedling heights were 78.7, 71.4, and 66.4 cm, respectively in areas conducted by the methods of single-tree selection, group-tree selection and clear-cutting, but there was no significant difference observed of this term among trees in the three areas. Through this investigation and after the fourth year it was deduced that beech wilding, provided from the adjacent stands, can be proposed for restoration of plantation in the non-regenerated gaps. Plantation of beech can be recommended in the non-regenerated gaps of group-tree selection (700 m2), even-though the herbal vegetation is not controlled in early years. Natural regeneration of beech, instead of its plantation, can also be advised in gaps of single-tree selection method. Longer periods of investigation are needed to recommend beech plantation in clear-cutting areas.