Study on tree form of Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) in different growth stages (Case study: Lomir forest)

Oriental Beech forests have economic and ecological important roles in northern forests of Iran. Therefore qualitative and quantitative controls of their stands are essential in management of these forests. This study is aimed at determining the stem taper, form factor, and slenderness coefficient of Beech species in four growth stages; (small pole, pole, saw-timber, mature) in natural forests of Lomir area located in Asalem, Guilan Province, Iran. In this study, 159 Beech trees were selected and analyzed based on diameter classes (5 cm). Analysis of Variance and Tukey test showed the factors of stem taper and tree natural form were significantly different at small pole stage compared to other stages (p < 0. 05). Beech species had the highest value of stem reduction factor and the lowest value of tree artificial form factor in stages of small pole (the class with a diameter 10 to 30 centimeter) and mature (the class with a diameter over 80 centimeter). These results indicate that Beech form is affected by growth stages in natural forests. So, the separate management and cultivation planning during various growth stages is necessary in order to obtain the maximum benefit of the Beech natural stands.