Effects of population density on forest structure quantity characteristics (Case study: Asalem forests in Guilan province)

This study examined differences in stand structure in relation to population density in Guilan Province, Asalem, area of forest near the Woodman Villages. Tree data were obtained from cluster sampling and population data were obtained from national population census and forestry plans decades ago. Results indicated that the average stand volume was 230 m3/ha, the average basal area, 23.16 m2/ha and the average number of trees per cluster was 243 per ha. Significant negative correlations rank were generally found between population density surrounding clusters with stand volume and basal area. Results showed that there is no any significant relation between population density and tree density. It is suggested that introduction of greater controls on human disturbance should be a high priority for resource management and conservation.