The Effect of Gap Size on Qualitative Characteristics of Saplings of Regeneration Groups in a Mixed Beech Stand

In this research qualitative characteristics of the sapling of 17 regeneration groups within gaps and seven regeneration groups under closed canopy were studied. For this purpose, all of the woody saplings were sampled in 3 gap classes: i) seven small gaps (d/h ≤0/5), ii) seven medium gaps (d/h = 0/5-1) and iii) three large classes (d/h >1). In this classification “d” stands for largest gap diameter and “h” means height of edge trees around the gap. The results showed that the gap size had major effect on qualitative characteristics of maple saplings at confidence level of 95%. The frequency of medium quality class (forked) of maple saplings that is a light demanding species in small gaps was more than those in the medium and large gaps. In addition, the results indicated that beech sapling under crown canopy had lower quality than those in gaps.