Effects of canopy gap size on the regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Eskisehir-catacik region of Turkey

Abstract

The study was undertaken in Scots pine shelterwood forests in central Anatolia at the edge of the Eurasian distribution of Scots pine and thus adding significance in terms of understanding the ecology of this important species. Canopy gap size and the position of the sapling within the regeneration cores were chosen within nine different strip-sample plots comprising 20 sapling regeneration cores. Those sapling regeneration cores under the gaps were divided into two portions (individuals at the edge and middle of the regeneration cores) and from each portion three individuals were selected. The growth relationships of individual saplings within the regeneration cores were determined from the age-height graph of 95 sapling-stem analyses. Gap-size classes that compromise a gap size gradient were chosen: small gaps (< 20 m(2)); intermediate gaps (20 - 177 m(2)); large gaps (178 - 707 m(2)). Spatial structure of mature trees were determined using the Clark-Evans index. In addition, differentiation index (diameter, height, crown lenght, and crown radius) were calculated for each stand projections.