Effects of first thinnings on the stand growth of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) plantation

In this study, effects of first thinnings having different intensities in oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) plantation areas were investigated in terms of diameter and height growth of trees. Sample plots were chosen from oriental beech plantation areas which were within the boundaries of two forest sub-district directorates (Maçka–Yeşiltepe Trabzon-Vakfıkebir) of Trabzon Regional Directorate of Forestry. With removing of %0, % 10, %25 and %40 of basal area in hectare of stands which were in sapling stage, sample plots were established by applying thinnings which are in four different intensities. After the thinning applications, basal areas were calculated by measuring diameters and heights of trees in established sample plots in order to reveal stand growth. Effects of thinnings were evaluated on some stand characteristics (average diameter, basal area average tree diameter, basal area, average height, relative diameter increment, etc.) and on chosen trees. Effect of thinning intensity on arithmetical average diameter, basal area and volume values is statistically important in each two sample plots. In each two sample plots for 2012, 40% thinning intensity gave the highest values according to relative diameter increment (%), relative basal area increment (%) and relative volume increment (%). But, 25% and 40% thinning intensities applied in Vakfıkebir gave the same results. When all the results were evaluated, application of 40% thinning intensity for Yeşiltepe sample plot and for Vakfıkebir sample plot was seen appropriate in terms of stand development and ecosystem health. It has been thought to be useful of long-term monitoring of periodical interventions to be made in 2-3 years in sample plots.