Distribution attributes of natural canopy gaps in the Hyrcanian mixed-oriental beech forests

One of the most important issues indicating the quality and quantity of forest ecosystems is the distribution of natural disturbances resulting in canopy gaps (CGs). The present study was conducted in one of the Hyrcanian beech forests in northern Iran in summer 2018. The gap areas were classified into small (< 200 m²), medium (200‒500 m²) and large gaps (500–1 000 m²) on the basis of full inventory. The univariate Ripley’s L-function was used for introducing the CG spatial pattern. Furthermore, mark correlation function (MCF) and density function (DC) in turns were used for verifying the correlation and frequency of CG size classes in each pattern. The results showed patterns of the gaps in each size class and integrated by the three size classes, they were random and cluster, respectively. Furthermore, the MCF revealed that the gap size classes were independently located in the clusters. The total frequency of the small, medium and large gaps in turns was 32, 49 and 19%, respectively. Although the density share of medium and small gaps in turns was more frequent than the large gap density in the study forest, the results of DC indicated that the frequency of each gap size class was random within each cluster, regardless of their density share. Based on the natural gap aggregations, the base circular mosaic with an area of 5 000 m² can be introduced for monitoring and specifying the forest stand dynamics.

The Effect of Artificial Weathering on Surface Properties of Thermally Modified Oriental Beech Wood

The study aimed to determine some surface parameters such as surface roughness and color changes of thermally modified Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood samples after 750 hours of artificial weathering. The results of the study showed that artificial weathering led to an increase in surface roughness of Oriental beech wood. Thermal modification interval of 210 °C - 230 °C gave a smoother surface than unmodified samples after artificial weathering. Artificial weathering caused darker, reddish, and yellowish tone of unmodified and thermally modified Oriental beech wood. According to the study fi ndings, surface properties of thermally modified Oriental beech wood were better than those of unmodified Oriental beech.

ECO-DESIGN: IMPACTS OF BLEACHING CHEMICALS AND VARNISHES ON THE AMOUNT OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE COMBUSTION OF ORIENTAL BEECH (FAGUS ORIENTALIS LIPSKY)

This study was carried out to determine the effects of bleaching chemicals and varnishes on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the combustion of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky). For this purpose, samples of Oriental beech prepared according to ASTM D 358 contain 18% R1 = (NaOH + H2O2), R2 = (NaOH + Ca(OH)2 + H2O2), R3 = (Na2S2O5 + H2C2O4), R4 = (NaSiO3 + H2O2), R5 = (KMnO4 + Na2S2O5 + H2O2) solution groups, after bleaching with solution groups, water based, synthetic, polyurethane and acrylic varnish were applied according to ASTM D 3023 and combustion tests were carried out in accordance with ASTM E 160-50. Gas measurements were made with the SIGMA 74172 NSU flue gas device during the combustion process. As a result, in respect to the burning types; the highest amount of CO2 (ppm) was found in the self-combustion (8.468 ppm) while the lowest was obtained from the flame combustion source (4.599 ppm). In respect to the types of bleaching; the highest in R5 (7.458 ppm) and the lowest in R3 (4.059 ppm) were found. According to the varnish types; the highest value was found in the synthetic varnish (8.261), and the lowest value was found in the acrylic varnish (4.772 ppm). According to combustion type + bleaching solution + varnish type interaction, the highest values were found for without flame combustion (II) + R3 + Sn (18.40 ppm) and lowest for flame source combustion (I) + R5 + Pu (0.600 ppm). Consequently, the highest values for combustion gases were found in samples of oriental beech wood samples treated with water-based varnish with R1 solution. According to this, in terms of human health and life safety, possibility of fire in places, R3 solution and acrylic varnish may be used in the related industries.

The regeneration of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) share in the secondary hornbeam stands using

In the paper, the results of the complex cuttings were presented in the secondary hornbeam stands with the aim of regenerating the natural beech stands in the northern regions of Azerbaijan. For this purpose, three complex cutting procedures were carried out with a recurrence at 5 and 10 years in four sites of the secondary hornbeam stands in the northern regions. The experimental plots were characterised with: a stand density of 0.5–0.7, the age of the forest stands of 60–130 years, undergrowth of 12–25 years, a stand volume of 130–200 m3·ha–1, the beech percentage in the composition of stands of 17–28%, hornbeam 62–79% spread over the southern and northern slopes of the mountains. As a result of the complex cuttings, the share of beech trees in the composition of the parent stands increased 2.2–3.0 times. During cutting, the share of beech trees, as a part of undergrowth, increased 3.8–4.3 times. Based on the data, mathematical models were established reflecting the dynamics of the numbers of the undergrowth and the total stand volume of the forest stands depending on the participation percentage of beech trees in the parent stand.