Document Type : Scientific article
Authors
1
Ph.D. candidate of Forest engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran
2
Ph.D. candidate of Silviculture and Forest ecology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran
3
Associate Professor, Department of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate LAI in main forest roads edge and comparing it at different distances in hornbeam-beech type. Study site was chosen in Namkhane district of Kheyrud Forest, in addition, LAI values were estimated along with16 transects having 100 meters length from the both edges of roadside into the forest (at each transect 9 points at the distances of zero (roadside), 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, and 100 meters from the main road) by using hemispherical photography method. The results of ANOVA analysis showed the effect of distance from road were significant on LAI value (p<0.001). Based on Tukey’s test, the LAI value at 100 meter was significantly greater than 15, 10, 5 and zero intervals of forest roads (p < 0.05). The best correlation between LAI and distances from roads based on values of R2 adj (0.60), and RMSE percentage (9.13) was positive power. Results showed that main forest roads up to 15 meters had an effect on LAI. Therefore, the less traffic and narrow roadbed and constructing the standard forest roads with respect to principle of close-to-nature in Kheyrud caused stress reduction on forest ecosystems. In general, when all ecological issues are considered while forest roads construction, roads will have little influence on forest ecological balance.
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