Student:	Zafer YÜCESAN
Supervisor:	Prof. Dr. Ali Ömer ÜÇLER
Department:	Forest Engineering
Institution:	Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences
University:	Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey

Title of the Thesis:	Analysis of Stand Dynamics of Pure and Mixed Forest in High Mountainous Areas of Çamlıhemşin-Fırtına Valley
Level:	Ph.D.
Acceptance Date:	8/12/2006
Number of Pages:	308+XIX
Registration Number:	di578

Summary:

In this research, stand structures and structural differences of forests in the

subalpine regions of Çamlıhemşin-Fırtına Valley were determined. In this sense, subalpine

were selected as material. Three sample plots were taken in each slope from internal forest,

timberline and treeline. Height distance between each plot was approximately 100 meters

in each slope. In each sampling plot tree coordinates, tree number, basal area, mixture of

tree species, height, diameter at breast height, age at breast height and exact age, diameterheight

relation, stand quality value and stability were illustrated. In addition stand

structures were evaluated according to the natural regeneration and its ecological

conditions.

It was determined that, in general tree species mixture was changed in favour of

pure stand from mixture stand while passing through treeline from internal forest area. It

was also determined that Populus tremula, Sorbus aucuparia and Acer platonoides could

be pioneer trees and the stands that those trees take place could be pioneer stands. Atypical

stand structures just as evenaged one storied, unevenaged multi storied or selecting

structure could be seen in subalpine zone. Most of the stands are in old growth stage. It

was observed that softwoods could be constructed natural new generations near stands or

in gaps but Fagus orientalis only under canopy. It was also observed that although there is

a good cone formation, because of the bad germination conditions and fewness of the full

seeds natural regeneration is limited. In some of the stands in the internal forest or

timberline, trunk qualities were in good values. So it is possible to use some of these trees

for quality logging production with thick diameter and strait annual rings.

Key Words: Fırtına Valley, Subalpine Forests, Stand Dynamics