Abstract:

Many oaks, as important tree taxa of Türkiye, have been managed as coppice for the production of firewood over an extended period of time. However, coppice management is not suitable for realizing the versatile functions of the forest, and it is thought that it may cause the destruction and reduction of forest assets in the application areas over time. For this reason, it is important to convert oak coppice stands that come from the shoots and have completed their socio-economic functions into a high forest. This study aims to reveal the situation of the coppice stands in Adana and Kahramanmaraş regions, where Quercus cerris L. naturally spreads intensively, and to examine it in terms of the conversion into a high forest. In this context, in 2013, the samplings were done with 3 replications to represent the growing area. Data on the number of individuals, volume and basal area per unit area as well as mean age, upper height, site index, density, height and diameter at breast height were obtained. Additionally, some information about the health status of shoots and stumps was revealed, as well as determining the source of formation (seed and shoot) of individuals based on examinations and observations in coppices. Growth parameters for this species were determined and compared by using the relevant equation and yield tables prepared for the coppice of some oak species, including this species. According to the results, the number of individuals, basal area and the primary stand volume values per hectare were generally higher than the values in the yield tables. In conclusion, it can be said that Q.cerris forests, which are considered ecologically suitable, are suitable for conversion into high forests.