DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2014.v02i02.015

Pages: 151-156

In this research the effect of slope aspects on woody species diversity and stand structure (basal area, tree and seedling density and canopy cover) were studied in Hyrcanian mountain forests in the north of Iran. A total of 17 woody species (12 trees and 5 shrubs) from 12 families were recorded in the study area. The results showed the values of woody species evenness was more on the southern slopes, while the values of species diversity and species richness was more on the northern slopes. The slope aspect had not significantly effect on woody species richness, evenness and diversity (P > 0.05). The Fagus orientalis had the highest species importance value (SIV) in the study area, especially on the northern aspects. After Fagus orientalis the Carpinus betulus had the most SIV on the northern aspects, while on the southern aspects the Quercus castaniefolia had the most SIV. The stand basal area and canopy cover was more on the southern aspects, while tree and seedling density was more on the northern slopes. The slope aspect had significantly effect on the stand basal area, tree and seedling density and canopy cover (P < 0.01).