Comparison of the Stand Structure Diversity of Open Pinus brutia Ten. Forests in Areas of Different Productivity in Central Cyprus

Abstract

The goal of this study is to compare the diversity of the stand structure of open P. brutia forests in areas of different productivity at middle elevations in central Cyprus. This will help us figure out how much biodiversity they can hold. Two plots of 4 ha were randomly established. One 200 m × 200 m square-shaped plot was established in a P. brutia formation in a medium productivity site, and one in a P. brutia formation in a bad productivity site. In each plot, dendrometrical data were recorded. In total, 160 hemispherical photographs were taken on both plots. The stand structure is more heterogeneous and complex at medium productivity sites compared to bad productivity sites. P. brutia formations in medium productivity sites can support greater biodiversity than the corresponding formations in bad productivity sites. In the open P. brutia formations of central Cyprus, forest practice must aim to increase the density of P. brutia trees in some tree groups to reduce light intensity under the group canopy. Moreover, trees with large diameters and/or heights must be protected from disturbances. This approach will increase the ability of formations to support biodiversity.