Silvicultural View of the Honowski Light Factor: Anatolian Black Pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. pallasiana) Example

Factors affecting success in natural regeneration studies are important for healthy and sustainable management of the regeneration. The number, distribution, growth and development characteristics of the regeneration are the parameters used as success criteria. In this study, the growth and development characteristics of natural juveniles of Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. pallasiana) were investigated depending on the “Honowski Light Factor” values in the same habitat conditions. In this context, four sample areas (50 m x 150 m = 7500 m2) were taken. A total of four stands were divided into two groups as areas where final cutting was done and areas where final cutting was not done. One of these two groups of stands selected is located in a shady aspect, the other in a sunny aspect. While the values with well and under the good growth potential revealed statistically significant (p<0.05) relationships based on the joint interaction of aspect and stand structure, statistically insignificant (p>0.05) relationships emerged between the values with not good and very low growth potential. In the study, the saplings with “well” and “under the good” growth potential were found mostly in the shady aspect where final cutting was done. Saplings with “not good” and “very low” growth potential were found mostly in sunny aspects where no final cutting was made. The reasons for this distribution can be shown as the fact that saplings in the sampled areas were not found in equal amounts in the area. Therefore, the high competition between saplings in sunny aspects has been limiting in the growth and development of saplings. In this context, it was revealed that the number of individuals in the stand should be taken into consideration while adjusting the light intensity in silvicultural applications. The use of the Honowski Light Factor values in the determination of the light needs of the saplings in Anatolian black pine natural regeneration studies reveals that it can be useful in the numerical evaluation of the assessments. At the same time, it has been revealed that the aspect factor should also be taken into account for the correct management of the process of gaining biological independence of saplings. In this context, more research should be conducted on regeneration biology and sapling dynamics evaluated within stand dynamics.