Modeling the productivity of commercial Lactarius mushrooms: A case study in the Kizilcasu planning unit, Turkey

Empirical models for mushroom productivity are essential tools for analyzing trade-offs among multiple objectives when developing and implementing integrated forest management plans. In this study, data measured in 30 permanent plots from a 4-year period of mushroom production were used to predict mushroom productivity. The fresh weights of Lactarius deliciosus and L. salmonicolor mushrooms were recorded in each sample plot. Owing to the hierarchical structure of the data obtained, equations were developed to produce mixed models using stand and topographic variables. The results showed that increasing slopes increased annual yield in northerly aspects, yet decreased the annual yield in southerly aspects. Besides, the productivity was negatively influenced by height, age and crown closure, and positively influenced by mean stand diameter, growing stock and elevation alone. However, the combined effects of age and diameter and the combined effects of growing stock and height separately showed a negative trend on mushroom yield.