Aboveground biomass of three conifers in the Qianyanzhou plantation, Jiangxi Province, China

Regressive models of the aboveground biomass for three conifers in subtropical China—slash pine (Pinus elliottii), Masson pine (P. massoniana) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata)—were established. Regression analysis of leaf biomass and total biomass of each branch against branch diameter (d), branch length (L), d ³ and d ² L was conducted with functions of linear, power and exponent. A power law equation with a single parameter (d) was proved to be better than the rest for Masson pine and Chinese fir, and a linear equation with parameter (d ³) is better for slash pine. The canopy biomass was derived by adopting the regression equations to all branches of each individual tree. These kinds of equations were also used to fit the relationship between total tree biomass, branch biomass, foliage biomass and tree diameter at breast height (D), tree height (H), D ³ and D ² H, respectively. D ² H was found to be the best parameter for estimating total biomass. However, for foliage biomass and branch biomass, both parameters and equation forms showed some differences among species. Correlations were highly significant (P<0.001) for foliage biomass, branch biomass and total biomass, among which the equation of the total biomass was the highest. With these equations, the aboveground biomass of Masson pine forest, slash pine forest and Chinese fir forest were estimated, in addition to the allocation of aboveground biomass. The above-ground biomass of Masson pine forest, slash pine forest and Chinese fir forest was 83.6, 72.1 and 59 t/hm² respectively, and the stem biomass was more than the foliage biomass and the branch biomass. The underground biomass of these three forests which estimated with others’ research were 10.44, 9.42 and 11.48 t/hm², and the amount of carbon-fixed were 47.94, 45.14 and 37.52 t/hm², respectively. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2006, 17(8): 1382–1388 [译自: 应用生态学报]     

Predicting seedling biomass of radiata pine from allometric variables

Allometric equations predict tree seedling biomass from non-destructively measured variables such as stem diameter (D), height (H) and seedling silhouette area (A), measured by digital imaging. This study investigates whether one general allometric equation can predict biomass of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D.Don) seedlings grown under three levels of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). It also identifies which commonly used variables (A, D ² H or D ²) were the best for predicting seedling biomass under these conditions. Radiata pine seedlings were grown with constant daytime (12 h d⁻¹) PPFD = 500, 250 or 125 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ for 11 weeks. Seedlings were randomly selected every 10 d for measurement. Analysis of covariance tested whether the relationship between seedling biomass and A, D ² H or D ² varied for each PPFD level. PPFD levels influenced the relationship between biomass and A, D ² H or D ². As a result, “full” allometric models which varied with PPFD levels were more accurate and precise at predicting biomass than “reduced” models which did not vary with PPFD level, although a “reduced” model using D ² also performed well.     

Gap phase regeneration recruitment of mixed conifer-broadleaf forests in Wolong Nature Reserve

Wolong Nature Reserve is the largest reserve for protecting the endangered wild giant panda. Due to historical factors, even in many sections of the core protection area, the forests have been seriously destroyed and natural forests are poorly restored. However, the relative importance of the determinants for recruitment of communities under disturbance is rarely explored. In our study the endogenous and exterior factors in a forest gap that affect the conifer-broad-leaved mixed forest regeneration were investigated near Wuyipeng, one of the observation stations at Wolong, to explore which determinant had the greatest effect on gap regeneration and to discover the recruitment of seedling establishment in forest gaps. With a linear sampling method, environmental factors, gap characteristics and recruitment of new individuals were measured and examined in every forest gap along three sampling lines. Data of environmental factors in the gaps were collected for a Pearson correlation analysis in order to explore the disturbance and preprocessed characteristics of the gaps, using principal component analysis in SPSS. Correlation analysis was applied to further explore the relationship between changes in the gaps and the response of the regenerating seedlings. The results show that a range of natural and human disturbances affected the pattern and characteristics of the forest gaps in this area. The richness in the composition of the seedlings was higher than that of gap makers, but the order of dominance of the composition was different between seedlings and gap makers. The success of dominant species in establishing themselves was affected by different environmental factors. For instance, the establishment of Betula spp. was correlated significantly with topographic factors, while that of Abies faxoniana was affected by soil characteristics and that of Rhododendron spp. correlated significantly with topographic factors and characteristics of gap makers. Moreover, all the biodiversity indices of regenerating seedlings were significantly correlated with environmental principle components mostly reflecting soil properties. From this we can infer that soil characteristics are the most important factors affecting the regeneration of dominant species and seedling diversity under gap disturbances. __________ Translated from Journal of Plant Ecology (Chinese Version), 2007, 31 (3): 425–430 [译自: 植物生态学报]     

Ramet population structure of Fargesia nitida in different canopy conditions of the subalpine dark coniferous forest in the Wolong Nature Reserve, China

The bamboo Fargesia nitida, one of the giant panda’s main food sources and the dominant shrub species of the forest understory, is mainly distributed in the dark coniferous belt in western Sichuan and southern Gansu in China. To study the impact of different forest canopy conditions on subalpine dwarf bamboo populations, ramet population structures of clonal Fargesia nitida were surveyed in: forest understory (FU), moderate gap (MG), large gap (LG) and marginal open space (MOS). In order to determine how the ramet structures could be affected and its effects on these four canopy conditions, a field survey of the age structure of Fargesia nitida population, its morphological traits and biomass was conducted in the Abies faxoniana forest situated in the Wolong Nature Reserve, western Sichuan, China. The main results were as follows. First, at the ramet level, the structures of the ramet populations in four canopy conditions were significantly different, and as the canopy density decreased, the mean height, basal diameter and biomass of the populations increased following the order: LG<MG<FU. Second, the biomass proportions of ramets modularly varied with different canopy conditions and leaf biomass proportion was positively related to the canopy density except for the MOS where the biomass proportions of rhizome and roots were both higher than those in the three other canopy conditions. Third, ramet specific leaf weight increased in parallel with the decrease in canopy density. In the MG, the values of the individual leaf biomass and leaf area were the largest, followed by those in the MOS. Both the individual leaf biomass and leaf area were significantly different from those in the FU and LG. Leaf number per ramet was significantly different among the four different canopy conditions and the biggest in the LG. Fourth, the ramet population mortality was the lowest in the FU (Chi-square test, p < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in the average population age (Mann-Whitney test, p > 0.05). All the results indicated that it was not ramet age, but the morphological changes and biomass distribution that exhibited the response of the ramet population of Fargesia nitida to the changed canopy conditions. Translated from Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2006, 40(1): 730–736 [译自: 生态学报]     

Dry matter production and allocation in Eucalyptus cloeziana and Eucalyptus argophloia seedlings in response to soil water deficits

Effects of soil water availability on seedling growth, dry matter production and allocation were determined for Gympie (humid coastal) and Hungry Hills (dry inland) provenances of Eucalyptus cloeziana F. Muell. and for E. argophloia Blakely (dry inland) species. Seven-month-old seedlings were subjected to well-watered (100% field capacity, FC), moderate (70% FC) and severe (50% FC) soil water regimes in a glasshouse environment for 14 wk. There were significant differences in seedling growth, biomass production and allocation patterns between species. E. argophloia produced twice as much biomass at 100% FC, and more than three times as much at 70% and 50% FC than did either E. cloeziana provenance. Although the humid provenance of E. cloeziana had a greater leaf area at 100% FC conditions than did the dry provenance, total biomass production did not differ significantly. Both E. cloeziana provenances were highly sensitive to water deficits. E. argophloia allocated 10% more biomass to roots than did E. cloeziana. Allometric analyses indicated that relative biomass allocation patterns were significantly affected by genotype but not by soil water availability. These results have implications for taxon selection for cultivation in humid and subhumid regions.     

An environmental gradient change of Picea mongolica seedling from the center of a forest canopy gap in forest-steppe ecotone in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China

In sandy forest with a forest canopy gap for a period of over 30 years, the spruce（Picea mongolica） seedlings were monitored on two 5-m- wide transects from the center of a large gap into the surrounding forest. The farther they were to the far center, the taller grew the seedling and the more is the number of seedling. There were many seedlings under the canopy but almost all seedlings died before they grow up. Along the forest edge, growth of seedlings was temporarily enhanced by lateral penetration of light from the gap. The implications for natural forest regeneration dynamics are discussed. Our results prove that in P mongolica forest a gap disturbance creates a non-uniform environment for regeneration of the species, and determines that the forest was a non-even aged forest.     

Response of seedlings growth ofPinus sylvestriformis to atmospheric CO2 enrichment in Changbai Mountain

The biomass and ratio of root-shoot ofPinus sylvestriformis seedlings at CO₂ concentration of 700 μL·L⁻¹ and 500 μL·L⁻¹ were measured using open-top chambers (OTCs) in Changbai Mountain during Jun. to Oct. in 1999. The results showed that doubling CO₂ concentration was benefit to seedling growth of the species (500 μL·L⁻¹ was better than 700 μL·L⁻¹) and the biomass production was increased in both above-ground and underground parts of seedlings. Carbon transformation to roots was evident as rising of CO₂ concentration. This project is supported by Chinese Academy of Sciences Responsible editor: Chai Ruihai     

Allometric equations based on a fractal branching model for estimating aboveground biomass of four native tree species in the Philippines

Fractal branching models can provide a non-destructive and generic tool for estimating tree shoot and root length and biomass, but field validation is rarely described in the literature. We compared estimates of above ground tree biomass for four indigenous tree used on farm in the Philippines based on the WanFBA model tree architecture with data from destructive sampling. Allometric equations for the four species varied in the constant (biomass at virtual stem diameter 1) and power of the scaling rule (b in Y = aD ^b ), deviating from the value of 8/3 that is claimed to be universal. Allometric equations for aboveground biomass were 0.035 D ^2.87 for Shorea contorta, 0.133 D ^2.36 for Vitex parviflora, 0.063 D ^2.54 for Pterocarpus indicus and 0.065 D ^2.28 for Artocarpus heterophyllus, respectively. Allometric equations for branch biomass had a higher b factor than those for total biomass (except in Artocarpus); allometric equations for the leave + twig fraction a lower b. The performance of the WanFBA model was significantly improved by introduction of a tapering factor “τ“ for decrease of branch diameter within a single link. All statistical tests performed on measured biomass versus biomass predicted from the WanFBA results confirm the viability of the WanFBA model as a non-destructive tool for predicting above-ground biomass equations for total biomass, branch biomass and the leaf + twig fraction.     

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) plantations contribute to the regeneration of holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) in mediterranean central Spain

The aim of this study is to evaluate the recruitment possibilities of holly (Ilex aquifolium L.) populations under Pinus sylvestris plantations in the mountains of Central Spain. Population recruitment of holly under P. sylvestris L. plantations was studied at two localities. We sampled holly seed rain, seed bank, and seedling emergence and survival (of both emerged and planted seedlings) in both localities. Seed germination was analysed by randomly sowing Ilex seeds and their subsequent recollection and analysis over the following 3 years (only in one locality). Seed rain, seed bank and emerged seedling densities did not differ between localities. Seed bank density was between 10 and 20 seeds m⁻², considerably higher than the observed seed rain (0.4–1.2 seeds m⁻²), and also higher than the emerged seedling density (0–4 seedlings m⁻²). But Ilex is not very efficient in germinating under pine forests (29.1% germination after 3 years). This may indicate a seed accumulation process of at least 5 years. Seedling survival for the first year differed among the studied sites (50–60 vs. 17%). Nevertheless these survival rates are higher than those found for the same seedling populations in different forest habitats (not Scots pine forests) from near locations. Differences in summer water stress between the study sites are proposed as the main cause of the observed differences in seedling survival. It is concluded that P. sylvestris forests may provide one of the best regeneration habitats for holly in the Mediterranean area, where this species is close to the Southern limit of its distribution.     

Nutrient element contents of cutting seedlings of hybrid species （ Liriodendron chinense x tulipifera）

The cutting seedlings ofLiriodendron chinense xtulipifera were treated with the different concentrations of auxin (treatment₁: IBA of 50 g·kg⁻¹+NAA of 300 g·kg⁻¹; treatment₂; IBA of 100 g·kg⁻¹+NAA of 300 g·kg⁻¹). The biomass nutrient element contents for different organs (root, stem, leaf) of cutting seedling ofLiriodendron chinense xtulipifera were measured by the dry method, Kjeldahl method and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy method. The result showed that the biomass of root, stem, and leaf of the cutting seedling treated with auxin was all remarkably increased. The contents of element C in root, stem and leaf had no significant difference between the control and auxin treatments, while the contents of N, P, K and Ca in stem were much lower than that in leaf and root. Variance analysis showed that for the same organ with different concentration treatment of auxin, the four nutrient elements (N, P, K, and Ca) had no significant difference in contents, while there existed significant or very significant difference in contents of the four nutrient elements in different organs with the same concentration auxin treatment. The N, P, K and Ca contents were very low in cutting seedlings; as a result, additional fertilizer should be applied to the seedlings when they were planted in the field. Foundation item: This paper was supported by Jiangsu Province Science Foundation (BE96350). Biography: ZHANG Xiao-ping, (1972-), female, Ph. Doctor in Nanjing Forestry University. Nanjing 210037, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Zhu Hong     

A multivariate statistical approach to predicting mature tree performance based on seedling characteristics

A common objective in commercial reforestation is to plant seedlings that will produce superior adult trees. Long forest management planning horizons and life spans of most forest trees complicate the prediction of growth and performance of adult trees originating from planted seedlings of unknown genetic origin. We used multivariate statistics to identify and rank a set of seedlings characteristics that could predict the performance of mature trees in Pinus ponderosa. Results indicated that metabolic heat rate (q), a measure of total metabolism, of one-year-old foliage during the peak growth in May, was the most important seedling characteristic that predicted mature-tree performance. Increased metabolic heat rate in seedlings corresponded with greater vigor of mature trees. Additionally, seedling basal stem diameter (D), height (H), and needle length (NL), measured in November, were, in order of importance, other variables that defined the vigor class of the mature clones. However, these seedling morphological characteristics correlated negatively with vigor classification of the mature clones, contradicting the notion that greater D and/or H during the seedling stage may indicate a greater vigor at maturity.     

Influence of environmental conditions on germinant survival and diversity of Scots pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis> L.) in central Spain

The aim of the study was to investigate dynamics and pattern of natural regeneration and the influence of seedbed and light on germination and initial seedling survival of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) during three growing seasons. Four 5-m² plots in a natural Scots pine forest in central Spain were randomly established at the beginning of the regeneration process. Germination and seedling survival were recorded in 100 regeneration sampling subplots (0.25 m²) per plot, while seedbed type and the relative light intensity reaching the forest floor was characterised in 1-m² subplots. The spatial correlations between survival, light conditions and organic matter depth were analysed through cross-variograms. Germination and survival were highly variable both within and between plots (ranging from 0 to 89%) and affected by high summer temperatures (33–35°C) in 2003. The spatial pattern characterisation of survival by Ripley’s K function showed a dominant cluster distribution. Occurrence tended to be clumped when abundance was greater than 15 seedlings, whereas for lower densities, seedlings were randomly distributed. Seedlings and herbs occupied the same sites where environmental conditions were appropriate for them to live. Spatial association occurred frequently for light and organic matter depth. Results suggested that the Scots pine seedlings in our study in central Spain preferred moderate light conditions (Global Site Factor <0.40). Thus, if this forest is to be naturally regenerated with Scots pine, the shelterwood system (whereby some mother trees are left to provide shelter for at least 5 years), along with mechanical disturbance of the seedbeds, would promote seed germination, as long as a seed source is present. However, regeneration success is affected by year-to-year conditions.     

Effects of water stress on growth,dry matter allocation and water-use efficiency of a leguminous species, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sophora davidii</Emphasis>

The adaptation responses to different water conditions and the drought tolerance of Sophora davidii seedlings were assessed in a greenhouse experiment. Two-month-old seedlings were subjected to the following water supplies for 95 days: 100, 80, 60, 40 and 20% of field water capacity. The seedlings at 100% FC had the greatest productivity, height, basal diameter, branch number, leaf number and leaf area. Water supply <80% FC was the threshold of drought-initiated negative effects on seedling growth, yield and physiological processes; these parameters were severely reduced at 20% FC, however, there was no plant death during the experiment. Moreover, water stress decreased leaf relative water content, specific leaf area, leaf area ratio, and water-use efficiency (WUE), whereas it increased the biomass allocation to roots, which resulted in a higher root:stem mass ratio under drought. The S. davidii seedlings tolerated drought by maintaining high leaf relative water content and by reducing branching and leaf expansion. However, low productivity and WUE at 20% FC suggested that seedlings did not produce high biomass under severe drought. Therefore, prior to introducing S. davidii in forestation efforts, a water supply >40% FC is recommended for seedlings to maintain growth and productivity. These results provide insights into limitations and opportunities for establishment of S. davidii in arid regions.     

Effect of animal browse protection and fertilizer application on the establishment of planted Nuttall oak seedlings

For establishment to be successful, planted oak must emerge above vegetative competition and browse level. A 3 year study was established in 2000 in a cutover bottomland hardwood forest in west Alabama to examine the influences of seedling browse protection and fertilizer use on growth of Nuttall oak (Quercus nuttallii Palm.) seedlings. The treatments included: control, 1.2 m tall wire tree shelter, and 1.2 m tall plastic tree shelter. Fertilizer (20–10–5) was applied to one-half of all seedlings at planting. Competing vegetation was controlled around all seedlings with mulch mats and herbicide. Fertilization did not affect height growth or successful establishment after 3 years. Four percent of protected seedlings (plastic and wire tree shelters combined) were browsed compared to 95% of control seedlings. After 3 years, plastic tree shelters were the most effective treatment for promoting height growth and successful seedling establishment of Nuttal oak seedlings (193 cm, 92.71% compared to 120 cm, 68.75% and 52 cm, 8.33% for wire tree shelter, and control seedlings, respectively). Animal browse protection is deemed essential for successful seedling establishment in southern bottomland forests where deer density is high (density estimated at 27 km⁻² in vicinity of study area).     

控释肥和灌溉方式对栓皮栎容器苗苗木质量及造林效果的影响

[目的]探讨控释肥和灌溉方式对栓皮栎(Quercus variabilis Bl.)容器苗生长、养分含量、基质电导率(EC)及2年造林效果的影响,为培育高质量苗木提供参考。[方法]以栓皮栎容器苗为研究对象,采用双因素完全随机试验设计,设置5个施肥水平(以N元素含量为基准,5个施肥水平分别为:25、75、125、175、225 mg·株~(-1))和2种灌溉方式(上方喷灌(O)、底部渗灌(S)),测定栓皮栎容器苗形态指标、养分含量、根系生长、基质EC值及连续2年造林效果。[结果]表明:(1)施肥量和灌溉方式二者对苗木形态指标影响存在交互效应,225-O处理的苗木地径、根生物量、单株生物量最大,但根生物量、单株生物量在225-O、125-S、175-O处理之间差异不显著。225-S处理的苗高、茎生物量、茎根比最大,茎生物量在225-S与225-O之间差异不显著。(2)苗木茎、根的氮磷钾浓度和含量随施肥量的增加而增大,施肥量125、175、225 mg·株~(-1)处理之间的根氮、磷含量及单株磷含量差异不显著。(3)增加施肥量促进苗木根系的生长,施肥量为125、175、225 mg·株~(-1)处理之间的根系表面积、体积差异不显著。(4)基质EC值随施肥量的增加而增大,底部渗灌显著提高了基质上层、下层的EC值,基质上层、下层的最大EC值分别为4. 69、0. 56d S·m-1,没有对苗木生长产生不利影响。(5)和上方喷灌相比,底部渗灌显著地促进造林第1年幼树的树高、地径生长;造林第1年、第2年的树高和地径均随施肥量的增加而增大,造林第2年,施肥量125、175、225 mg·株~(-1)处理之间的树高、地径差异不显著。[结论]底部渗灌提高了栓皮栎容器苗体内的养分含量,促进了造林第1年幼树树高、地径的生长。施加控释肥有利于苗期苗木质量的提高及造林后苗木的快速生长。综合考虑苗木质量、经济效益、环境利益,培育栓皮栎容器苗可选择底部渗灌和控释肥量为125 mg·株~(-1)的组合(以N元素含量为基准)。     

Effect of planting density on plant growth and camptothecin content of Camptotheca acuminata seedlings

C. acuminata seedlings cultivated in greenhouse were transplanted into the fields with 5 designed planting densities (11, 16, 25, 44 and 100 plants·m⁻²) in May of 2004 and were harvested in the middle of September of 2004. The seedling growth indexes including plant height and crown width, biomass allocation, camptothecin (CPT) content and CPT yield of different organs (young leaf, old leaf, stem, and root) were studied. For the 5 selected planting densities, the plant biomass, height, crown width, and total leaf area ofC. acuminata seedlings all showed highest values at the planting density of 25 plants·m⁻². CPT content in young leaves was higher than that in other organs of seedlings and presented an obvious change with the variation of planting densities and with the highest value at density of 100 plants·m⁻², while for other organs no significant variation in CPT content was found with change of planting density. The accumulation of CPT was enhanced significantly at the planting density of 25 plants·m⁻². It is concluded that for the purpose to get raw materials with more CPT fromC. acuminata, the optimal planting density ofC. acuminata seedlings should be designed as 25 plants·m⁻². Foundation item: This paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 3970086) and Heilongjiang Province Foundation for Distinguished Youth Scholars (JC-02-11) Biography: Wei Huan-yong (1978-), male, Graduate in College of Life Sciences, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Zhu Hong     

Photosynthetic responses to lightflecks ofFagus crenata seedlings grown in a gap and understory of a deciduous forest

Photosynthetic responses to a series of 1-min lightflecks (1,000μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) superimposed on a background with different duration (1, 5, and 10 min) and intensity (25 and 50μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) of low background photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) were measured in the leaves ofFagus crenata grown in a gap and understory of aFagus crenata forest in the Naeba Mountains. The two background PPFD intensities most frequently occurred in understory and gap sites respectively. The maximum net photosynthetic rate (P _Nmax) and maximum stomatal conductance (g _smax) were higher in the gap seedlings than in the understory seedlings. However, when the background PPFD was 25μmol m⁻²s⁻¹, the net photosynthetic rate (P ₂₅) and stomatal conductance (g _s25) were almost the same between the gap and understory. When the background PPFD duration was 1-min, the net photosynthetic rate (P _N ) at the end of each lightfleck increased progressively. When the background PPFD duration was 5- and 10-min, the increase inP _N at the end of each lightfleck was less. This indicates that background PPFD duration is important to photosynthetic responses to lightflecks. The higher ratios ofP ₂₅/P _Nmax andg _s25/g _smax in the understory seedlings indicate that the understory seedlings can maintain relatively lower levels of biochemical and stomatal limitations than the gap seedlings under low light conditions. The ratios ofP _N /P _Nmax at the end of each lightfleck (IS) and light utilization efficiency of single lightflecks (LUE _s) that showed the influence of lightflecks on carbon gain were higher in the understory seedlings than in the gap seedlings when the background PPFD was 25μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. This means that understory seedling are capable of utilizing fluctuating light more efficiently under low light conditions than the gap seedlings although the net carbon gain of single lightflecks (CG _s) in the understory seedlings was not higher than that in the gap seedlings. There were no significant differences inIS andLUE _s between understory seedlings at a background PPFD of 25μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and gap seedlings at a background PPFD of 50μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. However,CG _s in gap seedlings was higher than in understory seedlings. These results provide more evidence thatF. crenata acclimate to a natural light environment in respect to relative induction state at low background PPFD and can capture the fluctuating light at the same efficiency in both the gap and understory seedlings under natural light environments. This study was funded by the research project, Evaluation of Total CO₂ Budget in Forest Ecosystems, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.     

雪灾干扰下林窗对木荷幼苗更新的影响

林窗干扰是维持森林生态系统的重要驱动力之一,对种子萌发、幼苗等自然更新过程、森林物种组成和动态、森林生物多样性的维持具有重要作用。本研究以2008年雪灾干扰后的浙江江郎山木荷林为研究对象,对木荷林窗大小结构、幼苗更新、生长等进行调查研究,结果表明:扩展林窗以50 100 m2的林窗个数最多(占总数的45.45%),各等级林窗中以50 100 m2的林窗占总面积比例最大(占总面积的30.31%)。林窗中木荷幼苗的平均高度和地径较对照林分分别高1.44 cm和0.61 mm,幼树在林窗中的平均高度和地径则比对照林分中分别高45.37 cm和5.00 mm且差异显著;林窗大小对木荷幼苗、幼树的高度和地径生长影响显著,中林窗中幼苗的高度和地径均高于小林窗和大林窗中的幼苗且差异均显著(F=4.893,P=0.007;F=5.203,P=0.004;n=357);幼树的地径在不同大小林窗中差异显著(F=3.569,P=0.037;n=43)。林窗幼苗的更新密度随着林窗面积的增大而增大,在林窗面积达到76 m2时,更新密度达到最大值,而后随着林窗面积的增大下降;中林窗和小林窗中更新苗木以低矮植株(1级、2级)为主,面积100 m2大林窗中,木荷幼苗生长较快。与他人研究的森林天然林窗相比,雪灾干扰后改变了林窗的大小分布结构和面积,50 100 m2的林窗比例较大,一定程度上更利于幼苗更新,具有相对较大的林窗幼苗更新密度;不论林窗大小,林窗内的更新幼苗都比林内多,郁闭度较大的林内或大面积的空地上都不利于更新幼苗的生长。因此,从受灾木荷林窗大小结构、幼苗更新、生长等来看,中林窗是幼苗适宜更新的面积,为木荷灾后恢复与重建提供了科学依据。     

缓释肥N/P养分配比及加载量对3种珍贵树种大规格容器苗生长的影响

[目的]研究缓释肥N/P养分配比及加载量对南方红豆杉、浙江楠和浙江樟苗木生长发育的影响,以科学指导大规格容器苗的高效培育。[方法]试验采用析因设计,研究N/P养分配比(1.75∶1、2.25∶1、2.75∶1和3.25∶1)及其加载量(1.5 kg·m~(-3)、2.5 kg·m~(-3)、3.5 kg·m~(-3)和4.5 kg·m~(-3))对3种珍贵树种2年生容器苗生长、株高生长节律、干物质积累及叶片SPAD值等影响。[结果]缓释肥N/P养分配比及加载量对3个树种容器苗生长及SPAD值影响不一。南方红豆杉、浙江楠和浙江樟干物质积累及根冠比在不同N/P养分配比间差异不大,浙江樟苗木生长受N/P养分配比影响较小,随着N/P养分配比增加,明显促进了浙江楠容器苗生长,却抑制了南方红豆杉的生长。缓释肥加载量对3个树种2年生容器苗生长和干物质积累的影响均达到极显著水平,随着缓释肥加载量增加可明显地促进3种树种株高、地径生长及干物质积累,增加了浙江楠地上干物质积累及南方红豆杉地下干物质积累,而对浙江樟根冠比影响未达统计学显著水平,但均显示加载量在3.5 kg·m~(-3)时达到最大值。N/P养分配比及与加载量的互作对3个树种苗木生长和干物质积累影响不明显,说明N/P养分配比对3个树种容器苗生长和质量的影响不因加载量的改变而变化或变化不大,反之亦然。随着缓释肥N/P养分配比的增加,可明显地延长南方红豆杉苗木株高的线性生长期,提高浙江楠株高的线性生长量,但对浙江樟株高的线性生长影响不明显。3种树种苗木叶片SPAD值差异很大,N/P养分配比及加载量并未改变3种树种叶片SPAD值动态变化规律,但随着N/P养分配比提高使南方红豆杉和浙江樟叶片SPAD值的起伏强度增大,3个树种SPAD值动态变化均随加载量增加而增大。[结论]南方红豆杉大规格容器苗培育较适宜的N/P养分配比为A1(1.75∶1)或A2(2.25∶1),而浙江楠和浙江樟为A3(2.75∶1),加载较高量的缓释肥F3(3.5 kg·m~(-3))可明显促进3种树种大规格容器苗的生长及SPAD值的提高,但加载量超过一定限度后,反而影响苗木的生长发育。     

The effects of canopy gaps on seedling emergence and growth of two deciduous broad-leaved species (Cornus controversa andPrunus grayana) in aCryptomeria japonica plantations

The effects of canopy gaps on seedling emergence and growth ofCornus controversa andPrunus grayana were studied in a 21-year-oldCryptomeria japonica plantation. The seeds of the two species were sown in December 1995 and their fate was followed until March 2000.P. grayana germinated in 1996, butC. controversa germinated in 1997. In both species studied, more than 70% of the seedlings survived in the forest edge until the end of the experiment, although none survived in the forest understory in the first growing season. In the gap, the survival rate was higher inP. grayana than inC. controversa. In this experiment, some trees were cut to enlarge the area of the gap, in which the growth rate increased markedly forC. controversa seedlings, but not forP. grayana seedlings after the cutting. These two species showed substantial differences in the patterns of seedling emergence, survival and growth in aCr. japonica plantation which had a canopy gap.