Structural and Biometric Characterization of Nothofagus betuloides Production Forests in the Magellan Region,Chile

Summary

This study, in die Chilean Magellan Region, undertook the structural and biométrie characterization of Nothofagus betuloides (Mirb.) Blume (coihue de Magallanes) production forests to provide information for sustainable forest management. Six locations were surveyed, five on the continent and one on Tierra del Fuego Island. A total of 6,102 ha were photointerpreted and then checked and described in the field according to their location, environmental characteristic, and vegetation type. The degree of disturbance, stage of development, status of regeneration, and composition and cover of the understory were also described. From the surveyed locations, a total of 3,807 ha were production forests of which a 76% area had Nothofagus pumilio (lenga) and N. betuloides mixed forests. The remaining areas (24%) were pure N. betuloides forests. Nondisturbed, old-growth forests covered 47% of the surveyed area. The remaining area (53%) had some disturbance. In the nondisturbed forests, mean volume stocks were 438 m³ ha^-1, and in disturbed forests, mean volume stocks were 316 m³ ha^-1.     

Nutrient cycling in Nothofagus pumilio forests along an altitudinal gradient in Tierra del Fuego,Argentina

Nothofagus pumilio (lenga) forests form monocultures from sea level to timberline in Tierra de Fuego, Argentina. Past studies suggested that the life form change from erect forest to krummholz had advantages to forest function. Aboveground net primary productivity (NPP) and organic matter production per unit leaf area and growing season day were higher in krummholz than in adjacent short erect forests at lower elevation. We compared tall erect, short erect, and krummholz lenga stands in terms of the concentration, accumulation, fluxes, turnover, and use-efficiency of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) along an elevation gradient (220–640 m) in Tierra del Fuego (Valle de Andorra, 54°9′S, 68°2′W). With few exceptions, patterns of decreasing values of nutrient concentration, nutrient stock, nutrient flux, and nutrient turnover reversed at the krummholz, which had higher values of these parameters than an adjacent short erect forest at lower elevation. Nutrient cycles accelerated at the krummholz but nutrient use-efficiency of organic matter production and nutrient return to the forest floor decreased. Several functional attributes of krummholz support the notion that this life form has functional advantages at timberline. For example: (1) a shift towards fast turnover compartments for nutrient storage; (2) a switch from high storage of nutrients in stemwood biomass to nutrient storage in branch biomass; (3) faster rates of internal nutrient transfer (recycling and retention); (4) greater dependence on biotic recycling of nutrients; (5) morphological characteristics associated with leaf size, leaf duration, number of leaves, and leaf area to sapwood area ratio. Nutrient cycling attributes measured in Tierra del Fuego span values reported for forests across temperate and boreal latitudes, with krummholz and tall erect forests representing either the low or the high values. Lenga krummholz is different from coniferous krummholz in North America's tundra in that lenga appears to be a nutrient-rich forest that acts as a nutrient sink, while coniferous krummholz scavenge for nutrients on tundra soils and reduce their nutrient pools.     

A comparison of impacts from silviculture practices and North American beaver invasion on stream benthic macroinvertebrate community structure and function in Nothofagus forests of Tierra del Fuego

The sub-Antarctic biome of South America is the world's southernmost forested ecosystem and one of the last remaining wilderness areas on the planet. Nonetheless, the region confronts various anthropogenic environmental impacts, such as the invasive North American beaver (Castor canadensis) and timber harvesting, particularly in stands of Nothofagus pumilio. Both of these disturbances can affect terrestrial and aquatic systems. To understand the influence and relative importance of these disturbances on sub-Antarctic watersheds, we characterized in-stream and riparian habitat conditions (pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature, stream size, distance to riparian forest, bank slope, substrate heterogeneity, benthic organic matter) and benthic macroinvertebrate community structure (density, richness, diversity, evenness) and function (biomass, functional feeding group percent) in 19 streams on Tierra del Fuego Island. To explain the effects of beaver invasion and timber harvesting, we compared these physical and biotic variables among four habitat types: (a) beaver meadows, (b) shelterwood cut harvested areas without forested riparian zones, (c) variable retention harvested areas with riparian buffers, and (d) unmanaged old-growth primary forests. Most habitat variables were similar at all sites, except for dissolved oxygen (significantly higher in streams from old-growth primary forests). Benthic communities in beaver meadows had significantly lower diversity, compared to streams of unmanaged old-growth primary forests, and managed sites presented intermediate values between the two. Functionally, the benthic community in beaver meadows displayed a reduction of all functional feeding groups except collector-gatherers; again variable retention harvested areas with riparian buffers were similar to unmanaged old-growth primary forest streams, while shelterwood cut harvested areas occupied an intermediate position. These results indicated that current forestry practices that include both variable retention and legally mandated riparian forested buffers may be effective in mitigating impacts on stream benthic communities. Finally, these data demonstrated that C. canadensis invasion was a relatively larger impact on these streams than well-managed forestry practices.     

Trends in nutrient reservoirs stored in uppermost soil horizons of subantarctic forests differing in their structure

Macro- (C, N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micronutrient (Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) reservoirs were estimated in the O (Oi+Oe+Oa) and in the A (0–10 cm depth) soil horizons of four stands of Nothofagus pumilio (lenga) from Tierra del Fuego which differ in their forestry characteristics. The type of soil layer (O and A) and the forest structure, as related to above-ground biomass storage, were assessed as a factor of variation in the nutrient reservoirs of both soils layers. Nutrient reservoirs showed similar ranges in both soil layers for total organic C (34–65 Mg ha^?1), total N (1.5–3.5 Mg ha^?1), rapidly available Ca (1.3–2.7 Mg ha^?1) and Mg (0.18–0.36 Mg ha^?1). Rapidly available K, available P, and medium-term available Fe and Cu were accumulated preferentially in A the horizons, whereas medium-term available Mn and Zn were mainly stored in the O horizons. The forest structure was not a statistically significant factor of variation on the nutrient reservoirs in the O horizons, although a legacy effect of the accumulated above-ground biomass on nutrient reservoirs in this soil layer can not be discarded. On the contrary, the pools of total organic C, total N, rapidly available K and medium-term available Cu and Zn in the A horizons varied significantly with the different forest structure. In terms of lenga forests sustainability, uppermost soils layers should be preserved as they accumulate most of the soil fertility which is essential for lenga regeneration after logging. The inclusion of the assessment of soil fertility in the management plans of the lenga forests in the ecotone of the Argentinean Tierra del Fuego is strongly recommended, as it will contribute to ensure a successful regeneration of lenga in logged areas.     

Distance to flood meadows as a predictor of use of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nothofagus pumilio</Emphasis> forest by livestock and resulting impact,in Patagonia,Argentina

Seedling browsing by livestock has been indicated as major threat for forest sustainability use. Nothofagus pumilio forests are part of the livestock raising system in Patagonia, but because of the sparse understory cover, livestock graze mainly on flood meadows within the forest matrix. The complexity of the environment under study (forests and flood meadows) means that an adaptive predictor is needed to evaluate the intensity of resource use by livestock in order to assess its effect on the forest. Distance to flood meadows was evaluated as a predictor of the use intensity of the forest by livestock and its effect on the understory. The study was conducted at three sites in Chubut Province, Patagonia–Argentina. We established transects in the forest 320 m long, starting at the edge flood meadow-forest. In these transects, the livestock presence indicators (soil compaction, density of feces and trails) and composition of the understory were evaluated. Generalized Linear Model for repeated measures for longitudinal data were used. The indicators showed that distance is efficient for estimating forest use intensity by livestock. The understory varied with distance, the cover of exotic herbaceous was higher near the flood meadow. Far from the flood meadow, the cover was entirely composited of native species. The results support the use of distance to flood meadows as a tool for decision making in livestock and forest management in N. pumilio forests, and for further research on livestock effect on the forest.     

伞伐更新法对赫卡尼亚(Hyrcanian)森林系统中森林再生和林分结构的影响

研究伞伐更新法对赫卡尼亚森林系统中森林再生和林分结构的影响。在伊朗北部优势种为山毛榉（Fagus orientalisLipsky）的硬木林,采取伞伐更新法和非伞伐更新法方法设计实验区。结果表明,在山毛榉（F orientalis Lipsky）林中采用伞伐更新法处理,明显影响林下草本植物种的频度和密度。伞伐更新法处理后,林堇菜（Viola silvestris Lam.）、车叶草（Asperula odorata L.）、苔草（Carex spp.）和悬钩子（Rubushyrcanus Juz）的种频度明显增加。在对照区,树种的胸高直径（57.50&#177;2.15cm）大于被处理区（50.67&#177;1.88cm）的树种的胸高直径（50.67&#177;1.88 cm）,但对照区和处理区的树种的高度值相似。在1995-2005年间,波斯铁木（Parrotia persica）苗木数量增加到13.2%,而山毛榉（F orientalis）和欧洲鹅耳枥（Carpinus betulus）的苗木数量却明显减少。总之,应该利用其它育林方法,如,带状择伐作业,而不是伞伐更新法培育赫卡尼亚森林中山毛榉林。     

Effects of Different Management Practices on Stand Composition and Species Diversity in Subtropical Forests in Nepal: Implications of Community Participation in Biodiversity Conservation

In this article, we compared the structure, composition, and diversity of trees, shrubs and saplings, seedlings and herbaceous species of community- and government-managed forests in the lowlands of eastern Nepal. Results suggest that among the trees, the community forest was dominated by a single species, Shorea robusta. However, Shorea robusta and Terminalia myriocarpa were codominant in the government forest. Tree density and basal area were higher in the government forest, but shrub/sapling density and basal area were higher in the community forest, suggesting a positive effect of community management on tree regeneration. Overstory species assemblages showed an obvious compositional difference between the forests, but understory species assemblages were less obvious. Plot-level tree and shrub/sapling species richness was higher in the government forest than the community forest. However, seedling-herbaceous species richness was higher in the community forest. The dominance of Shorea robusta trees in the community forest suggests that people involved in managing forests may be more interested in a limited number of economically valuable species while removing less important trees. Such preferential management practices may increase resource heterogeneity within a forest and maintain species diversity in the understory. Thus, community participation in forest management should be encouraged, with guided management techniques and exercises, to achieve maximum forest recovery, provide sustainable ecosystem services, and maintain forest diversity.     

Alternative silvicultural practices with variable retention to improve understory plant diversity conservation in southern Patagonian forests

Understory plants could can act as indicators of temperate forest sustainability, health and conservation status due to their importance in ecosystem function. Harvesting impacts on understory plant diversity depends on their intensity. Variable retention has been proposed to mitigate the harmful effects of timber harvesting, but its effectiveness remains unknown in southern Patagonian Nothofagus pumilio forests. The objectives of this study were to: (i) define a baseline of understory plant diversity in old-growth forests along a site quality gradient and under canopy gaps; (ii) evaluate stands with three different variable retention treatments compared to old-growth forests; and (iii) assess temporal changes during 4 years after harvesting (YAH). A 61 ha N. pumilio forest was selected. Understory plant (Dicotyledonae, Monocotyledonae and Pteridophyta) richness, cover (including woody debris and bare forest floor) and aboveground dry biomass were characterized in summer for 5 years. Before harvesting, baseline samples were conducted along a site quality gradient and outside/inside canopy gaps. Analyzed treatments include a control of old-growth forest (OGF) and three different harvesting treatments with variable retention: (i) dispersed retention (DR) of 30 m² ha⁻¹ (20-30% retention); (ii) aggregated retention (AR) with one aggregate per hectare and clear-cuts (28% retention); and (iii) combined dispersed and aggregated retention (DAR) with one aggregate per hectare and dispersed retention of 10-15 m² ha⁻¹ (40-50% retention). Data analyses included parametric and permutational ANOVAs, multivariate classification and ordinations.Before harvesting, 31 plant species were found, where richness, cover and biomass were directly related to site quality. The presence of canopy gaps did not have a significant impact on the measured variables. After harvesting, 20 new species appeared from adjacent associated environments (two from N. antarctica forests and 18 from grasslands and peatlands). At the stand level, understory values were higher in AR > DR > DAR > OGF. Most (81-95%) plant richness at baseline conditions was conserved in all treatments, where inside the aggregates understory remained similar to OGF. Combination of aggregated and dispersed retention (DAR) better limited exotic species introduction and protected sensitive species, improving conservation in harvested stands. Changes in understory variables were observed after the first YAH in all treatments; greater changes were observed in the harvested areas than in aggregates. Changes stabilized at the fourth YAH. As a conclusion, the location of retention aggregates should be selected to preserve species understory diversity of more speciose and diverse habitats or particularly uncommon stands. Implementation of different kinds (patterns and levels) of retention for improvement of biodiversity conservation in harvested forests should be included in timber and forest management planning.     

The relationship between shelterwood cuts and crown thinnings and the abundance and distribution of birds in a southern New England forest

Forest regeneration methods such as shelterwood treatments have been shown to substantially increase the diversity of bird species, specifically of species that prefer early seral forests, now rare in the eastern United States. Stand improvement techniques such as thinnings have also been found to increase avian diversity under some conditions. A sustainably managed forest, however, must simultaneously apply regenerative harvesting with stand improvements, and the effect of such treatment combinations on bird community composition is not clear. We compared bird distribution and abundance on shelterwood cuts, crown thinnings, and unmanaged stands at the Yale Myers Forest, a large privately owned and actively managed forest in southern New England. Bird abundance and species diversity was highest in shelterwood cuts and lowest in unmanaged forest, with thinnings being intermediary. Different suites of species inhabited the three treatments, with 18 of 49 common species differing significantly in their abundances between treatments. Characteristics of the vegetation that were directly influenced by silvicultural intervention, including canopy openness, seedling regeneration and vertical structural diversity, appeared to be the dominant drivers of bird abundance. The abundances of some species or groups of species were correlated with the number of trees retained in the implementation of the forestry practices. In conjunction with the conservation of a variety of mature forest habitats, regenerative cuts and stand improvement techniques can be used together to sustain a diverse assemblage of bird species.     

Bat response to shelterwood harvests and forest structure in oak-hickory forests

Forest management practices, such as shelterwood harvesting, can greatly impact bat habitat relationships. Such practices can alter the amount of structural volume within a forest, which can influence bat foraging patterns. We determined the effects of shelterwood harvests of different retention levels (50% and 70% of full stocking) on bat activity patterns in oak-hickory forests located in southern Ohio. We used the Anabat system to monitor activity during May-September 2006. Our objectives were to quantify the effects of harvesting on structural volume and use the results to explain variations in bat activity. Because harvesting alters vertical structure as well as the total amount of volume within a forest, we also determined the height within the vertical profile where changes in structural volume begin to influence overall and species-specific activity. Overall bat activity did not differ significantly between shelterwood harvest levels, but was significantly different between harvested and control sites, with more passes detected within the harvested sites. Lasiurus borealis (red bat), Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat), and Lasionycteris noctivagans (silver-haired bat) activity was significantly greater in harvested versus control sites, but did not differ between shelterwood harvest levels. Myotis spp. (Myotis lucifugus (little brown bat) and Myotis septentrionalis (northern Myotis)) and Perimyotis subflavus (tri-colored bat) activity did not vary between shelterwood harvest levels or between harvested and control sites. The greatest reductions in structural volume occurred in the understory to mid-canopy of the shelterwood harvests. Overall activity was most influenced by the amount of volume within 3-6 m above the forest floor, and declined as volume within that height strata increased. Mean bat passes declined by 50% when volume within 3-6 m exceeded 17 m³/ha. Estimated use by L. borealis decreased by 50% at volumes exceeding 1750 m³/ha in the understory to mid-canopy (0-12 m), while E. fuscus and L. noctivagans estimated use was the highest when volumes within 3-6 m were less than 63 m³/ha. Our results suggest that forest management practices that reduce the amount of structural volume in the understory to mid-canopy provide suitable habitat for foraging bats. Quantifying the amount of structural volume at various heights within the vertical profile of the forest can lend valuable insights into overall and species-specific bat activity patterns.     

Forest herbicide influences on floristic diversity seven years after broadcast pine release treatments in central Georgia,USA

Maintenance of biodiversity is becoming a goal of forest management. This study determined effects of broadcast pine release herbicide treatments on plant species richness, diversity, and structural proportions seven years after treatment. Three study blocks were established in central Georgia. Plots 0.6–0.8 ha in size were planted to loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in the Winter of 1982–83 and then treated with imazapyr (Arsenal), glyphosate (Roundup), and hexazinone (Velpar L. and Pronone 10G) in 1985. In 1992, overstory and understory (<1.5 m height) layers were examined utilizing stem and rootstock counts and basal area of overstory species and cover of understory species. ANOVA's were used to test for significance using a randomized complete block model. We found no effect of treatments on species richness. Diversity, measured separately for overstory and understory layers by Shannon-Wiener and Simpson indices, also was not influenced significantly by treatments. Arsenal significantly decreased Diospyros virginiana L. and increased Rubus argutus Link and legumes. Hexazinone treatments generally decreased Quercus nigra L., and Roundup significantly reduced Vaccinium spp. compared to the Check. We concluded that herbicide release treatments did not decrease overstory or understory plant species richness and diversity seven years post-treatment.     

Timber management with variable retention in Nothofagus pumilio forests of Southern Patagonia

Forestry practices integrating ecological and social criteria have been replacing those based only on economic values. Traditional silviculture, such as shelterwood cuts (SC), transforms uneven-aged original stands to an even-aged managed forest. Recently, other methods have proposed to conserve some of the original heterogeneity of the old-growth forests. One proposal leaves 30% of the timber quality forest area as aggregated retention and 20% basal area as dispersed retention. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of timber management with aggregated and dispersed retention in Nothofagus pumilio old-growth forests by analyzing timber and harvesting yield potential compared with traditional regeneration systems. Also, remnant tree stability of aggregated retention was analyzed.     

林分密度对蒙古栎林下草本植物多样性的影响研究

以内蒙古赤峰市阿鲁科尔沁旗沙日温都栎林自然保护区蒙古栎林为主要研究对象,研究不同林分密度对林下草本植物多样性的影响。结果表明,研究区内共有13科、14属、16种草本植物;Simpson指数、Shannon-Wiener指数、Pielou均匀度指数和物种丰富度指数均随着林分密度的增加呈先增大后减小的趋势,当林分密度为750株/hm²时,林下草本植物多样性指数达到最大值;林分密度与Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Pielou均匀度指数、Simpson多样性指数、物种丰富度指数、树高、胸径均呈极显著负相关,与郁闭度呈极显著正相关,与枝下高不相关。综上所述,最合理的蒙古栎林密度为750株/hm²,该密度下最有利于蒙古栎林及林下草本植物生长发育。     

Effects of different forest practices on Pinus tabulaeformis population dynamics and species diversity in the Huanglongshan forest region

Three Pinus tabulaeformis populations which experienced tending, shelterwood cutting, and closed tending were separately investigated to study the effects of these three forest practices on the age structures, static life tables, survivorship curves, and species diversities of P. tabulaeformis populations in Huanglongshan Mountain. Time sequence model was adopted to predict the dynamic population numbers of different P. tabulaeformis populations with different forest practices. The results revealed that the three populations are essentially identical in population structure, their young and old individuals make up a small proportion and their mid-aged individuals make up a large proportion and consequentially P. tabulaeformis populations generally stand stable. In the P. tabulaeformis communities with three tending practices, the highest species abundance index appears with tending and shelterwood cutting and the highest evenness index and species diversity appears with closed tending. The P. tabulaeformis populations with tending and shelterwood cutting practices belong to one developmental type and the P. tabulaeformis populations with closed tending practices belong to a stable type. It indicated that in the future, closed tending as the major practice and tending and shelterwood cutting as the supporting practices should be applied for P. tabulaeformis populations in Huanglongshan Mountain so that the communities will develop continuously. __________ Translated from Acta Botanica Boreali-Occidentalia Sinica, 2006, 26(5): 1,007–1,013 [译自: 西北植物学报]     

Effect of clear-cutting on the understory vegetation,soil and diversity of litter beetles in scots pine-dominated forest

Currently, the aim of modern forest management is not only timber production but also the protection of biodiversity. The initial effects of clear-cut logging on forest understory vegetation, soil and the diversity of litter beetles have been studied. We examined unstudied effects of clear-cutting disturbance on understory vascular plant species abundance, forest soils, and understory vegetation nutrients as well as beetle diversity one year after clear-cutting. Substantial changes in the prominence values and above-ground mass of forest-related vascular plant and moss species were detected. Clear-cuttings resulted in fast appearance of new light-loving plant species. The significant decrease in understory plant biomass influenced the reduction of nutrient pools in clear-cut areas after one year. The clear-cut logging negatively influenced the richness of species and the number of individuals of stenobiontic forest-related beetles in the forest litter. However, forest clear-cuttings were beneficial for eurytopic and open land species.     

Are silvopastoral systems compatible with forest regeneration? An integrative approach in southern Patagonia

We used an integrated approach to analyze the influence of silvopastoral management on the biotic and abiotic factors influencing on the natural recruitment of native forests in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). The probabilities of transition from flowers to seeds to seedlings were estimated in forests with silvopastoral management (i.e., stands that had been both grazed and thinned), secondary growth stands, and unmanaged old-growth areas. Pre-dispersal losses were caused by microclimate and insect predation acting on flowers and immature fruits. Post-dispersal losses resulted from the impact of reduced litterfall and microclimate. But the most critical stage of the overall cycle was seedling establishment. Silvopastoral practices and stand age modified the main drivers of regeneration. While flowering was unaffected by management, fruiting and seed production were more successful in unmanaged forests. Seedling establishment and survival were favored by canopy cover reduction in silvopastoral stands. The increase of solar radiation and soil moisture in managed forests positively influenced the seedling establishment and survival, while in second-growth forests it was limited by suitable micro-site availability. Thinning practices aimed at increasing the understory heterogeneity in mature forests and restoring canopy complexity of second-growth stands could be suitable for sustainable management of these temperate forests.     

Reshaping forest management in southern Patagonia: a qualitative assessment

Abstract

The intensive forest use has caused a significant transformation around the world. Sustainable forest management (SFM) has emerged as an alternative to address concerns regarding resource use, conservation, and socioeconomic benefits. Evidence suggests that its application remains inconsistent. In Argentina, the national government passed a law addressing management aiming to provide guidelines and incentives to steer practices into a sustainable framework. The objectives were: (a) understand what the concept of SFM means to participants in Tierra del Fuego; (b) identify and assess how different factors influence the adoption of SFM; (c) review the stakeholder perceptions on recent regulatory changes; and (d) identify the steps required for improving management. We conducted 52 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and parties at the national level. New regulatory arrangements were implemented for a short-time before this research was undertaken, and we could not evaluate the success of reform. The study provided deep insight into the policy-making process, and the views held by different stakeholders. The historical mismanagement of the resource, together with an unfavorable past relationship with authorities, has promoted short-term perspectives which resulted in behaviors inconsistent with SFM. Moreover, the characteristic demographic composition brings a social component not identified in the broader literature as relevant for SFM adoption.     

广西桉树林下植被抚育现状调查与分析

林下植被抚育是桉树人工林经营中的关键环节。采用调查问卷的方式,在广西区直林场开展桉树林下植被抚育现状的调查,对林下草灌保留、除草方式、除草剂使用等情况进行汇总分析。结果显示,各林场通常采取人工和除草剂两种方式相结合进行桉树林下植被抚育;第一年抚育1～3次,第二年至第四年抚育0～1次,采伐前抚育1次;林下植被抚育时草灌保留高度在10～20 cm以下,部分林场林下灌木保留10%～30%;抚育成本675～1 275元/hm²;使用的除草剂主要是草甘膦、草舒、草乙疏等,均含有草甘膦成分,施用量为7.5～18.75 kg/hm²。采取多样化的桉树林下植被抚育方式,以平衡桉树生长和林下植被多样性的关系,促进桉树人工林可持续经营。     

Diversity of naturally-regenerated native woody species in forest plantations in the Ethiopian highlands

Woody species diversity and ground layervegetation cover were studied in plantations ofPinus patula, Cupressus lusitanica,Grevillea robusta, and Juniperusprocera, and in surrounding natural forests inWondo Genet, Ethiopia. In the understory of theplantations, a total of 53 naturallyregenerated tree and shrub species belonging to31 families were recorded. Important indigenoustimber species were also represented. Treesaccounted for 72% of all naturally-regeneratedwoody plant species. On the average, 78% ofthe woody species found in plantations werealso found in the natural forest. There was nosignificant variation in understory woodyspecies richness among plantations. C.lusitanica plantations had a significantlyhigher abundance of woody species than those ofP. patula, but the difference wasnot significant in relation to J. procera,G. robusta and the adjacent natural forest.The herbaceous ground cover percentage in G. robusta and P. patula stands wasconsiderably higher than in C. lusitanicaand J. procera stands. Relative toplantations of other species, plantations ofthe native tree species J. procera hadhigher understory species richness, mediumwoody species abundance and low ground cover.Although there was a marked variation inoverstory plantation density, its effect onunderstory species richness and abundance wasnot significant. The density ofnaturally-regenerated woody species inplantations was over three times the usualplanting density in Ethiopia, indicating a highpotential of forest plantations for restoringthe natural forest ecosystems on degraded landsat a comparatively low cost.     

Structure and species diversity of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in northern Okinawa Island, Japan

The structure and tree species diversity of a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in northern Okinawa Island, Japan, were studied. Enumeration of the six sampling plots revealed an average density of 5,580 individuals with DBH≧3.0 cm/ha, having an average basal area of 55 m². The large-size trees of DBH≧20 cm contributed 10% of the total individuals, and 49% of the total basal area. The forest showed a high diversity of tree species, which is comparable to some tropical rain forests. A total of 54 over-story species of 24 families and a total of 63 understory species of 26 families were identified in the six sampling plots. Fagaceae and Theaceae were the most important families;Castanopsis sieboldii, Schima wallichii andDistylium racemosum were the most important species. The diversity index and equitability index of species were 4.15 and 0.72 for the overstory plots, and 4.72 and 0.79 for the understory subplots, respectively. The diversity index for the overstory was significantly correlated to the total basal area of trees over 20 cm DBH (p<0.05) and the importance value ofC. sieboldii (p<0.001), while for understory, the diversity index was not correlated to the structural parameters (allp>0.16). The size distribution pattern and age structure indicated differences in regeneration strategies for canopy dominants. In population dynamics of the succession process,C. sieboldii andD. racemosum were self-maintaining types, andS. wallichii was a gap- or opening-dependent type. This study was made possible by support from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Sciences, Sports and Culture, which provided a Monbusho scholarship to X.N. Xu.