Effects of thinning on microsites and natural regeneration in a Larix olgensis plantation in mountainous regions of eastern Liaoning Province, China

In order to understand the effects of thinning on microsite conditions and natural regeneration in the larch plantation, thinning experiment was conducted in a 40-year-old Larix olgensis plantation in Qingyuan County in eastern Liaoning Province, China in 2003-2004 Five thinning treatments （0%, 10.2%, 19.8%, 29.7% and 40.3% thinned） were designed on the same site. After thinning, canopy openness and the microsite conditions such as photosynthetic photon flux density （PPFD）, soil moisture content, and soil temperature were measured in one growing season. Meanwhile, the investigation of natural regeneration was conducted at the end of the growing season. The results showed that the canopy openness increased with the increase of thinning intensities. PPFD and soil temperature and soil moisture content in different soil layers were positively relative with canopy openness after thinning. The richness of regenerating tree species did not significantly increase （p=0.30） after one growing season since thinning, but the regeneration density and frequency of tree species increased significantly （p〈0.05）. In addition, the number of regenerating tree species increased, and the increment was correlated with the characteristics of iudividual tree species. The increasing percentage of regenerating seedlings of the shade-intolerant tree species was more than that of shade-tolerant tree species. Among the investigated regeneration species, the biggest response of seedling emergency to the canopy openness was Phellodendron amurense. This paper confirmed the following conclusions： after thinning, the variety of regenerating tree species was correlative with the characteristics of regenerating tree species, and the distribution of unthinned trees and the site conditions in the investigated larch plantation were the additional factors influencing, the regeneration.     

Responses of the seedlings of five dominant tree species in Changbai Mountain to soil water stress

Soil water stress was studied on the potted seedlings of five dominant tree species (Pinus koraienes Sieb.et Zucc.,Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr., Juglans mandshurica Maxim, Tilia amurensis Rupr. and Quercus mongolica Fisch.ex Turcz) from the broadleaved/Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain. Leaf growth, water transpiration and photosynthesis were compared for each species under three soil moisture conditions: 85%-100% (high water, CK), 65%-85% (Medium water, MW) and 45%-65% (low water, LW) of 37.4% water-holding capacity in field. The results showed that the characteristic of typical drought-resistance of the leaves is significantly developed. The net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency of Fraxinus mandshurica were higher in MW than those in CK. But for the other four species, the net photosynthetic rate and water use efficiency in CK were lower than those in MW and LW. The transpiration rate responding to soil moistures varied from species to soecies.     

Study on the Effect of Fertilization on Eucalyptus globulus Plantation in Yunnan

10 fertilization tests of different match and ratio of N，P，K were conducted on young Eucalyptus globulus plantation in limestone red soil in Baoshan City for 5 years. The results of tests indicated that fertilization obviously promoted the growth of young E. globulus plantation. At 1.5 years after afforestation，the growth response was at the highest point，the height and DBH of the tree were promoted by 33.69％，48.39％ for the 9 manuring treatments. At 5 years after afforestation，the growth response were promoted by 16.45％，10.71％ for the 9 manuring treatments. Phosphoric fertilizer is the main factor in promoting the growth of E. globulus plantation.Applying 430 g calcium magnesium phosphate as base fertilizer for each tree，can make the best growth response. The growth responses of N，K fertilizer is not obvious. Organic fertilizer can promot the growth of the trees. Among the 10 treatments，the 3 treatments of No.6 （65 g carbamide，430 g calcium magnesium phosphate），No.9 （130 g carbamide，430 g calcium magnesium phosphate ，54 g KCl），No.10 （treatmet No.9 added with 5 kg organic fertilizer） gained remarkable growth effect. The treatments with best economic benefit are No.6 and No.9.     

用土壤养分系统研究法评价杨树人工林土壤养分状况

A study was conducted to evaluate the soil nutrient status of poplar plantation by Soil Nutrient Systematic Approach(SNSA) in Jianghan Plain, Hubei Province, China. Soil physiochemical properties were analyzed in laboratory through collection soil samples of study site. Ten treatments of application different fertilizers were designed such as CK, optimum treatment (N, P,K, Zn), -N(P, K, Zn), -P(N, K, Zn), -K(N, P, Zn), Mg(N, P, K, Zn, Mg), -Zn (N,P,K), 2P(N, 2P, K, Zn), 2K(N, P, 2K, Zn), and 2N 2P 2K(2N, 2P, 2K, Zn) for field experiment to test the effect on tree height, diameter (DBH) growth, and dry weight of poplar.The results showed that there was no significant difference in tree heights between treatments with different fertilizers, diameter growth of poplar trees in treatments of lack of N and Zn was significantly slower than that of trees in optimum treatment, and dry weight of poplar dropped significantly for treatment of CK as well as treatments without application N and Zn. It is concluded that N and Zn were main limiting factor for poplar growth. Results from laboratory analysis and field experiment were uniform perfectly, which proved that SNSA was reliable in evaluating soil nutrient status of poplar plantation.     

Study on Cultural Technologies and Salt-resistance of Nitraria sibirica in Coastal Areas with Serious Salt-affected Soil

In this research, five Nitraria sibirica provenances such as Dayilu were selected to do experiment of salt-resistance, combining fixed plots test with typical plot investigation, measuring survival rate and growth as main indicators. The experiments of main cultural technology were done on Nitraria sibirica in 4 types of site preparation, 3 types of planting, 3 designs for planting density. The Nitraria sibirica experiments for the effects of curbing salt and improving soil were done by testing soil nutrients, salt content, soil physical properties as focal points in typical site of 3-4 years woods. The experiment results showed that the Nitraria sibirica could survive well with soil salt content of 0.6%, and that survival rate declined distinctively as soil salt content exceeded 0.8%. However, high soil salt content did not influence growth in the year of planting. There were obvious differences in salt-tolerance among Nitraria sibirica provenances; Dayilu was the best on salt-tolerance, the other 4 pro     

THE STUDY ON SITE QUALITY EVALUATION FOR DAHURIAN LARCH(LARIX GMELINII RUPR.)

Site quality of larch(Larix gmelinii Rupr.)in Da Xingan Mountain in InnerMongolia was studied systematically with about 1000 temporary plots and computersoftware.The nature of site class and site index curve was discussed in view of generalmathematical model of height growth.The height growth of dominant tree of four divisionsof forest stands were studied and site index tables were constructed respectively.In orderto unify the comparing standard and convenience for management in this region,site indextable was constucted too.Based on discussing the action and accuracy of forest type,aseries of site quality evaluation(forest type-site index class-site index)was suggested.     

Comparison of stand structure and growth between artificial and natural forests of Pinus sylvestiris var, mongolica on sandy land

Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestiris Linnaeus var. mongolica Litvinov) as a valuable conifer tree species has been broadly introduced to the sandy land areas in “Three North” regions (North, northwest and northeast of China), but many prob-lems occurred in the earliest Mongolian pine plantations in 7hanggutai, 7hangwu County, Liaoning Province (ZZL). In order to clarify the reason, comprehensive investigations were carried out on differences in structure characteristics, growth processes and ecological factors between artificial stands (the first plantation established in ZZL in 1950s) and natural stands (the origin forests of the tree species in Honghuaerji, Inner Mongolia) on sandy land. The results showed that variation of diameter-class distributions in artificial stands and natural stands could be described by Weibull and Normal distribution models, respectively.Chapman-Richards growth model was employed to reconstruct the growth process of Mongolian pine based on the data from field investigation and stem analysis. The ages of maximum of relative growth rate and average growth rate of DBH, height, and volume of planted trees were 11,22 years, 8, 15 years and 35, 59 years earlier than those of natural stand trees, respectively. In respect of the incremental acceleration of volume, the artificial and natural stands reached their maximum values at 14 years and 33 years respectively. The quantitative maturity ages of artificial stands and natural stands were 43 years and 102 years respectively. It was concluded that the life span of the Mongolian pine trees in natural stands was about 60 years longer than those in artificial stands. The differences mentioned above between artificial and natural Mongolian pine forests on sandy land were partially attributed to the drastic variations of ecological conditions such as latitude, temperature, precipitation, evaporation and height above sea level. Human beings‘‘ disturbances and higher density in plantation forest may be ascribed as additional reasons. Those results may be potentially useful for the management and afforestation of Mongolian pine plantations on sandy land in arid and semi-arid areas.     

Modeling height growth for teak plantations in Colombia using the reducible stochastic differential equation approach

Teak( Tectona grandis L.f.) plantations are increasingly being established in tropical regions to meet a rising demand for its highly valued timber. Teak plantations have been established in the Atlantic Coastal Plain region of Colombia, a region climatically suitable for teak growth by having a monsoon climate with a unimodal precipitation pattern. Tree diameter at breast height(DBH, 1.3 m above ground) and mean top height, periodically measured over a 17-year period in 44 permanent sampling plots of size 0.06 and 0.10 ha, were used in this study. A stochastic differential equation(SDE), along with a Bertalanffy–Richards-type height growth model, was used to model and estimate top height growth of teak plantations in Colombia. Environmental noise and height measurement errors were explicitly considered as the main uncertainty sources of mean top height growth. The best model for estimating mean top height, based on statistical performance and biological rationale, had the asymptote defined as a local parameter and the growth rate and shape specified as global parameters. This model outperformed its counterpart that had the growth rate specified as a local parameter and asymptote and shape as global parameters. The selected model also outperformed alternative approaches such as the mixed-effects model, generalized algebraic difference approach, and the dummy variable method. Estimated trajectories for the mean top height of teak in Colombia are biologically sound based on the measured height series and previous studies in Latin America. Results suggest that most of the uncertainty associated with the mean top height growth of teak plantations in Colombia was largely explained by environmental noise. The best estimated model using the SDE approach can be useful for predicting height growth and evaluating site productivity of teak plantations in Colombia and in neighbouring countries with biophysical characteristics similar to those where teak has been planted in Colombia.     

Eucalyptus grandis plantations:effects of management on soil carbon,nutrient contents and yields

The expansion of fast-growing tree plantations is a worldwide process,with consequences on soil fertility and soil carbon storage.Disparate results were found on the effects of afforestation with Eucalyptus on soil carbon and other nutrient contents.These discrepancies are usually caused by differences in climate,land use history,soil texture as well as by management related factors such as plantation age,number of rotations,method of establishment(plantation or coppice),harvest residue management and soil preparation.We studied the effect of plantation age,number of rotations,and method of establishment on soils and plant nutrient concentrations in Eucalyptus grandis plantations in NE Argentina on different textured soils.We also determined if yields changed with nutrient variations in soils,and compared soils under plantations to soils under grasslands they replaced.Thirty-one E.grandis stands of different ages,number of rotations and method of establishment were evaluated as well as eight grassland sites.Levels of carbon,nitrogen,phosphorus,potassium,calcium and magnesium were determined for soils and plants.Soil carbon and nitrogen decreased over the number of rotations and were more pronounced in soils with 50-60%sand than soils with>75%sand.Coppice stands showed higher soil carbon and nitrogen levels than plantations,suggesting a negative effect of site preparation before planting on soil nutrient conservation,especially in fine-textured soils.Foliar nutrient concentrations did not follow the trends observed for soil nutrients nor did they reflect nutrient limitations.There was no evidence of decreased yields over successive rotations.Soil carbon and nitrogen contents decrease when grasslands are replaced by E.grandis plantations,and therefore a yield limitation may occur in a medium to long-term frame,especially in stands re-established for short-rotation management.Harvest residue management and site preparation must be specifically designed for improving soil nutrient management.     

Evaluation of early growth performance of 41 clones of teak(Tectona grandis Linn. f.) at four microsites in Purwakarta,Indonesia

Teak(Tectona grandis Linn. f.), one of the mostvalued tree species in the world, is slow-growing with a long period until it can be harvested;therefore, ensuring that only high-quality seedlings or clones are selected for planting is critical. The main objective was to determine performance and repeatability of selected clones in terms of growth and survival rates in different micro-environments. A 2-year clonal trial using 41 clones and a local seedling of teak as a control were grown at 4 microsites differing in spacing, soil fertility and alley crops to assess tree height, diameter and survival rate that was evaluated in Purwakarta, West Java, Indonesia using a randomized complete block design with four replicates of each clone at each microsite. Teak growth was influenced by clone(p < 0.01), microsite(p < 0.05) and clone 9 micrositeinteraction(p<0.01). The interaction clone 9 microsite resulted in several potential superior clones that differed in terms of growth rates at each microsite. On the basis of diameter only, superior clones(nos. 14, 18, 24, 30 and 37)were identified. Repeatability estimated was Rc2= 0.84 for diameter and Rc2= 0.77 for height. Growth performance of teak trees varied among microsites. Repeatability values for diameter and height characters were high. The effect of variable growth on each clone was influenced by genetic factors, environmental factors and the interaction of genetics 9 environment. Microsite significantly affected growth of teak clones. Clone 9 microsite interaction significantly affected growth of clones and led to the growth of superior clones at each microsite.     

Effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on photosynthesis, dark respiration and RuBPcase activity of three species seedlings in Changbai Mountain

Two-year-old seedlings ofPinus koraiensis, Pinus sylvestriformis andFraxinus mandshurica were treated in open-top chambers with elevated CO₂ concentrations (700 μL·L⁻¹, 500 μL·L⁻¹) and ambient CO₂ concentrations (350 μL·L⁻¹) in Changbai Mountain from June to Sept. in 1999 and 2001. The net photosynthetic rate, dark respiration rate, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxlase (RuBPcase) activity, and chlorophyll content were analyzed. The results indicated the RuBPcase activity of the three species seedlings increased at elevated CO₂ concentrations. The elevated CO₂ concentrations stimulated the net photosynthetic rates of three tree species exceptP. sylvestriformis grown under 500 μL·L⁻¹ CO₂ concentration. The dark respiration rates ofP. koraiensis andP. sylvestriformis increased under concentration of 700 μL·L⁻¹ CO₂, out that ofF. mandshurica decreased under both concentrations 700 μL·L⁻¹ and 500 μL·L⁻¹ CO₂. The seedlings ofF. mandshurica decreased in chlorophyll contents at elevated CO₂ concentrations. Foundation item: This paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30070158). Knowledge Innovation Item of Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZCX2-406) and “Hundred Scientists” Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Biography: Zhou Yu-mei (1973-) Ph. Doctor, Assistant Research fellow Institute of Applied Ecology. Chinese Academy of Sciences. Shenyang 110016. P.R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Study on tracheid variation ofPicea koraiensis (nakai) in natural stand and plantation

Tracheid characteristics ofPicea koraiensis from natural stand in Liangshui area and plantation in Mao'ershan area were studied. The results of variance analysis showed that the tracheid length, diameter, and thickness of tracheid wall were significant differences between the growth rings. All those characteristics tend to increase from heart-center to bark. In natural stand, it has positive correlation between the characteristics. In plantation, the tracheid length has positive correlation with the trachied diameter, while both the trachied length and the trachied diameter has negative correlation with the thickness of trachied wall. The tracheid length and diameter have no significant difference in growth between natural stand and plantations. The thickness of tracheid wall from the plantation is a little thicker than that from the natural stand before 15 years. Foundation item: This paper was part of State 9th Five-Year Plan project of “Early Mensuration ofPicea koraiensis (nakai)”. Biography: REN Xu-qin (1973-), female, graduate student in Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Effects of intercropping systems of trees with soybean on soil physicochemical properties in juvenile plantations

The intercropping system of tree with soybean in juvenile plantations, as a short-term practice, was applied at Lao Shan Experimental Station in Mao’er Shan Forest of Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China. The larch (Larix gmelinii)/soybean (Glycine max.) and ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) intercropping systems were studied in the field to assess the effects of the intercropping on soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that soil physical properties were improved after soybean intercropping with larch and ash in one growing season. The soil bulk density in larch/soybean and ash/soybean systems was 1.112 g·cm⁻³ and 1.058 g·cm⁻³, respectively, which was lower than that in the pure larch or ash plantation without intercropping. The total soil porosity also increased after intercropping. The organic matter amount in larch/soybean system was 1.77 times higher than that in the pure larch plantation, and it was 1.09 times higher in ash/soybean system than that in the pure ash plantation. Contents of total nitrogen and hydrolyzable nitrogen in larch/soybean system were 4.2% and 53.0% higher than those in the pure larch stand. Total nitrogen and hydrolyzable nitrogen contents in ash/soybean system were 75.5% and 3.3% higher than those in the pure ash plantation. Total phosphorus content decreased after intercropping, while change of available phosphorus showed an increasing trend. Total potassium and available potassium contents in the larch/soybean system were 0.6% and 17.5% higher than those in the pure larch stand. Total potassium and available potassium contents in the ash/soybean system were 56.4% and 21.8% higher than those in the pure ash plantation. Biography: FAN A-nan (1972–), female, Ph. Doctor in Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, P. R. China.     

Provenance trials ofJuglans mandshurica

The data of provenance trial onJuglans mandshurica young tree were investigated and studied from different provenance. Analysis methods of variance and correlation analysis were used to analyze these data. The following conclusons were obtained: (1) The difference of growth characters ofJuglans mandshurica is relatively significant among provenances: (2) The result of first trial has indicated thatJulans mandshurica growth trend expresses two-way gradual change trend with different longitude and latitude. but the second trial has no obvious gradual change trend. Height ofJuglans mandshurica is negatively correlated with elevation. (3) The provenance of Shulan. Mao’ershan and Baishishan were selected as superior provenance of afforestational seeds for Mao’ershan and its brink region. Responsible Editor: Zhu Hong     

Impact factors on fine root seasonal dynamics in Fraxinus mandshurica plantations

Fine root turnover plays important roles in carbon allocation and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Seasonal dynamics of fine roots is critical for understanding the processes of fine root turnover. From May to October 2002, soil core method was used for estimating the seasonal pattern of fine root (diameter < 1 mm) parameters (biomass, specific root length (SRL) and root length density (RLD)) in a Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) plantation located at the Maoershan Experiment Station, Heilongjiang Province, northeast of China. The relationships of fine root biomass, SRL and RLD with available nitrogen in soil, average soil temperature per month in 10 cm depth and soil moisture content were analyzed. Seasonal variation of fine root biomass was significant (P < 0.05). The peak values of fine root biomass were observed both in spring and in autumn, but SRL and RLD were the highest in spring and lowest in autumn. Specific root length and root length density were higher in spring and summer, which means that fine root diameter was thinner. In autumn, both parameters decreased significantly due to secondary incrassation of fine root diameter or the increase of tissue density. Seasonal dynamics of fine roots was associated with available nitrogen in soil, soil temperature in 10 cm depth and moisture content. Fine root biomass has a significant relationship with available NH₄ ⁺-N in soil. Available NO₃ ⁻-N in soil, soil temperature in 10-cm depth and moisture content have a positive correlation with fine root biomass, SRL and RLD, although these correlations are not significant (P > 0.05). But the compound effects of soil available N, soil temperature and soil moisture content are significant to every root parameter. The variations of these three root parameters in different seasons show different physiological and ecological functions in different growing periods. Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2006, 42(9): 7–12 [译自: 林业科学]     

Growth variation and early selection ofBetula platyphylla in natural stands

The stem analysis ofBetula platyphylla in natural forest at the Maoershan Forest Experimental Station of Northeast Forestry University, showed that the growth variation of the trees, including height and diameter breast height, decreases with the increase of the age. There is the turning point for the growth variation of the tree from acute change to relative stability when the trees are in eighteen years old. There are significant differences among the height, diameter and volume growth of the trees at that time. Therefore, the optimal age for early selection of this species in natural stands is eighteen years old (18 a). Diameter is used as main index for selection and height growth as auxiliary one. (Responsible Editor: Zhu Hong)     

Effects site conditions on industrial fiber plantations of Lar/x olgensis

Plot sampling was conducted in the second cultivation areas ofLarix olgensis in Heilongjiang Province, China. By analyzing plot investigation data, wood properties, and kraft pulps of 840 plots and 248 sample trees in industrial plantations of L. olgensis on different sites, we examined the growth process of L. olgensis industrial plantation with suitable structure, the wood fiber feature, chemical composition, physical performance and pulp characteristics. It is suggested that site conditions have major effects on plantation growth, fiber contains, fiber length, rate between fiber length and fiber width, pulping rate and pulp physics intensity. The best site for L. olgensis industrial plantation growth is site class Ⅰ and site class Ⅱ, which are on lower locations. Site condition has an obvious influence on the wood characteristics. Within the range of site conditions and stand densities studied, the worse the site condition, the less the fiber contains, the shorter the fiber length, and the more the 1% NaOH extraction. This kind of relationship becomes more obvious as stand age increases. However, the influence of site condition on pulping rate and pulp physics intensity is not obvious. The result provides theoretical base for cultivation of industrial fiber plantation of L. olgensis.     

Preliminary studies on the early quality identification ofAuricularia auricular

In production industry ofAuricularia auricular, the varieties quality is most important impact factor on output. For evaluating the early quality of the edible fungus, 9 varieties ofAuricularia auricular (Au9, CF09, CF05, 29, 916, chang10, chang7, Au.Japanese and 8808) were cultured on the medium consists of potato dextrose agar (PDA) and sawdust to test their mycelium growth rate, endurance to high temperature, resistance to mildew, assimilation of nutriment, and resistance to drought. The result showed that the mycelium of Chang 10, CF09, 29 and Au.Japanese varieties had the eminent characteristics such as short lifespan, stronger assimilation of nutriment, and endurance to high temperature and steady growth. These four varieties are determined as superiority varieties ofAuricularia auricular in accordance with the research results. Foundation item: The research was supported by Science Fund of Northeast Forestry University (2004). Biography: Li Ling (1964-), female, Engineer in Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Zhu Hong     

封山育林对小兴安岭东部地区蒙古栎林主要乔木种群径级结构的影响

在黑龙江省小兴安岭东部地区(东经444-4726 N?北纬2633-13141? 海拔400-1000 m), 对不同封育时间、不同坡向的蒙古栎林中的主要乔木树种径级结构进行分析。在阳坡,针对封育5年 16年和24年蒙古栎种群, 分别选择6个重复样地。在阴坡,也同样分别选择6块样地。每块样地的面积为20 m×20 m。在每块样地中, 测量各树的胸高直径,树高和冠幅直径。结果表明:在封育5年样地内,蒙古栎、糠椴和黄榆种群的数量均随着径级的增加而单调下降,表明均为增长型种群;在封育16年以后,由于林内乔木层的盖度较大,糠椴和黄榆种群均呈不同程度的衰退,已经成为蒙古栎种群的伴生种群;封育24年样地中,蒙古栎种群明显成为优势树种。在阳坡随封育时间延长乔木层盖度增长较快,而阴坡乔木层盖度增长较慢;糠椴和黄榆种群随封育时间延长逐步衰退的现象在阳坡比阴坡表现明显。图2表1参8。     

Adaptive responses of<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acer ginnala,Pyrus ussuriensis and Prunus davidiana</Emphasis> seedlings to soil moisture stress

One-year-old seedlings of Amur maple (Acer ginnala Maxim), Ussurian pear (Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim) and David peach (Prunus davidiana Carr) were planted in pots in greenhouse and treated with four different soil moisture contents (75.0%,61.1%, 46.4% and 35.4%). The results showed that net photosynthesis rate (NPR), transpiration rate (TR) and stomatal conductance (Sc) of seedlings of the three species decreased with the decease of soil moisture content, and Amur maple seedlings had the greatest change in those physiological indices, followed by Ussurian pear, David peach. Amur maple and Ussurian pear seedlings also presented a decrease tendency in water use efficiency (WUE) under lower soil moisture content, whereas this was reversed for David peach. Under water stress the biomass allocation to seedling root had a significant increase for all the experimental species. As to root/shoot ratio, Amur maple seedlings had the biggest increase, while David peach had the smaliest increase. The leaf plasticity of Amur maple seedlings was greater, the leaf size and total leaf area decreased significantly as the stress was intensified. No significant change of leaf size and total leaf area was found in seedlings of Ussurian pear and David peach. It was concluded that Amur maple was more tolerant to soil moisture stress in comparison with David peach and Ussurian pear.