Aboveground productivity of an unsuccessful 140-year-old <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis> plantation in northern Kyushu,Japan

We measured the aboveground biomass, biomass increment and litterfall production of a 140-year-old, abandoned Cryptomeria japonica plantation in order to infer the effects of topography on biomass production. The plantation was unsuccessful and the naturally regenerated broad-leaved trees contributed 93.4% (374.2 Mg ha⁻¹) of the total aboveground biomass (400.2 Mg ha⁻¹). Comparing between different slope positions, aboveground biomass decreased downslope corresponding to the decrease in broad-leaved tree biomass. The biomass of C. japonica did not vary with slope position. Biomass increment and litterfall production of the broad-leaved trees also decreased downslope. However, litterfall production per unit biomass and aboveground net primary production per unit biomass increased downslope. Results of a path analysis showed that biomass increment of C. japonica decreased with increasing topographical convexity, whereas biomass and litterfall production of broad-leaved tree increased. Litterfall production of broad-leaved tree decreased with increasing biomass of C. japonica, suggesting that, despite their small biomass, the presence of residual C. japonica may have negative effects on the distribution and productivity of the broad-leaved trees. Our results indicated that total aboveground biomass of the study site was comparable to that of old-growth C. japonica plantations. We inferred that the variation in aboveground biomass of the broad-leaved trees was largely determined by the topography, while their productivity was affected by interactions with planted C. japonica.     

Early growth of hinoki (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chamaecyparis obtusa</Emphasis>) trees under different topography and edge aspects at a strip-clearcut site in Kyushu,Southern Japan

The positive and negative effects of the residual stand edge at a strip-clearcut site were examined on the initial growth of hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) planted in areas with diverse topography. On the south edge, the gap light index was lower than on the north edge and strip center; however, the vapor pressure deficit was also lower than on the north edge and strip center, which resulted in lower physiological stress of hinoki on the south edge. Tree size on the south edge did not exceed that on the north edge and strip center. These results indicated that low light conditions due to residual trees negatively affected growth on the south edge even under the positive effect of microclimate alleviation. In valley, tree size in the second year after planting was smaller than on ridge and slope; however, tree growth during the following 2 years was higher in valley. Surface soil in valley was thinner with rockier substrates than on ridge and slope; that is, soil sedimentation type and substrates influenced the initial growth of hinoki with undeveloped roots, and after that, topography started to influence growth, probably because hinoki roots penetrated into deeper soil, which is influenced by the water gathering capacity of the valley. The initial growth of hinoki at the strip-clearcut site was predominantly affected by light rather than microclimate alleviation. This alleviation is expected to disappear when hinoki trees planted in the strip center grow enough to give additional shade to slow-growing edge hinoki.     

Differences in leaf phenology between juvenile and adult trees in a temperate deciduous forest

In a deciduous forest, differences in leaf phenology between juvenile and adult trees could result in juvenile trees avoiding canopy shade for part of the growing season. By expanding leaves earlier or initiating senescence later than canopy trees, juvenile trees would have some period in high light and therefore greater potential carbon gain. We observed leaf phenology of 376 individuals of 13 canopy tree species weekly over 3 years in a deciduous forest in east central Illinois, USA. Our objectives were: (1) to quantify for each species the extent of differences in leaf phenology between juvenile and conspecific adult trees; and (2) to determine the extent of phenological differences between juvenile Aesculus glabra Willd. and Acer saccharum Marsh. trees in understory and gap microhabitats. All species displayed phenological differences between life stages. For 10 species, bud break was significantly earlier, by an average of 8 days, for subcanopy individuals than for canopy individuals. In 11 species, completion of leaf expansion was earlier, by an average of 6 days, for subcanopy individuals than for canopy individuals. In contrast, there were no significant differences between life stages for start of senescence in 10 species and completion of leaf drop in nine species. For eight species, leaf longevity was significantly greater for subcanopy individuals than for canopy individuals by an average of 7 days (range = 4-10 days). Leaf phenology of subcanopy individuals of both Aesculus glabra and Acer saccharum responded to gap conditions. Leaf longevity was 11 days less in the understory than in gaps for Aesculus glabra, but 14 days more in the understory than in gaps for Acer saccharum. Therefore, leaf phenology differed broadly both between life stages and within the juvenile life stage in this community. A vertical gradient in temperature sums is the proposed mechanism explaining the patterns. Temperature sums accumulated more rapidly in the sheltered understory than in an open elevated area, similar to the canopy. Early leaf expansion by juvenile trees may result in a period of disproportionately higher carbon gain, similar to gains made during summer months from use of sun flecks.     

青岛市常绿阔叶树种及园林应用调查分析

从树种种类、观赏特点、配置方式、观赏效果及应用频度5个方面对青岛园林中常绿阔叶树种资源进行了实地调查。调查结果表明,有58种常绿阔叶树种属青岛原产或已引种成功,生长良好。系统分析了常绿阔叶树种在青岛园林中的应用现状,对常绿阔叶树种的选择、推广应用等方面提出了参考建议。     

Topography related spatial distribution of dominant tree species in a tropical seasonal rain forest in China

The degree to which variation in species distribution is predictable from topographic variation is of considerable current interest. In this paper, canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), linear regression and principal coordinates of neighbour matrices (PCNM) models were used to explain the variation in the distributions of the 13 dominant species in a 20-ha tropical rain-forest plot in China. The results showed that: (1) Tree distribution maps show that some species are mainly found in the gullies of the plot, whereas others occur on the slopes. Which indicates topographic variables are important factors for the distribution pattern of species. (2) Both linear regression and CCA results show that convexity and elevation are the most important variables effecting distribution of trees. For saplings, elevation, convexity and aspect explain 15.3%, 9.0% and 10.1% of the total variation of species abundance. For poles, elevation and convexity explain 19.3% and 11.4% respectively. However, only 5.3% of the total variation is explained for adults. (3) The PCNM results showed that topography alone explained 20%, 24% and 5% of the total variation of species abundance for saplings, poles and adults, respectively. Overall evidence for topographic control of the tropical tree distribution is strong, but the explanatory power of topographic variables was a small part of the total of variation.     

Species diversity of broad-leaved trees in Cryptomeria japonica plantations in relation to the distance from adjacent broad-leaved forests

The species diversity of broad-leaved trees in relation to the distance from a broad-leaved forest was investigated in Cryptomeria japonica plantations with crown snow damage near the Japan Sea in central Japan. The number and diversity of species and stem density decreased with distance from the broad-leaved forest in maturing gap stands (51–58 years old; >10 years after crown snow damage), but not in recent gap stands (34–42 years old; <10 years after crown snow damage), and increased with improved light conditions in the interior of recent gap stands, but not in that of maturing gap stands. The stem densities of tall and small tree species and woody lianas were greater in the interior of recent gap stands than in maturing gap stands. Woody lianas, which are characteristically shade intolerant, had a high stem density in the interior of recent gap stands. In contrast, the stem density of shrubs was greater in maturing gap stands than in recent gap stands, irrespective of distance. Shade-tolerant shrubs had a high stem density in maturing gap stands. Wind-dispersed and frugivore-dispersed species were concentrated at the edges of maturing gap stands, but some frugivore-dispersed species, which may persist in soil seed banks, occurred in the interior of recent gap stands. Gravity-dispersed species tended to occur both at the plantation edge and in the interior. The differences in the occurrence patterns of broad-leaved trees in the two types of stands reflected the difference in the effect of both the distance from the adjacent broad-leaved forest and the light conditions related to canopy gaps, with the time since gap formation in a region where crown snow damage often occurs.     

Spatial pattern and regeneration dynamics in a temperate Abies–Tsuga forest in southwestern Japan

This article reports the regeneration dynamics of a temperate Abies–Tsuga forest in Kirishima Yaku National Park, southwestern Japan, and examines the influence of species coexistence mediated by gap disturbances on biomass production. All trees taller than 2 m in a 1-ha plot were monitored over four growing seasons. Three growth-form groups occupied different vertical layers. Evergreen conifers and deciduous broad-leaved trees tended to be spatially segregated from evergreen broad-leaved trees, which formed thickets in the understorey. The regeneration of understorey evergreen broad-leaved trees was affected by canopy gaps. The recruitment of conifers and deciduous broad-leaved species was not observed during the four growing seasons. This suggests that regeneration is sporadic and the present environmental conditions are not favorable for these canopy species. The mortality and unsuccessful recruitment of conifers and deciduous trees appeared to cause fluctuations in the productivity of the stand. However, an abundance of canopy gaps accelerates the regrowth of shorter species, and the fluctuation of productivity resulting from the population dynamics of canopy species would be partly mitigated by the regeneration of evergreen understorey species. The horizontal and vertical heterogeneity of the temperate mixed forest was a result of the patch structures of the three growth-form groups. The different regeneration patterns among the three groups, which were driven by interactions of species-specific regeneration niches and disturbance regimes, might be an important factor in maintaining the aboveground productivity in a transitional mixed forest between warm-temperate and cool-temperate zones.     

针阔混交林可持续经营研究与探索

结合天然林皆伐,有计划地保留阔叶树和马尾松母树,留养少量优良小径阔叶树,栽培杉木,形成针阔混交林.一代杉木采伐后,利用伐根萌芽更新,培育二代杉木,继续经营针阔混交林.经长期经营培育,现针阔混交林由马尾松、栲树、枫香、拟赤杨,其它阔叶树构成,各树种平均树高12～18 m之间,平均胸径15.7～26.2 cm之间,平均活立...     

不同天然林分对灌木植物多样性的影响

在黑河市平山林场选取环境条件(如坡度、坡向、郁闭度等)相似的阔叶混交林、落叶松阔叶林、红松阔叶林3种森林群落类型样地灌木进行分析的结果表明,红松阔叶林的Gleason指数、Shannon-Wiener指数、Simpson指数都较大,其物种丰富度和多样性均较高;毛榛子为各林分类型下灌木层的主要物种。     

红锥等7种阔叶树种早期生长分析

2014年8月,对高州市红椎等7种阔叶树种早期生长状况进行了调查,结果表明,3个林龄（4年、3年和2年生）红椎树高生长较快,其次为台湾相思,而香樟早期树高生长较慢;3个林龄红椎、枫香及红花荷地径生长较快,同样香樟地径生长较慢。方差分析表明,同一树种树高在4年和3年生间差异不显著（P＞0.05）,表明3年~4年生红椎等7种阔叶树种树高生长不明显,却显著高于2年生（P＜0.05）;除枫香、红花荷、台湾相思外,其余各树种3个林龄间地径均存在显著差异（P＜0.05）。3个林龄树高下坡/上坡均值分别为1.43（4年生）、1.48（3年生）和1.24（2年生）,而地径下坡/上坡均值分别为1.21（4年生）、1.32（3年生）和1.32（2年生）,阔叶树种在下坡生长状况明显高于上坡。本研究为阔叶树种树种选择及可持续经营提供科学参考。     

Local and regional environmental variation influences the growth of tropical trees in selection trials in the Republic of Panama

Native Neotropical trees are being increasingly planted for restoration purposes and timber production, but we lack species-specific data on growth responses to different regional climates and local environmental variation. We used regression trees and variance components to quantify the effects of within- and among-site environmental variation on the basal area (BA) of 21 Neotropical and two exotic tree species at three selection trials in the Republic of Panama. Sites represented distinct regional climates in which annual rainfall varied from 1100 to 2226 mm, with dry seasons of 4.1–6.7 months. Local environmental variables included measures of slope steepness and position, soil texture, soil color, and indicators of soil condition, such as subsoil rockiness.     

Predicted models for potential canopy rainfall interception capacity of landscape trees in Shanghai,China

This study aimed to build urban green space with environmental functions (e.g., canopy interception of rainfall) and adjust hydrographic balance to some extent for forecasting the potential canopy rainfall interception capacity of landscape trees and the effects on rainfall distribution. The effects of urban green space on interception and runoff reduction have been conceptualized, but not quantified. Therefore, the leaf area index and the water storage abilities of 17 kinds of landscape trees in common use were measured, at Shanghai, and canopy rainfall interception capacity was calculated using the interception formula. The predicted rainfall interception capacity models were established choosing tree morphological characteristics (diameter at the breast height, height, and crown width) as variables. The model test showed that the errors of 12 models were less than 5% between the predicted and the measured data and the errors of four models were within 5 and 10%, with the error for only one model being between 10 and 11%. Also, the study indicated that conifer trees were able to hold more rainfall compared with broad-leaved trees per unit area (k). The results showed that these models could effectively predict the potential capacity of canopy rainfall interception for landscape trees in Shanghai area and were beneficial for species selection in constructing plant communities, aiming to improve the rainfall interception capacity of urban green space.     

Structure and regeneration dynamics of dominant tree species along altitudinal gradient in a dry valley slopes of the Bhutan Himalaya

The aim of our study was to characterize the structure and regeneration dynamics of dominant tree species along altitudinal gradient in dry valley slopes of the Bhutan Himalaya. In the typical dry valley slopes of west-central Bhutan, we analyzed forest stratification, tree crown projection, and population structure from lower dry valley bottom (1520 m a.s.l.) to upper humid ridge top (3370 m a.s.l.) across five major forest types: i.e. (1) dry pine forest with Pinus roxburghii as a dominant species; (2) mixed broad-leaved forest with Quercus lanata (evergreen), Quercus griffithii, (deciduous), and Rhododendron arboreum (evergreen) as major canopy species; (3) evergreen broad-leaved forest dominated by Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercus glauca and Quercus oxyodon; (4) cool conifer forest dominated by Abies densa and Tsuga dumosa; (5) cold conifer forest with A. densa and Juniperus recurva as dominants. In general, regeneration pattern of major dominant species shifted from inverse-J (lower altitudes), to sporadic (mid-altitudes), and to uni-modal type (upper altitudes) corresponding to three regeneration trends: (1) invasive at the lower, warm, dry forest under relatively strong human disturbances; (2) stable/balanced at the mid-altitude, in a relatively stable, mature moist evergreen broad-leaved forest with gap regeneration; and (3) poor/low regeneration at the upper, cool, humid conifer forest with a continuously cattle-grazed understory. Overall, regeneration patterns were balanced in all forest types, however care should be taken to prevent excessive exploitation of dry pine forest of lower valley bottom, and to control cattle grazing at higher altitudes. Our findings can be incorporated into management plans for sustainable management and conservation of mountain forests.     

Effects of environmental factors on species richness patterns of herb layer in Eastern Zhongtiao Mountain

The species richness of herb layer was investigated among 43 plots of forest vegetation in the eastern Zhongtiao Mountain, in southern Shanxi Province, China. The forest vegetation was divided into two major vegetation types such as the deciduous forest and the coniferous forest by the two-way indicator species analysis （TWINSPAN）. The species richness of herb layer was fitted in the topographic and soil feature factors, as well as the topographic relative moisture index （TRMI） by the generalized linear models （GLM）. The results showed that canopy cover and altitude were the most significant environmental factors. Soil pH value and soil nutrients index such as total N, organic matter content had no significant influence. The effect of environment factors on species richness of herb layer had significant difference in vegetation types. For the broad-leaved forest, litter depth and TRMI were the important environment factors. For the coniferous forest, soil clay content was another important environment factor. The range of environmental gradient such as altitude may contribute to the difference.     

Forest structure in selected South African forests: edaphoclimatic environment, phase and disturbance

Analysing data from 903 permanent sample plots situated in medium-moist and moist forests in the southern Cape, South Africa, we explored factors controlling forest structure. Pronounced subcanopy stem density persistence (well-stocked subcanopy forest matrix) and stem density packing (comparatively high stem densities of relatively large-sized trees) were found in the moist, less seasonal (quasi-tropical) Tsitsikamma forests. These attributes of structure were linked to the prevailing dystrophic, less seasonal conditions and the associated metabolic vertical growth orientation. The cool, moist and seasonal (quasi-temperate) Knysna forests had lower densities of relatively large-sized trees at the canopy level (stem density intolerance). This was attributed to the lateral growth mode and extended persistence of the trees involved. The warm, seasonal (quasi-subtropical) Outeniqua forests, on relatively nutrient-rich soils, had high stem densities at the canopy level relative to the subcanopy stratum; due to a combination of low subcanopy tree persistence, fast ingrowth of trees into the canopy stratum, which were then lost to mortality before they reached large sizes (high canopy tree turnover). Persistence of the multi-species subcanopy forest matrix supported asynchronous establishment and death of individual trees. Typical for tropical-type forests, the development of trees towards maturity (phase) was associated with a spatially fine-grained disturbance regime. A metabolic performance trade-off model was developed and provided an ecophysiological framework for the interpretation of forest structure and its underlying dynamics. This explanatory model indicated causal links between intraspecific metabolic tactics of trees in response to their edaphoclimatic environment and associated attributes of forest structure. Some implications of the findings for tropical forest management are discussed.     

Topographic and biotic regulation of aboveground carbon storage in subtropical broad-leaved forests of Taiwan

There is a growing need to understand, and ultimately manage, carbon storage by forest ecosystems. Broad-leaved evergreen forests of Taiwan provide an outstanding opportunity to examine factors that regulate ecosystem carbon storage. We utilized data from three Taiwan Forest Dynamics Plots (FS, LHC, and PTY) in which every tree is identified, measured, tagged and mapped, to examine factors regulating carbon storage as estimated from aboveground biomass. Allometric equations were used to estimate the aboveground biomass of each tree, and a model building procedure was used to examine relationships between plot-level aboveground biomass (AGB; Mg/ha) and a suite of topographic and biotic factors. We found that our study sites have AGB values comparable to some of the most carbon dense forests in the world. Across all three sites, maximum biomass was contained in the taxonomic families Fagaceae, Lauraceae and Theaceae. In the FS site, we identified slope convexity (P = 0.03) and elevation (P < 0.001) as topographic predictors of AGB and found that maximum AGB was found in topographically flat areas. In FS, stem density (P < 0.001) was a significant biotic predictor of AGB and the maxima occurred at intermediate densities. In LHC, we found that convexity (P < 0.001) and slope (P < 0.001) were significantly related to AGB which was maximized along a topographic ridge in the plot. Species richness (P < 0.001) was a significant biotic predictor of AGB in LHC, and the relationship indicated slightly higher AGB at higher levels of species richness. The only significant factor related to AGB in PTY was species richness (P = 0.02). Further work is needed to seek a mechanistic understanding of topographic factors and species richness as drivers of carbon storage in forests.     

不同间伐强度对人工阔叶红松林生长的影响

文章针对不同间伐强度对人工阔叶红松林生长的影响进行了调查研究。结果表明:阔叶树胸径生长和蓄积增长率随间伐强度加大而增加,但对树高的影响较小;间伐强度的增大会明显促进红松胸径和树高的生长,但是首次抚育间伐会使当年的树高生长量显著降低,以后随林龄的增加树高生长量会逐渐恢复正常生长;中度间伐措施对阔叶树和红松的生长均比较有利,10a生的阔叶红松林实施上层抚育的适宜间伐强度为45%左右;中度间伐的林分由于资源水平适中(主要是光资源),因而有利于林下植被均匀度和多样性的提高。     

Biomass production of trees and grasses in a silvopasture system on marginal lands of Doon Valley of north-west India. 1. Performance of tree species

Bouldery riverbed lands occupy about one-third of the geographical area in Doon Valley of north-west India. These marginal lands need rehabilitation through establishment of silvopasture system for meeting the biomass requirements of resource-poor farmers. A study was carried out for 14 years (1980 to 1993) at Dehradun, involving four multi-purpose tree species viz. Albizia lebbek (L.) Benth., Grewia optiva Drumm., Bauhinia purpurea L. and Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk.) de Wit.; and two grass species viz. Chrysopogon fulvus (Spreng.) Chiov. and Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) C.E. Hubb. Fifty and 75% of the tree crown was lopped once a year after four years of age. Tree survival decreased with age, and was highest with L. leucocephala (86.9% in 1993 of initial density of 625 trees ha⁻¹) and lowest with B. purpurea (49.3%). Canopy parameters of trees progressed differently, presumably due to their varying growth habits. The trees of A. lebbek were taller with more crown spread, whereas G. optiva had more crown height with lesser crown spread. Stem diameter growth of A. lebbek was highest followed by B. purpurea. Lopping intensity did not affect tree survival and also canopy growth in most years, but collar diameter and diameter at breast height (dbh) decreased significantly at the higher intensity of lopping. Intercropped grass species E. binata caused a greater adverse effect on the tree survival and growth parameters than C. fulvus. The biomass production (leaf and branch wood weight of lopped material) was highest at eight years of age in 1987 but showed no definite trend over the study period. Bauhinia purpurea produced the highest biomass and L. leucocephala the lowest, despite opposite trends in their survival. The performance of A. lebbek was on par with B. purpurea in the later years (1990--1993), but G. optiva was inferior despite its superiority in the early years (1984--1985). The effects of lopping intensity were not appreciable, but intercropping with E. binata decreased leaf and branch wood production significantly compared with C. fulvus throughout. However, the adverse effect was comparatively less pronounced on B. purpurea and A. lebbek than on G. optiva and L. leucocephala. The fibre yield of G. optiva also decreased due to intercropped E. binata compared with C. fulvus. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Soil microbial biomass, abundance, and diversity in a Japanese red pine forest: first year after fire

This study was conducted to determine the microbial biomass carbon and abundance and diversity of soil microorganisms immediately after the occurrence of fire in a Japanese red pine forest, and to determine the pattern of microbial recovery within the first year after fire. The effects of fire at three slope positions were also determined. Three plots in each of the burnt and unburnt areas, measuring 10 × 10 m, were established. The first plot was located at the valley bottom, the second plot was located at the middle slope, and the third plot was located at the ridge. Analysis showed that for all parameters studied, the three plots in the unburnt area did not differ significantly and so they were treated as one control plot. The microbial biomass, abundance, and diversity structure in the unburnt and burnt plots showed significant differences. The unburnt area had the highest biomass carbon, abundance, and diversity, followed by the valley bottom, the middle slope, and then the ridge in the burnt area, and significant differences in the burnt plots were found between the valley bottom, the middle slope, and the ridge. The microbial diversity in the burnt area differed from that of the unburnt area, the microbial diversity being significantly lower in the burnt area, and the ridge was shown to have been the most affected by fire.     

不同森林类型物种多样性及影响因子研究

采用丰富度指数、多样性指数、均匀度指数对雾灵山不同森林类型灌木层和草本层的物种多样性进行了研究,并在此基础上用逐步回归方法研究影响森林物种多样性的主要因子。结果表明,在不同森林类型中灌木层和草本层物种多样性由高到低依次为:针阔混交林>落叶阔叶林>针叶林;多数森林类型草本层丰富度指数和多样性指数均高于灌木层,而均匀度指数则相反。影响灌木层物种多样性的主要因子包括林龄、郁闭度和坡向,影响草本层物种多样性的主要因子包括林分公顷株数、郁闭度和土层厚度。