How does tree age influence damage and recovery in forests impacted by freezing rain and snow?

The response and recovery mechanisms of forests to damage from freezing rain and snow events are a key topic in forest research and management. However, the relationship between the degree of damage and tree age, i.e., whether seedlings, young trees, or adult trees are most vulnerable, remains unclear and is rarely reported. We investigated the effect of tree age on the degrees of vegetation damage and subsequent recovery in three subtropical forest types-coniferous, mixed, and broad-leaved —in the Tianjing Mountains, South China, after a series of rare icy rain and freezing snow events in 2008. The results showed that damage and recovery rates were both dependent on tree age, with the proportion of damaged vegetation increasing with age(estimated by diameter at breast height, DBH) in all three forest types and gradually plateauing. Significant variation occurred among forest types. Young trees in the coniferous forest were more vulnerable than those in the broad-leaved forest. The type of damage also varied with tree age in different ways in the three forest types. The proportion of young seedlings that were uprooted(the most severe type of damage) was highest in the coniferous forest. In the mixed forest, young trees were significantly more likely to be uprooted than seedlings and adult trees, while in the broad-leaved forest, the proportion of uprooted adult trees was significantly higher than that of seedlings and young trees. There were also differences among forest types in how tree age affected damage recovery. In the coniferous forest, the recovery rate of trees with broken trunks or crowns(DBH 2.5 cm) increased with tree age. However, in the mixed and broad-leaved forests, no obvious correlation between the recovery rate of trees with broken trunks or crowns and tree age was observed. Trees with severe root damage did not recover; they were uprooted and died. In these forests, vegetation damage and recovery showed tree age dependencies, which varied with tree shape, forest type, and damage type. Understanding this dependency will guide restoration after freezing rain and snow disturbances.     

Patterns of ramet population of Iris japonica Thunb. and their effects on herb diversity in different microsites on Jinyun Mountain, China

Spatial patterns of ramet population of Iris japonica Thunb. and their effect on species diversity in the herb layer of 3 microsites (open area of forest edge (OAFE), bamboo forest (BF) and evergreen broad-leaved forest (EBF)) on Jinyun Mountain were studied using spatial pattern, niche and diversity analyses in a combination of population and community methods. The results were as follows: (1) judged by V/m and Morisita index (Iδ), ramet population of I. japonica in 3 microsites all clumped from scale 0.5 m × 0.5 m to 2 m × 2 m; (2) the pattern scale and pattern intensity both gradually decreased on all scales, and the density of ramet population of I. japonica decreased with the increase in canopy density and the decrease in relative photon flux density (RPFD) and R/FR from OAFE to EBF. In OAFE and BF, widespread I. japonica had significantly negative influence on the dominance of original dominant species and on species diversity in the herb layer (p < 0.05), while those influences in EBF were extremely weak. The mechanisms that pattern characteristics of ramet population of I. japonica influence herb diversity in 3 microsites were different. In OAFE, strong regeneration niche (above-ground spatial and below-ground root) and trophic niche (nutrient) competition had significantly negative influence on the species diversity of rare herbs and dwarf herbs. In BF, strong regeneration niche (below-ground root) and trophic niche (above-ground for light and below-ground for nutrient) competition had negative effect on the occurrence of rare species and on the survival of other herb species. In EBF, weak niche competition had little effect on the survival of herb species. Intensity of regeneration niche and trophic niche competition between I. japonica and other herb species is the determinant to the mechanism that ramet population of I. japonica influences herb diversity.     

Effects of dwarf bamboo (Fargesia denudata) density on biomass, carbon and nutrient distribution pattern

Dense dwarf bamboo population is a structurally and functionally important component in many subalpine forest systems. To characterize the effects of stem density on biomass, carbon and majority nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) distribution pattern, three dwarf bamboo (Fargesia denudata) populations with different stem densities (Dh with 220 ± 11 stems m^?2, Dm with 140 ± 7 stems m^?2, and Dl with 80 ± 4 stems m^?2, respectively) were selected beneath a bamboo-fir (Picea purpurea) forest in Wanglang National Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China. Leaf, branch, rhizome, root and total biomass of dwarf bamboo increased with the increase of stem density, while carbon and nutrient concentrations in bamboo components decreased. Percentages of below-ground biomass and element stocks to total biomass and stocks decreased with the increase of stem density, whereas above-ground biomass and element stocks exhibited the opposite tendency. Moreover, more above-ground biomass and elements were allocated to higher part in the higher density population. In addition, percentages of culm biomass, above-ground biomass and element stocks below 100 cm culm height (H₁₀₀) increased with the increase of stem density, while percentages of branch and leaf biomass below H₁₀₀ decreased. Pearson’s correlation analyses revealed that root biomass, above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass and total biomass significantly correlated to leaf biomass in H_100?200 and total leaf biomass within high density population, while they significantly correlated to leaf biomass in H_50?150 within low density population. The results suggested that dwarf bamboo performed an efficient adaptive strategy to favor limited resources by altering biomass, carbon and nutrients distribution pattern in the dense population.     

Effects of dwarf bamboo (Fargesia denudata) density on biomass, carbon and nutrient distribution pattern

Dense dwarf bamboo population is a structurally and functionally important component in many subalpine forest systems. To characterize the effects of stem density on biomass, carbon and majority nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) distribution pattern, three dwarf bamboo (Fargesia denudata) populations with different stem densities (Dh with 220 ± 11 stems m^?2, Dm with 140 ± 7 stems m^?2, and Dl with 80 ± 4 stems m^?2, respectively) were selected beneath a bamboo-fir (Picea purpurea) forest in Wanglang National Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China. Leaf, branch, rhizome, root and total biomass of dwarf bamboo increased with the increase of stem density, while carbon and nutrient concentrations in bamboo components decreased. Percentages of below-ground biomass and element stocks to total biomass and stocks decreased with the increase of stem density, whereas above-ground biomass and element stocks exhibited the opposite tendency. Moreover, more above-ground biomass and elements were allocated to higher part in the higher density population. In addition, percentages of culm biomass, above-ground biomass and element stocks below 100 cm culm height (H₁₀₀) increased with the increase of stem density, while percentages of branch and leaf biomass below H₁₀₀ decreased. Pearson’s correlation analyses revealed that root biomass, above-ground biomass, below-ground biomass and total biomass significantly correlated to leaf biomass in H_100?200 and total leaf biomass within high density population, while they significantly correlated to leaf biomass in H_50?150 within low density population. The results suggested that dwarf bamboo performed an efficient adaptive strategy to favor limited resources by altering biomass, carbon and nutrients distribution pattern in the dense population.     

Community characteristics and population structure of Ferrocalamus strictus,a rare species in Mojiang,Yunnan, China北大核心CSCD

Aims As an endangered wild species with extremely small populations, Ferrocalamus strictus is narrowly distributed in South Yunnan with a small number of individuals. The survey of population structure and community characteristics of the wild population of F. strictus can facilitate understanding its endangered system and mechanisms and provide preliminary research basis for its protection. Methods We investigated the community and population structure of F. strictus, including species composition, population density, population survivorship curve and death factors by plot surveying and sampling. Important findings The community in which population of F. strictus is located in Mojiang has some characteristics of mountain rainforests in terms of appearance and species composition. The population density of F. strictus was 2.04 ind.·m–2. The survivorship curve of F. strictus was between Deevey-I and Deevey-II. The net proliferation rate (R0) of F. strictus population was 1.10, which indicates an expanding population of F. strictus. The death of F. strictus is caused by human logging, natural death, shoot degradation and insects feeding. Among them, artificial cutting accounts for the largest proportion. Ferrocalamus strictus is a species of forest bamboos distributed in the South Asian subtropics, which is a medium-sized bamboo species. Its internode length change suddenly from the base 3–4 nodes. The longest ones exceed 1 m, which ranks at the top of all bamboo species and is closely related to its adaptation to the tropical mountain rainforest environment. © Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology.     

Carbon storage and potentials of the broad-leaved forest in alpine region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,China北大核心CSCD

Aims Our objective was to explore the vegetation carbon storages and their variations in the broad-leaved forests in the alpine region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau that includes Qinghai Province and Xizang Autonomous Region. Methods Based on forest resource inventory data and field sampling, this paper studied the carbon storage, its sequestration rate, and the potentials in the broad-leaved forests in the alpine region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Important findings The vegetation carbon storage in the broad-leaved forest accounted for 310.70 Tg in 2011, with the highest value in the broad-leaved mixed forest and the lowest in Populus forest among the six broad-leaved forests that include Quercus, Betula, Populus, other hard broad-leaved species, other soft broad-leaved species, and the broadleaved mixed forest. The carbon density of the broad-leaved forest was 89.04 Mg•hm2, with the highest value in other hard broad-leaved species forest and the lowest in other soft broad-leaved species forest. The carbon storage and carbon density in different layers of the forests followed a sequence of overstory layer > understory layer > litter layer > grass layer > dead wood layer, which all increased with forest age. In addition, the carbon storage of broad-leaved forest increased from 304.26 Tg in 2001 to 310.70 Tg in 2011. The mean annual carbon sequestration and its rate were 0.64 Tg•a1 and 0.19 Mg•hm2•a1, respectively. The maximum and minimum of the carbon sequestration rate were respectively found in other soft broad-leaved species forest and other hard broad-leaved species forest, with the highest value in the mature forest and the lowest in the young forest. Moreover, the carbon sequestration potential in the tree layer of broad-leaved forest reached 19.09 Mg•hm2 in 2011, with the highest value found in Quercus forest and the lowest in Betula forest. The carbon storage increased gradually during three inventory periods, indicating that the broad-leaved forest was well protected to maintain a healthy growth by the forest protection project of Qinghai Province and Xizang Autonomous Region.     

Long-term protection effects of national reserve to forest vegetation in 4 decades: biodiversity change analysis of major forest types in Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve, China

The Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve (CNR) was established in 1960 to protect the virgin Korean pine mixed hardwood forest, a typical temperate forest of northeast China. We conducted systematic stud- ies of vascular diversity patterns on the north slope of the CNR mountainside forests (800-1700 m a.s.l.) in 1963 and 2006 respectively. The aim of this comparison is to assess the long-term effects of the protection on plant biodiversity of CNR during the interval 43 years. The research was carried out in three types of forests: mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest (MCBF), mixed coniferous forest (MCF), and sub-alpine coniferous forest (SCF), characterized by different dominant species. The alpha diversity indicted by species richness and the Shannon-Wiener index were found different in the same elevations and forest types during the 43-year interval. The floral composition and the diversity of vascular species were generally similar along altitudinal gradients before and after the 43-year interval, but some substantial changes were evident with the altitude gradient. In the tree layers, the dominant species in 2006 were similar to those of 1963, though diversity declined with altitude. The indices in the three forest types did not differ significantly between 1963 and 2006, and these values even increased in the MCBF and MCF from 1963 to 2006. However, originally dominant species, P. koraiensis for ex- ample, tended to decline, while the proportion of broad-leaved trees increased, and the species turn- over in the succession layers trended to shift to higher altitudes. The diversity pattern of the under canopy fluctuated along the altitudinal gradient due to micro-environmental variations. Comparison of the alpha diversity in the three forests shows that the diversity of the shrub and herb layer decreased with time. During the process of survey, we also found some rare and medicinal species disappeared. Analysis indicates that the changes of the diversity pattern in this region are caused by both nature and human factors. Meteorological records revealed that climate has changed significantly in the past 43 years. We also found the most severe human disturbance to the CNR forests in the process of another field survey that is the exploitation of herb medicines and Korean pine nuts. We hope this research would give some guidance to the future reserve management in Changbai Mountain area.     

Forest crown density restoration and influencing factors in the burned area of northern Great Hing′an Mountains of China

Fire in the Great Hing′an Mountains in 1987 affected an area of more than 1.33×10⁶ hm², creating a mosaic of burn severities across the landscape, which strongly affected the postfire vegetation succession. In addition, undulate landform and anthropogenic disturbance inevitably influenced the postfire vegetation succession. In this paper, a typical area was selected for a case study, including two forest farms, covering more than 1.2×10⁵ hm². In order to reveal how the forest changed in 2000 (13 years after the fire) by comparing with 1987 (prefire) and to find out the relationship between the forest succession and the affecting factors, forest crown density was selected as the criterion, and forest type, fire severity, silviculture practice, elevation and topography gradients were designed as the affecting variables. With the support of GIS software, each variable was classified and entered into the multivariate regression model. The result showed that the forest crown density changed notably in 2000 compared with that of the prefire, and all the variables significantly affected the forest crown density. The most important affecting variable was elevation, which was positively correlated with the forest crown density. The next was fire severity, which was negatively related with the forest succession. The effects of topographic factors and silviculture practices on forest crown density were relatively small.     

Changes of Leaf Morphological, Anatomical Structure and Carbon Isotope Ratio with the Height of the Wangtian Tree （Parashorea chinensis） in Xishuangbanna, China

Leaf morphological and anatomical structure and carbon isotope ratio （δ^13C） change with increasing tree height. To determine how tree height affects leaf characteristics, we measured the leaf area, specific leaf mass （ratio of leaf mass to leaf area [LMA]）, thickness of the total leaf, cuticle, epidermis, palisade and sponge mesophyll, stomata traits and δ^13C at different heights of Parashorea chinensis with methods of light and scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. The correlation and stepwise regression between tree height and leaf structure traits were carried out with SPSS software. The results showed that leaf structures and δ^13C differed significantly along the tree height gradient. The leaf area, thickness of sponge mesophyll and size of stomata decreased with increasing height, whereas the thickness of lamina, palisade mesophyll, epidermis, and cuticle, ratios of palisade to spongy thickness, density of stomata and vascular bundles, LMA and δ^13C increased with tree height. Tree height showed a significant relationship with all leaf indices and the most significant relationship was with epidermis thickness, leaf area, cuticle thickness, δ^13C. The δ^13C value showed a significantly positive relationship with LMA （R = 0.934）. Our results supported the hypothesis that the leaf structures exhibited more xeromorphic characteristics with the increasing gradient of tree height.     

Changes in Photosystem Ⅱ Activity and Leaf Reflectance Features of Several Subtropical Woody Plants Under Simulated SO2 Treatment

The effects of simulated SO2 treatment on the photosynthetic apparatus were investigated in five subtropical forest plants, namely Plnus massonlana Lamb., Schlma superba Gardn. et Champ., Castanopsls flssa （Champ. ex Benth.） Rehd. et Wils., Acmena acuminatissima （BI.） Merr et Perry, and Cryptocarya concinna Hance. After leaf sections had been immersed in 0, 20, 50, and 100 mmol/L NaHSO3 for 20 h, total chlorophyll （Chl） content, Chl a/b, maximal photochemical efficiency, and the photochemical quantum yields of photosystem Ⅱ of all five woody plants were reduced to different degrees, whereas lutein content （Chl base） was increased. Two protective mechanisms, namely the xanthophyll cycle （de-epoxidation） and an anti-oxidant system （1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging capacity）, showed differences in the degree of modulation under simulated SO2 treatment. Compared with control （distilled water treatment）, the revised normalized difference vegetation index, a leaf reflectance index, was lowered with Increasing concentrations of NaHSO3. Cryptocarya conclnna, a dominant species in the late succession stage of subtropical forests in South China, exhibited less sensitivity to NaHSO3. Conversely, Pinus massonlana, the pioneer hellophyte species, was most susceptible to NaHSO3 treatment. It Is suggested that SO2 pollution may accelerate the succession of subtropical forest.     

Ramet Population Structure of Fargesia nitida (Mitford) Keng f. et Yi in Different Successional Stands of the Subalpine Coniferous Forest in Wolong

Forest structure and succession in Wolong Nature Reserve is influenced by the understory dwarf bamboo population. However, less is known about how the forest succession affects the dwarf bamboo population. To examine the bamboo ramet population growth of Fargesia nitida (Mitford) Keng f. et Yi and to determine how ramet population structure varies along the succession of coniferous forest, we sampled ramet populations of F. nitida from the following three successional stages: (i) a deciduous broad-leaved (BL) stand; (ii) a mixed broad-leaved coniferous (MI) stand; and (iii) a coniferous (CF) stand. We investigated the population structure, biomass allocation, and morphological characteristics of the bamboo ramet among the three stand types. Clonal ramets, constituting the bamboo population, tended to become short and small with succession. The ramet changed towards having a greater mass investment in leaves, branches and underground roots and rhizomes rather than in the culm. With respect to leaf traits, individual leaf mass and area in the BL stand were markedly bigger than those in both the MI and CF stands, except for no significant difference in specific leaf area. The age distribution showed that the bamboo population approached an older age with succession. The results demonstrate that the ramet population structure of F. nitida is unstable and its growth performance is inhibited by succession.（Author for correspondence. E-mail: taojianping@163.com）     

鼎湖山森林生态系统演替过程中的能量生态特征

以时空替代的方法,将灌草丛、针叶林、针阔叶混交林和季风常绿阔叶林等４个处于同一空间下的群落当作同一样落演替进程中的４个阶段,研究了鼎湖山南亚热带森林演替过程中的能量生态特征。结果表明,鼎湖山南亚热带森林群落演替过程中,其垂直层次、叶面积指数、冠层对太阳辐射能的截获量、叶生物量、总生物量、总初级生产力、总呼吸量、净初级生产力、枯树木现存量和年输入量、昆虫啃食量、群落的能量现存量等随演替的进程而增加,     

Factors influencing the distribution and growth of dwarf bamboo, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fargesia nitida</Emphasis>, in a subalpine forest in Wolong Nature Reserve,southwest China

Dwarf bamboos impose intense resource competition in subalpine coniferous forests, and their exclusive densities have crucial impacts on tree regeneration and understory species diversity. We studied the factors influencing the distribution and growth of dwarf bamboo, Fargesia nitida, in a subalpine forest in southwest China. TWINSPAN, based on an attribute matrix, could divide the subalpine forest into 11 sub-associations, and more clearly reflected ecological functional features of the subalpine forest than analysis based on a species matrix. TWINSPAN was also generally consistent with DCA ordination based on the attribute matrix. DCA and DCCA ordination showed relationships between the distribution of F. nitida population and environment factor. The first DCCA axis showed topography and disturbance gradients (except fallen trees and broken branches); the second DCCA axis showed canopy density and composition gradients. Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that distribution (culm density and coverage) of F. nitida decreased significantly with landslide and slope aspect, and increased significantly with soil status. The light condition had positive effects on growth and size of bamboo. A stable environment in the northern slope and more broadleaved species dominating in canopy would increase the dwarf bamboo biomass. Thus, the disturbance regimes, the slope aspect and the BA of evergreen conifer trees can provide useful guidelines for the control and management of F. nitida populations, and in helping to understand the succession and regeneration of subalpine forest in this region.     

Impacts of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) invasion on dry matter and carbon and nitrogen stocks in a broad‐leaved secondary forest located in Kyoto,western Japan

In western and central Japan, the expansion of exotic moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex J. Houz.) populations into neighboring vegetation has become a serious problem. Although the effects of bamboo invasion on biodiversity have been well studied, shifts in nutrient stocks and cycling, which are fundamental for ecosystem functioning, are not fully understood. To explore the effects of P. pubescens invasion on ecosystem functions we examined above‐ and below‐ground dry matter and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks in a pure broad‐leaved tree stand, a pure bamboo stand, and two tree–bamboo mixed stands with different vegetation mix ratios in the secondary forest of Kyoto, western Japan. In the process of invasion, bamboo shoots offset broad‐leaved tree deaths; thus, no clear trend was apparent in total above‐ or below‐ground biomass or in plant C and N stocks during invasion. However, the ratio of above‐ground to below‐ground biomass (T/R ratio at the stand level) decreased with increasing bamboo dominance, especially in the early stages of invasion. This shift indicates that rapid bamboo rhizomatous growth is a main driver of substantial changes in stand structure. We also detected rises in the C/N ratio of forest‐floor organic matter during bamboo invasion. Thus major impacts of P. pubescens invasion into broad‐leaved forests include not only early shifts in biomass allocation, but also changes in the distribution pattern of C and N stored in plants and soil.     

Response of clonal plasticity of Fargesia nitida to different canopy conditions of subalpine coniferous forest

The aim of this study is to explore the effects of canopy conditions on clump and culm numbers, and the morphological plasticity and biomass distribution patterns of the dwarf bamboo species Fargesia nitida. Specifically, we investigated the effects of canopy conditions on the growth and morphological characteristics of F. nitida, and the adaptive responses of F. nitida to different canopy conditions and its ecological senses. The results indicate that forest canopy had a significant effect on the genet density and culm number per clump, while it did not affect the ramet density. Clumps tended to be few and large in gaps and forest edge plots, and small under forest understory plots. The ramets showed an even distribution under the closed canopy, and cluster distribution under gaps and forest edge plots. The forest canopy had a significant effect on both the ramets’ biomass and biomass allocation. Favourable light conditions promoted ramet growth and biomass accumulation. Greater amounts of biomass in gaps and forest edge plots were shown by the higher number of culms per clump and the diameter of these culms. Under closed canopy, the bamboos increased their branching angle, leaf biomass allocation, specific leaf area and leaf area ratio to exploit more favourable light conditions in these locations. The spacer length, specific spacer length and spacer branching angles all showed significant differences between gaps and closed canopy conditions. The larger specific spacer length and spacer branching angle were beneficial for bamboo growth, scattering the ramets and exploiting more favourable light conditions. In summary, this study shows that to varying degrees, F. nitida exhibits both a wide ecological amplitude and high degree of morphological plasticity in response to differing forest canopy conditions. Moreover, the changes in plasticity enable the plants to optimize their light usage efficiency to promote growth and increase access to resources available in heterogeneous light environments. __________ Translated from Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2006, 26(12): 4019–4026 [译自: 生态学报]     

卧龙亚高山暗针叶林不同林冠环境下华西箭竹分株种群结构特征

详细调查了林下、中林窗、大林窗和林缘旷地等4种亚高山暗针叶林林冠环境下的华西箭竹（Fargesia nitida）分株种群,对其表现结构（株高、基径和生物量）和年龄结构进行了较系统的对比研究.主要研究结果如下：（1）分株水平上,华西箭竹表现结构在4种林冠环境下均有极显著差异（p＜0.01）,且随林冠郁闭度的减小,分株个体的高度、基径和生物量有递增的趋势（林下＜中林窗＜大林窗）;（2）分株各构件在总生物量中所占比例随林冠环境变化而改变：除林缘旷地外,叶的生物量百分比与林冠郁闭度呈正相关.林缘旷地中,地下茎和根系的生物量百分比均高于其余3种环境;（3）不同林冠环境下分株单位叶面积叶重存在显著差异（p＜0.05）,且随林冠郁闭度的减小而增大.单叶生物量和单叶面积均以中林窗最大,林缘旷地次之,二者与大林窗或林下均有显著差异（p＜0.05）.华西箭竹的单株叶片数量以大林窗最大,与其余3种环境有极显著差异（p＜0.01）;（4）分株种群的死亡率以林下最低（P＜0.01）,但各种群平均年龄间无显著差异（p＞0.05）.可见,华西箭竹分株种群对林冠环境变化的反应主要体现在形态和生物量分配上,而非种群的年龄上.     

Effects of dwarf bamboo, Fargesia nitida (Mitford) Keng f. ex Yi, on bark stripping by ungulates in a subalpine Abies faxoniana Rehder & E. H. Wilson forest, southwest China

Incidence and intensity of bark stripping of trees by ungulates was investigated at no bamboo (Fargesia nitida (Mitford) Keng f. ex Yi) (B-) site and understory bamboo dominant (B+) site of a subalpine Abies faxoniana Rehder & E. H. Wilson forest, southwest China. The percentage of damaged trees in B-site was higher than in B+ site. Bark stripping obviously occurred more frequently on Abies faxoniana compared to other tree species. Appearance of stripped bark and dead stems of the trees in different size-classes of A. faxoniana strongly depended on the density of dwarf bamboo at the site, and also on the size and bark structure of the trees, with highest damage rates occurring on the smaller DBH classes (10–40 cm) in B-site. The bark stripping intensity of A. faxoniana decreased significantly with higher density and coverage of F. nitida around damaged trees. Therefore, there is an indirect negative effect of the distribution of dwarf bamboo, F. nitida, on bark stripping of tree species. We suggest the indirect effects of dwarf bamboo species should be taken into account while considering the succession and regeneration of natural forests.     

小径竹密度对雷公鹅耳枥幼苗早期更新的影响

通过去除法控制竹丛密度,人为设置4种竹丛密度梯度[密度1:(3.83±0.53)株/m~2;密度2:(16±1.80)株/m~2;密度3:(39±1.69)株/m~2;密度4:(69±2.15)株/m~2],测定不同密度竹丛下的微环境(包括土壤温度、湿度、电导率、凋落物厚度),研究竹丛密度及微环境对雷公鹅耳枥(Carpinus viminea Wall.)幼苗数量、存活动态、生长情况的影响。结果显示,竹丛密度对环境有显著影响,随着竹丛密度的增加,竹丛盖度、凋落物厚度、土壤温度升高明显;雷公鹅耳枥幼苗萌生量显著减少,4组密度梯度中幼苗数量分布依次排序为:密度1(28.53±3.14)株/m~2密度2(17.36±1.45)株/m~2密度3(12.36±0.93)株/m~2密度4(8.92±0.93)株/m~2,表明随着小径竹密度增加,其对雷公鹅耳枥幼苗萌发的抑制作用越强;小径竹的密集生长可对雷公鹅耳枥幼苗的存活率产生影响,且对幼苗的生长具有一定抑制作用。研究结果表明小径竹密集生长的环境不仅抑制了雷公鹅耳枥新生幼苗的分布和幼苗生长,还对种群的更新以及森林群落的演替产生一定的负面影响。     

An optimal proportion of mixing broad‐leaved forest for enhancing the effective productivity of moso bamboo

Moso bamboos (Phyllostachys edulis) are important forestry plants in southern China, with substantial roles to play in regional economic and ecological systems. Mixing broad‐leaved forests and moso bamboos is a common management practice in China, and it is fundamental to elucidate the interactions between broad‐leaved trees and moso bamboos for ensuring the sustainable provision of ecosystem services. We examine how the proportion of broad‐leaved forest in a mixed managed zone, topology, and soil profile affects the effective productivity of moso bamboos (i.e., those with significant economic value), using linear regression and generalized additive models. Bamboo's diameter at breast height follows a Weibull distribution. The importance of these variables to bamboo productivity is, respectively, slope (25.9%), the proportion of broad‐leaved forest (24.8%), elevation (23.3%), gravel content by volume (16.6%), slope location (8.3%), and soil layer thickness (1.2%). Highest productivity is found on the 25° slope, with a 600‐m elevation, and 30% broad‐leaved forest. As such, broad‐leaved forest in the upper slope can have a strong influence on the effective productivity of moso bamboo, ranking only after slope and before elevation. These factors can be considered in future management practice.     

Comparisons of soil‐water content between a Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) forest and an evergreen broadleaved forest in western Japan

In Japan, forests of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens, an exotic invasive giant bamboo) have naturalized and expanded rapidly, replacing surrounding broadleaved and coniferous forests. To evaluate impacts caused by these forest‐type replacements on the hydrological cycle, soil‐water content and its spatial variability in a Moso bamboo forest were compared with those in an adjacent evergreen broadleaved forest, in a case study of a stand in western Japan (northern Kyushu). The volumetric soil‐water content averaged over depths between 0 and 60 cm was consistently higher in the bamboo stand than that in the broadleaved stand. These results contrast with previous studies comparing the soil‐water content in Moso bamboo forests with that in other forest types. The sum of canopy transpiration and soil evaporation (E) in the bamboo stand tended to be larger than that in the broadleaved stand. Small canopy interception loss was reported in the bamboo forest. Therefore, the large amount of E would counterbalance the small canopy interception loss in the bamboo forest. Differences in soil characteristics between the two stands may be the main factor causing differences in soil‐water content. Spatial variation in soil‐water content in the bamboo stand was larger than that in the broadleaved stand, confirming findings in a previous series of our study. This could happen because the well‐developed root‐system in the bamboo forest enhances preferential flow in the soil. To evaluate the effects of aggressive invasion of alien giant bamboo on the ecosystem functions, we recommend further studies measuring various hydrological components in various Moso bamboo forests.