Forest productivity is closely linked to seasonal variations and vertical differentiation in leaf traits.However,leaf structural and chemical traits variation among co-existing species,and plant functional types withi...Forest productivity is closely linked to seasonal variations and vertical differentiation in leaf traits.However,leaf structural and chemical traits variation among co-existing species,and plant functional types within the canopy are poorly quantified.In this study,the seasonality of leaf chlorophyll,nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)were quantified vertically along the canopy of four major tree species and two types of herbs in a temperate deciduous forest.The role of shade tolerance in shaping the seasonal variation and vertical differentiation was examined.During the entire season,chlorophyll content showed a distinct asymmetric unimodal pattern for all species,with greater chlorophyll levels in autumn than in spring,and the timing of peak chlorophyll per leaf area gradually decreased as shade tolerance increased.Chlorophyll a:b ratios gradually decreased with increasing shade tolerance.Leaf N and P contents sharply declined during leaf expansion,remained steady in the mature stage and decreased again during leaf senescence.Over the seasons,the lower canopy layer had significantly higher chlorophyll per leaf mass but not chlorophyll per leaf area than the upper canopy layer regardless of degree of shade tolerance.However,N and P per leaf area of intermediate shade-tolerant and fully shade-tolerant tree species were significantly higher in the upper canopy than in the lower.Seasonal variations in N:P ratios suggest changes in N or P limitation.These findings indicate that shade tolerance is a key feature shaping inter-specific differences in leaf chlorophyll,N,and P contents as well as their seasonality in temperate deciduous forests,which have significant implications for modeling leaf photosynthesis and ecosystem production.展开更多
Scaling relationships among twig size,leaf size and leafing intensity is pivotal in understanding plant resource allocation and carbon investment strategies.However,it remained unclear how these relationships might ma...Scaling relationships among twig size,leaf size and leafing intensity is pivotal in understanding plant resource allocation and carbon investment strategies.However,it remained unclear how these relationships might maintain stability across genetic traits(shade tolerance)and canopy gradients(microclimates).We investigated eight different shade-tolerant tree species within five mixed broad-leaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests in Northeast China.Employing linear mixed-effects models and phylogenetically independent contrasts,we examined the scaling relationships between twig-leaf size and leafing intensity.Shade tolerance altered the scaling relationships between twig and leaf size,as well as leafing intensity.We discovered that the scaling relationships between twig cross-sectional area and individual leaf area,leafing intensity and between individual leaf mass and leafing intensity were allometric(slope≠−1 or 1).However,the relationship between individual leaf area and individual leaf mass was isometric(slope=1).Moreover,these scaling relationships exhibited consistent trends across canopy gradients,with shade tolerance playing a critical role in the coordinated evolution of twigs and leaves across these gradients.These results emphasized the significant role of shade tolerance in coordinating the covariation patterns between plant leaves and twigs,adopting conservative strategies in heterogeneous microclimates.展开更多
With annual Bischofia javanica seedlings as experimental material, the plasticity and comprehensive evaluation methods were employed to investigate the effects of different shading degrees （100% NS （natural sunshine...With annual Bischofia javanica seedlings as experimental material, the plasticity and comprehensive evaluation methods were employed to investigate the effects of different shading degrees （100% NS （natural sunshine）, 41.3% NS, 14.6% NS and 3.6% NS） on B. javanica seedlings growth, so as to obtain the shade toler- ance in B. javanica. The results showed that with the shading degree increasing, the seedling height increment, diameter increment, leaf area, fresh weights （above- ground part, underground part and whole plant） and dry weights （aboveground part, underground part and whole plant） of B. javanica seedlings all increased first and then decreased, and reached peak values under 41.3% NS, while the total root length, average root diameter, total surface area, total root volume and total root number all presented a decreasing trend. Also the comprehensive evaluation by subordinate function value method and plasticity analysis were carried out on these growth indexes. It was concluded that B. javanica seedlings have medium shade tol- erance from the comDrehensive analysis of growth indexes.展开更多
Forest gaps, openings in the canopy caused by death of one or more trees, have a profound effect on forest regeneration and drive the forest growth cycle. It is therefore necessary to understand the effects of forest ...Forest gaps, openings in the canopy caused by death of one or more trees, have a profound effect on forest regeneration and drive the forest growth cycle. It is therefore necessary to understand the effects of forest gaps on regeneration for modern forest management. In order to provide a quantitative assessment of the effects of forest gaps on regen-eration of woody plants, we conducted this review of gap effects on woody plant regeneration on the basis of 527 observations from 42 indi-vidual papers, and reported the results of these data in a meta-analysis. Overall, densities of regenerated woody plants were significantly greater （359%） in forest gaps than on the closed-canopy forest floor. The regen-eration density in gaps of plantation forests was significantly greater （P＆lt;0.05） than that of natural forest because the regeneration in gaps of plan-tation forests was improved by both gap effects and experimental meas-ures. Similarly, in comparison to natural gaps, regeneration was better enhanced in artificial gaps. Regeneration density exhibited a significantly positive correlation with gap size, but a negative correlation with gap age because the gap size decreased with increasing gap age. Shade tolerance of woody plants affected regeneration density in gaps and understory. Average regeneration density of shade-tolerant species exhibited a sig-nificantly positive response to gaps but densities remained lower in total than those of intermediate and shade-intolerant species. Gap effects on regeneration decreased in response to increasing temperature and pre-cipitation because of the limiting effects of lower temperature and moisture on woody plant regeneration. In summary, forest gaps enhance woody plant regeneration, and the effects of gaps varied by forest type, gap characteristics, environmental factors and plant traits. The results of this meta-analysis are useful for better understanding the effects and roles of gaps on forest regeneration and forest management.展开更多
To determine the growth strategies during early regeneration stages of two major coniferous species （Pinus massoniana and Cunninghamia lanceolata） in a secondary mixed coniferous forest in the Huangshan region of An...To determine the growth strategies during early regeneration stages of two major coniferous species （Pinus massoniana and Cunninghamia lanceolata） in a secondary mixed coniferous forest in the Huangshan region of Anhui Province, eastern China, we examined height growth, diameter-height relationship and the relationship between main stem and lateral branch elongation in saplings, with a particular focus on the effects of light intensity and regeneration mode （seedlings versus sprouts）. When light intensity was sufficiently high, the extension growth of main stems was greater and more positively related to initial size for P. massoniana than for C. lanceolata. The slenderness of the stem form increased in the following order： C. lanceolata seedlings 〈 P. massoniana seedlings 〈 C. lanceolata sprouts. P. massoniana became less slender with increasing light intensity. P. massoniana had shorter branches than C. lanceolata given the same main stem elongation. Growth allocation depended more strongly on light intensity for P. massoniana than for C. lanceolata, with more growth allocated to the main stem under dark conditions. These results suggest that P. massoniana is a typical shade avoider; this species gives priority to extension growth of the main stem, especially when it is shaded. In contrast, C. lanceolata is a shade tolerator; this species allocates more biomass to radial growth of its main stems and to extension growth of branches. Based on these results, the ecological characteristics of P. massoniana and C. lanceolata and the roles of seedlings and sprouts are discussed in relation to stand dynamics of the mixed forests of P. massoniana and C. lanceolata in eastern China.展开更多
Undulations in weather patterns have caused climate shifts of increased frequency and duration around the world. The need for additional research and model data on this pressing problem has resulted in a plethora of r...Undulations in weather patterns have caused climate shifts of increased frequency and duration around the world. The need for additional research and model data on this pressing problem has resulted in a plethora of research groups examining a particular tree species or biome for negative effects of climate change. This review aims to （1） collect and merge recent research data on regeneration within old- and new-growth forests, （2） highlight and expand upon selected topics for additional discussion, and （3） report how shade tolerance, drought toler- ance, and inherent plasticity affect tree growth and development. Al- though shade and drought tolerance have been well studied by a number of research groups, this review reveals that in-depth analysis of a single or a few species in a given area will not generate the data required to implement a successful regeneration plan. Studies using historical accounts of previous species composition, information regarding site sea- sonality, species competition, and individual responses to drought and shade are needed to （1） develop best management plans and （2） ensure future modeling experiments are focused on a greater variety of species using more innovative methods to evaluate climate change effects.展开更多
The variation and correlation of leaf economics and vein traits are crucial for predicting plant ecological strategies under different environmental changes.However,correlations between these two suites of traits and ...The variation and correlation of leaf economics and vein traits are crucial for predicting plant ecological strategies under different environmental changes.However,correlations between these two suites of traits and abiotic factors such as soil water and nitrogen content remain ambiguous.We measured leaf economics and vein traits as well as soil water and nitrogen content for two different shade-tolerant species(Betula platyphylla and Acer mono)in four mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests along a latitudinal gradient in Northeast China.We found that leaf economics traits and vein traits were decoupled in shade-intolerant species,Betula platphylla,but significantly coupled in a shadetolerant species,A.mono.We found stronger correlations among leaf traits in the shade tolerant species than in the shade intolerant species.Furthermore,leaf economic traits were positively correlated with the soil water gradient for both species,whereas vein traits were positively correlated with soil water gradient for the shade intolerant species but negatively correlated in the shade tolerant species.Although economic traits were positively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade intolerant species but not correlated in shade tolerant species,vein traits were negatively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade tolerant species but not correlated in shade intolerant species.Our study provides evidence for distinct correlations between leaf economics and vein traits and local abiotic factors of species differing in light demands.We recommend that the ecological significance of shade tolerance be considered for species when evaluating ecosystem functions and predicting plant responses to environmental changes.展开更多
Background: Experimental manipulations of tree diversity have often found overyielding in mixed-species plantations. While most experiments are still in the early stages of stand development, the impacts of tree diver...Background: Experimental manipulations of tree diversity have often found overyielding in mixed-species plantations. While most experiments are still in the early stages of stand development, the impacts of tree diversity are expected to accumulate over time. Here, I present findings from a 31-year-old tree diversity experiment(as of2018) in Japan.Results: I find that the net diversity effect on stand biomass increased linearly through time. The species mixture achieved 64% greater biomass than the average monoculture biomass 31 years after planting. The complementarity effect was positive and increased exponentially with time. The selection effect was negative and decreased exponentially with time. In the early stages(≤ 3 years), the positive complementarity effect was explained by enhanced growths of early-and mid-successional species in the mixture. Later on(≥ 15 years), it was explained by their increased survival rates owing to vertical spatial partitioning — i.e. alleviation of self-thinning via canopy stratification. The negative selection effect resulted from suppressed growths of late-successional species in the bottom layer.Conclusions: The experiment provides pioneering evidence that the positive impacts of diversity-driven spatial partitioning on forest biomass can accumulate over multiple decades. The results indicate that forest biomass production and carbon sequestration can be enhanced by multispecies afforestation strategies.展开更多
Selecting suitable species is the most important issue for bare land reforestation, degraded secondary forest restoration, and single-species plantation transformation. However, little information has been documented ...Selecting suitable species is the most important issue for bare land reforestation, degraded secondary forest restoration, and single-species plantation transformation. However, little information has been documented related to tree species selection for these silvicultural endeavors on tropical Hainan Island of Southern China. The present study employed Baisha County, the ecological core area of Hainan Island, as a case study area. We initially inventoried a slightly disturbed primary forest and attempted to produce diameter distribution curves for each tree species. Second, the tree species were classified into shade intolerant, opportunist, and shade tolerant species based on shape of their diameter distribution curves. Third, market value was determined for each tree species based on published literature and on-site investigations at local wood trading companies. Totally 118 tree species were encountered in the inventoried forest and 13 tree species present were finally identified as potential tree species for our silvicultural endeavor on Hainan Island, of which 3 species are shade intolerant, 5 species are opportunist and 5 species are shade tolerant. Additionally, we also selected 12 tree species that were not in the inventoried forest but were extremely economically valuable and ecologically important. This study should contribute to the formulation of a sustainable forest management strategy on Hainan Island and the methodology might be replicated in other tropical region where suitable species also need to be identified for silvicultural endeavor.展开更多
Understanding and quantifying the resilience of forests to disturbances are increasingly important for forest management.Historical fire suppression,logging,and other land uses have increased densities of shade tolera...Understanding and quantifying the resilience of forests to disturbances are increasingly important for forest management.Historical fire suppression,logging,and other land uses have increased densities of shade tolerant trees and fuel buildup in the western United States,which has reduced the resilience of these forests to natural disturbances.One way to mitigate this problem is to use fuel treatments such as stand thinning and prescribed burning.In this study,we investigated changes in forest structure in the Lassen and Plumas National Forests of northern California following a large wildfire.We used longterm field data and aerial photos to examine what management techniques can be effectively used to restore a healthy forest structure and increase the resilience of forests to drought and wildfires.Forest resilience was quantitatively modeled using the forest vegetation simulator and analyzed under varied thinning practices and fuel management scenarios.Results showed that trees below 1,219 m in elevation had the least mortality and gained the most biomass.Trees taller than 45.7 m lost the most biomass.We found that thinning basal area to 16.1 m^(2)·hm^(-2)resulted in the highest resilience score for California mixed conifer forest stands and thinning to 9.2 m^(2)·hm^(-2)resulted in the highest resilience score for Jeffrey pine stands.Structural diversity had a negative relationship with resilience score.Understanding forest structure,forest resilience,and the factors that make trees vulnerable to mortality will allow managers to better plan fuel treatments for these forests.展开更多
Background:In tropical dry forests,variation in understory light availability due to season and canopy tree density could be a governing factor in establishment and growth of tree seedlings.Species with varying life h...Background:In tropical dry forests,variation in understory light availability due to season and canopy tree density could be a governing factor in establishment and growth of tree seedlings.Species with varying life history traits are expected to respond differentially to such heterogeneity.We investigated the response of seedlings of four tree species in a tropical day forest in relation to spatiotemporal variability of light.We attempt to explore the role of leaf attributes in explaining intra-and inter-specific variations in relative growth rate.Four study sites,each with three contrasting canopy conditions,were selected along a soil moisture gradient.Seedlings of four tree species(viz.,Acacia catechu,Bridelia retusa,Lagerstroemia parviflora,and Shorea robusta),varying in life history traits,were monitored for seasonal variations in growth traits across canopy condition and sites for 2 years.Results:We observed a larger variation in leaf attributes for pioneer species.A.catechu showed highest mean values for leaf dry matter content,leaf nitrogen concentration,leaf phosphorus concentration,net stomatal conductance,net photosynthetic rate,and relative growth rate in high light conditions.S.robusta and B.retusa demonstrated highest mean values for all the leaf attributes(except leaf dry matter content)in low light conditions.However,intermediate values for leaf attributes were observed in L.parviflora which preferred moderate light conditions.Conclusions:Seasonal variations in light availability at the forest floor appear to play an important role in the establishment and growth of tree seedlings in seasonal dry forests.Leaf attributes can be used to explain intra-and inter-specific variation in response to light availability.Leaf attributes in combinations can be used to predict relative growth rate of tree species in tropical dry environment,which apart from soil moisture is also determined by light availability due to seasonal changes and canopy tree density.展开更多
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32171765).
文摘Forest productivity is closely linked to seasonal variations and vertical differentiation in leaf traits.However,leaf structural and chemical traits variation among co-existing species,and plant functional types within the canopy are poorly quantified.In this study,the seasonality of leaf chlorophyll,nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)were quantified vertically along the canopy of four major tree species and two types of herbs in a temperate deciduous forest.The role of shade tolerance in shaping the seasonal variation and vertical differentiation was examined.During the entire season,chlorophyll content showed a distinct asymmetric unimodal pattern for all species,with greater chlorophyll levels in autumn than in spring,and the timing of peak chlorophyll per leaf area gradually decreased as shade tolerance increased.Chlorophyll a:b ratios gradually decreased with increasing shade tolerance.Leaf N and P contents sharply declined during leaf expansion,remained steady in the mature stage and decreased again during leaf senescence.Over the seasons,the lower canopy layer had significantly higher chlorophyll per leaf mass but not chlorophyll per leaf area than the upper canopy layer regardless of degree of shade tolerance.However,N and P per leaf area of intermediate shade-tolerant and fully shade-tolerant tree species were significantly higher in the upper canopy than in the lower.Seasonal variations in N:P ratios suggest changes in N or P limitation.These findings indicate that shade tolerance is a key feature shaping inter-specific differences in leaf chlorophyll,N,and P contents as well as their seasonality in temperate deciduous forests,which have significant implications for modeling leaf photosynthesis and ecosystem production.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD2201100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32071533)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2572022DS13).
文摘Scaling relationships among twig size,leaf size and leafing intensity is pivotal in understanding plant resource allocation and carbon investment strategies.However,it remained unclear how these relationships might maintain stability across genetic traits(shade tolerance)and canopy gradients(microclimates).We investigated eight different shade-tolerant tree species within five mixed broad-leaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests in Northeast China.Employing linear mixed-effects models and phylogenetically independent contrasts,we examined the scaling relationships between twig-leaf size and leafing intensity.Shade tolerance altered the scaling relationships between twig and leaf size,as well as leafing intensity.We discovered that the scaling relationships between twig cross-sectional area and individual leaf area,leafing intensity and between individual leaf mass and leafing intensity were allometric(slope≠−1 or 1).However,the relationship between individual leaf area and individual leaf mass was isometric(slope=1).Moreover,these scaling relationships exhibited consistent trends across canopy gradients,with shade tolerance playing a critical role in the coordinated evolution of twigs and leaves across these gradients.These results emphasized the significant role of shade tolerance in coordinating the covariation patterns between plant leaves and twigs,adopting conservative strategies in heterogeneous microclimates.
文摘With annual Bischofia javanica seedlings as experimental material, the plasticity and comprehensive evaluation methods were employed to investigate the effects of different shading degrees （100% NS （natural sunshine）, 41.3% NS, 14.6% NS and 3.6% NS） on B. javanica seedlings growth, so as to obtain the shade toler- ance in B. javanica. The results showed that with the shading degree increasing, the seedling height increment, diameter increment, leaf area, fresh weights （above- ground part, underground part and whole plant） and dry weights （aboveground part, underground part and whole plant） of B. javanica seedlings all increased first and then decreased, and reached peak values under 41.3% NS, while the total root length, average root diameter, total surface area, total root volume and total root number all presented a decreasing trend. Also the comprehensive evaluation by subordinate function value method and plasticity analysis were carried out on these growth indexes. It was concluded that B. javanica seedlings have medium shade tol- erance from the comDrehensive analysis of growth indexes.
基金supported by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(2012CB416906)National Nature Scientific Foundation of China(31330016)
文摘Forest gaps, openings in the canopy caused by death of one or more trees, have a profound effect on forest regeneration and drive the forest growth cycle. It is therefore necessary to understand the effects of forest gaps on regeneration for modern forest management. In order to provide a quantitative assessment of the effects of forest gaps on regen-eration of woody plants, we conducted this review of gap effects on woody plant regeneration on the basis of 527 observations from 42 indi-vidual papers, and reported the results of these data in a meta-analysis. Overall, densities of regenerated woody plants were significantly greater （359%） in forest gaps than on the closed-canopy forest floor. The regen-eration density in gaps of plantation forests was significantly greater （P＆lt;0.05） than that of natural forest because the regeneration in gaps of plan-tation forests was improved by both gap effects and experimental meas-ures. Similarly, in comparison to natural gaps, regeneration was better enhanced in artificial gaps. Regeneration density exhibited a significantly positive correlation with gap size, but a negative correlation with gap age because the gap size decreased with increasing gap age. Shade tolerance of woody plants affected regeneration density in gaps and understory. Average regeneration density of shade-tolerant species exhibited a sig-nificantly positive response to gaps but densities remained lower in total than those of intermediate and shade-intolerant species. Gap effects on regeneration decreased in response to increasing temperature and pre-cipitation because of the limiting effects of lower temperature and moisture on woody plant regeneration. In summary, forest gaps enhance woody plant regeneration, and the effects of gaps varied by forest type, gap characteristics, environmental factors and plant traits. The results of this meta-analysis are useful for better understanding the effects and roles of gaps on forest regeneration and forest management.
基金supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan (No. 20380084)Funding for first author was provided by the Kambayashi Scholarship Foundation, Japan
文摘To determine the growth strategies during early regeneration stages of two major coniferous species （Pinus massoniana and Cunninghamia lanceolata） in a secondary mixed coniferous forest in the Huangshan region of Anhui Province, eastern China, we examined height growth, diameter-height relationship and the relationship between main stem and lateral branch elongation in saplings, with a particular focus on the effects of light intensity and regeneration mode （seedlings versus sprouts）. When light intensity was sufficiently high, the extension growth of main stems was greater and more positively related to initial size for P. massoniana than for C. lanceolata. The slenderness of the stem form increased in the following order： C. lanceolata seedlings 〈 P. massoniana seedlings 〈 C. lanceolata sprouts. P. massoniana became less slender with increasing light intensity. P. massoniana had shorter branches than C. lanceolata given the same main stem elongation. Growth allocation depended more strongly on light intensity for P. massoniana than for C. lanceolata, with more growth allocated to the main stem under dark conditions. These results suggest that P. massoniana is a typical shade avoider; this species gives priority to extension growth of the main stem, especially when it is shaded. In contrast, C. lanceolata is a shade tolerator; this species allocates more biomass to radial growth of its main stems and to extension growth of branches. Based on these results, the ecological characteristics of P. massoniana and C. lanceolata and the roles of seedlings and sprouts are discussed in relation to stand dynamics of the mixed forests of P. massoniana and C. lanceolata in eastern China.
文摘Undulations in weather patterns have caused climate shifts of increased frequency and duration around the world. The need for additional research and model data on this pressing problem has resulted in a plethora of research groups examining a particular tree species or biome for negative effects of climate change. This review aims to （1） collect and merge recent research data on regeneration within old- and new-growth forests, （2） highlight and expand upon selected topics for additional discussion, and （3） report how shade tolerance, drought toler- ance, and inherent plasticity affect tree growth and development. Al- though shade and drought tolerance have been well studied by a number of research groups, this review reveals that in-depth analysis of a single or a few species in a given area will not generate the data required to implement a successful regeneration plan. Studies using historical accounts of previous species composition, information regarding site sea- sonality, species competition, and individual responses to drought and shade are needed to （1） develop best management plans and （2） ensure future modeling experiments are focused on a greater variety of species using more innovative methods to evaluate climate change effects.
基金This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD2201100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971636)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2572022DS13).
文摘The variation and correlation of leaf economics and vein traits are crucial for predicting plant ecological strategies under different environmental changes.However,correlations between these two suites of traits and abiotic factors such as soil water and nitrogen content remain ambiguous.We measured leaf economics and vein traits as well as soil water and nitrogen content for two different shade-tolerant species(Betula platyphylla and Acer mono)in four mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests along a latitudinal gradient in Northeast China.We found that leaf economics traits and vein traits were decoupled in shade-intolerant species,Betula platphylla,but significantly coupled in a shadetolerant species,A.mono.We found stronger correlations among leaf traits in the shade tolerant species than in the shade intolerant species.Furthermore,leaf economic traits were positively correlated with the soil water gradient for both species,whereas vein traits were positively correlated with soil water gradient for the shade intolerant species but negatively correlated in the shade tolerant species.Although economic traits were positively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade intolerant species but not correlated in shade tolerant species,vein traits were negatively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade tolerant species but not correlated in shade intolerant species.Our study provides evidence for distinct correlations between leaf economics and vein traits and local abiotic factors of species differing in light demands.We recommend that the ecological significance of shade tolerance be considered for species when evaluating ecosystem functions and predicting plant responses to environmental changes.
基金a Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists B (No. 16 K18715)a JSPS Overseas Research Fellowship (No. 201860500) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science。
文摘Background: Experimental manipulations of tree diversity have often found overyielding in mixed-species plantations. While most experiments are still in the early stages of stand development, the impacts of tree diversity are expected to accumulate over time. Here, I present findings from a 31-year-old tree diversity experiment(as of2018) in Japan.Results: I find that the net diversity effect on stand biomass increased linearly through time. The species mixture achieved 64% greater biomass than the average monoculture biomass 31 years after planting. The complementarity effect was positive and increased exponentially with time. The selection effect was negative and decreased exponentially with time. In the early stages(≤ 3 years), the positive complementarity effect was explained by enhanced growths of early-and mid-successional species in the mixture. Later on(≥ 15 years), it was explained by their increased survival rates owing to vertical spatial partitioning — i.e. alleviation of self-thinning via canopy stratification. The negative selection effect resulted from suppressed growths of late-successional species in the bottom layer.Conclusions: The experiment provides pioneering evidence that the positive impacts of diversity-driven spatial partitioning on forest biomass can accumulate over multiple decades. The results indicate that forest biomass production and carbon sequestration can be enhanced by multispecies afforestation strategies.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFC0505604)
文摘Selecting suitable species is the most important issue for bare land reforestation, degraded secondary forest restoration, and single-species plantation transformation. However, little information has been documented related to tree species selection for these silvicultural endeavors on tropical Hainan Island of Southern China. The present study employed Baisha County, the ecological core area of Hainan Island, as a case study area. We initially inventoried a slightly disturbed primary forest and attempted to produce diameter distribution curves for each tree species. Second, the tree species were classified into shade intolerant, opportunist, and shade tolerant species based on shape of their diameter distribution curves. Third, market value was determined for each tree species based on published literature and on-site investigations at local wood trading companies. Totally 118 tree species were encountered in the inventoried forest and 13 tree species present were finally identified as potential tree species for our silvicultural endeavor on Hainan Island, of which 3 species are shade intolerant, 5 species are opportunist and 5 species are shade tolerant. Additionally, we also selected 12 tree species that were not in the inventoried forest but were extremely economically valuable and ecologically important. This study should contribute to the formulation of a sustainable forest management strategy on Hainan Island and the methodology might be replicated in other tropical region where suitable species also need to be identified for silvicultural endeavor.
基金supported by joint agreement 19-JV-11272139-025 between Pacific Southwest Research StationUSDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station and Texas A&M University-Kingsville
文摘Understanding and quantifying the resilience of forests to disturbances are increasingly important for forest management.Historical fire suppression,logging,and other land uses have increased densities of shade tolerant trees and fuel buildup in the western United States,which has reduced the resilience of these forests to natural disturbances.One way to mitigate this problem is to use fuel treatments such as stand thinning and prescribed burning.In this study,we investigated changes in forest structure in the Lassen and Plumas National Forests of northern California following a large wildfire.We used longterm field data and aerial photos to examine what management techniques can be effectively used to restore a healthy forest structure and increase the resilience of forests to drought and wildfires.Forest resilience was quantitatively modeled using the forest vegetation simulator and analyzed under varied thinning practices and fuel management scenarios.Results showed that trees below 1,219 m in elevation had the least mortality and gained the most biomass.Trees taller than 45.7 m lost the most biomass.We found that thinning basal area to 16.1 m^(2)·hm^(-2)resulted in the highest resilience score for California mixed conifer forest stands and thinning to 9.2 m^(2)·hm^(-2)resulted in the highest resilience score for Jeffrey pine stands.Structural diversity had a negative relationship with resilience score.Understanding forest structure,forest resilience,and the factors that make trees vulnerable to mortality will allow managers to better plan fuel treatments for these forests.
文摘Background:In tropical dry forests,variation in understory light availability due to season and canopy tree density could be a governing factor in establishment and growth of tree seedlings.Species with varying life history traits are expected to respond differentially to such heterogeneity.We investigated the response of seedlings of four tree species in a tropical day forest in relation to spatiotemporal variability of light.We attempt to explore the role of leaf attributes in explaining intra-and inter-specific variations in relative growth rate.Four study sites,each with three contrasting canopy conditions,were selected along a soil moisture gradient.Seedlings of four tree species(viz.,Acacia catechu,Bridelia retusa,Lagerstroemia parviflora,and Shorea robusta),varying in life history traits,were monitored for seasonal variations in growth traits across canopy condition and sites for 2 years.Results:We observed a larger variation in leaf attributes for pioneer species.A.catechu showed highest mean values for leaf dry matter content,leaf nitrogen concentration,leaf phosphorus concentration,net stomatal conductance,net photosynthetic rate,and relative growth rate in high light conditions.S.robusta and B.retusa demonstrated highest mean values for all the leaf attributes(except leaf dry matter content)in low light conditions.However,intermediate values for leaf attributes were observed in L.parviflora which preferred moderate light conditions.Conclusions:Seasonal variations in light availability at the forest floor appear to play an important role in the establishment and growth of tree seedlings in seasonal dry forests.Leaf attributes can be used to explain intra-and inter-specific variation in response to light availability.Leaf attributes in combinations can be used to predict relative growth rate of tree species in tropical dry environment,which apart from soil moisture is also determined by light availability due to seasonal changes and canopy tree density.
