open access

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/39121

Growth of regenerated tree seedlings associated with microclimatic change in a mature larch plantation after harvesting

英語

Deciduous broad-leaved tree species

2009-07

Springer Japan

Landscape and Ecological Engineering

5(2)

137-145

In order to further develop methods of sustainable forest management, we evaluated the effects of logging practices during the winter on micro-climatic factors and growth of four seral deciduous broad-leaved tree seedlings regenerated in a larch plantation in northern Japan. We found that winter logging practices drastically changed micro-climatic factors, especially in terms of light intensity and the vertical distribution pattern of CO2 concentration. Harvesting overstory larch trees increased photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), which may enhance the photosynthesis of understory plants. We examined the undergrowth for tree seedlings of the following species: two late successional species, Prunus ssiori and Carpinus cordata; one gap phase species, Magnolia hyporeuca; and one mid-late successional species, Quercus mongolica var. crispula. All of the four studied tree species responded well to the practices of winter logging after the second year of harvesting overstoried larch trees. The current shoot diameter and current shoot length increased significantly. Therefore, we conclude that winter logging practices should improve shoot growth of deciduous broad-leaved tree seedlings regenerated in a larch plantation through the change in environmental factors that accompanies larch harvest.

学術雑誌論文

Accepted Manuscript

The original publication is available at www.springerlink.com

1860-1871