Comparing the Stand Structure of a Secondary Mixed Forest with Three Broad-Leaved Forests in China’s Greater Khingan Mountains

Abstract

There is a general consensus that mixed forests offer ecological and productivity advantages over singlespecies forests in most situations, e.g., higher habitat heterogeneity, high water-holding capacity, and greater diversity of species composition [1][2][3][4]. Meanwhile, studies have explored ways to convert pure plantations into mixed forests [5]. Nevertheless, for secondary forests, including those resulting from deforestation and damage by natural hazards, few studies exist, and still fewer compare mixed stands with pure tree species stands.Historically the Greater Khingan Mountains were rich in forest resources. However, due to severe damage from wildfires, especially in 1987, and continuous deforestation due to logging over many years, the forest status has been degraded, resulting in higher rates of

Effects of Different Thinning Intensities on Carbon Storage in Pinus koraiensis Middle-Aged Plantations in Northeast China

“…Forest tree tabulating and research on forest management technologies benefit greatly from the ease with which DBH may be measured in forest surveys and the accuracy and dependability of the measured values. They are frequently employed as crucial variables to comprehend stand biomass, carbon stock, and forest growth and to assess the condition of the forest [25]. The majority of study findings demonstrate that thinning can boost DBH growth by reducing the competitive pressure of water and light among tree species [44,45].…”

“…The primary method for maximizing forest structure and raising the productivity and quality of forests is through thinning [24]. In order to improve standing trees' competitiveness, growth, and general health, thinning controls how growing space is distributed [25]. Simultaneously, thinning management offers an option for wood production, which helps lessen the strain from logging and prevents further degradation and deforestation [26].…”

The Effect of Thinning Management on the Carbon Density of the Tree Layers in Larch–Birch Mixed Natural Secondary Forests of the Greater Khingan Range, Northeastern China

“…DBH is easily measured in forest surveys and the measured values are accurate and reliable, which provides solid data support for forest tree tabulating and forest management technology research. They are commonly used as key variables for understanding stand biomass, carbon stock, forest growth and for the evaluation of forest status [11]. Most research results show that thinning can increase DBH growth because it improves the competitive pressure of light and water among tree species [30,31].…”

“…It is the main way to optimize forest structure and improve forest productivity and quality [10]. It regulates the distribution of growing space so that standing trees may benefit in terms of competition, growth and health status [11]. At the same time, thinning management will provide a complementary alternative for wood production, hopefully contributing to a decrease in the logging pressure and the resulting degradation and deforestation [12].…”

“…This means that completely transforming the stand structure through natural renewal would be a long process. Artificial intervention in the secondary forest may help to reach a stable state more quickly [11].…”