Effect of Microenvironment on Species Distribution Patterns in the Regeneration Layer of Forest Gaps and Non-Gaps in a Subtropical Natural Forest, China

He, Zhongsheng; Wang, Lijing; Jiang, Lan; Wang, Zhe; Liu, Jinfu; Xu, Di; Hong, Wei

doi:10.3390/f10020090

Cited by 18 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…In forest gaps, gap size can affect the microenvironment in gaps, and the two factors combined together then affecting vegetation regeneration (Denslow et al 1998, He et al 2019. Our results con rmed that the PPFD is mainly affected by gap size on overcast day during growing season, and it has positive and signi cant correlation with Acer and Betula saplings regeneration density and the three species small trees regeneration density in subalpine gaps.…”

Section: Effect Of Gap Size On Environment Ltering For Species Regenerationsupporting

confidence: 60%

Effect of Gap Size And Elevation On The Regeneration And Coexistence of Three Tree Species In A Subalpine Coniferous Forest

Han

Chen

Wang

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Background: Gap size and environmental gradient have fundamental influence on the tree species coexistence and community assembly. We studied the regeneration and coexistence of three co-dominant tree species in three different gap size (large gap, 201-402 m2; medium gap, 101-200 m2; small gap, 38.8-100 m2) along an elevation gradient (between 3000m and 3500m) in an old-growth forest, on Mount Nadu in southwest China. Results: We found that the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was positively affected by gap size during the growing season. All three species had a higher regeneration density in large gaps, but the detailed response to treatments for each species depended on its stem size. Gap size had a significant positive effect on the regeneration density of Abies faxoniana small trees and Betula utilis saplings, but had no significant effect on Acer maximowiczii regeneration density. Saplings regeneration density is more sensitive to elevation compared to small trees regeneration density. Large gaps magnified the negative effects of elevation on regeneration density. Our findings indicated that Abies may maintain its regeneration advantage with low-intensity canopy disturbance, and large gap may provide excellent opportunities for broadleaf species (Betula and Acer) establishment and regeneration in this subalpine coniferous forest. Conclusion: Microhabitats heterogeneity controlled by characteristics of forest gaps along an elevation affected regeneration niche difference of tree species, which contributed to species coexistence and community assembly processes.

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Section: Effect Of Gap Size On Environment Ltering For Species Regenerationsupporting

confidence: 60%

Effect of Gap Size And Elevation On The Regeneration And Coexistence of Three Tree Species In A Subalpine Coniferous Forest

Han

Chen

Wang

et al. 2021

Preprint

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“…The average canopy height is 15 m, the average diameter at breast height (dbh) of the tree layer is about 30 cm, and the average population age is about 120 to 150 years [13]. This forest is mainly composed of C. kawakamii, C. carlesii, C. eyrei, Pinus massoniana, and Schima superba [14,17].…”

Section: Study Site and Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Response of Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters of Castanopsis kawakamii Seedlings to Forest Gaps

Tang

et al. 2019

Forests

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Light is a major environmental factor limiting the growth and survival of plants. The heterogeneity of the light environment after gap formation in forest influences the leaf chlorophyll contents, net photosynthetic rate (P n ), and chlorophyll fluorescence, thus influencing the growth and regeneration of Castanopsis kawakamii seedlings. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of weak light on the photosynthetic physiology of C. kawakamii seedlings in forest gaps and non-gaps. The results showed that (1) the contents of chlorophyll a (Chl-a), chlorophyll b (Chl-b), and total chlorophyll (Chl-T) in forest gaps were lower than in non-gaps. Seedlings tended to increase chlorophyll content to absorb light energy to adapt to low light intensity in non-gap environments.(2) The P n values of C. kawakamii seedlings in forest gaps were significantly higher than in non-gaps, and forest gaps could improve the seedlings' photosynthetic capacity. (3) The C. kawakamii seedlings in forest gaps were more sensitive to weak light and control group treatment, especially the tall seedlings, indicating that seedlings require more light to satisfy their growth needs in the winter. The seedlings in non-gaps demonstrated better adaptability to low light intensity. The light intensity was not adequate in weak light conditions and limited seedling growth. We suggest that partial forest selection cutting could improve light intensity in non-gaps, thus promoting seedling growth and regeneration of C. kawakamii more effectively in this forest.

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“…Sanming C. kawakamii Nature Reserve is a typical subtropical forest dominated by C. kawakamii, representing an ideal place to study litter composition in subtropical forests. However, this population is threatened by diseases, pests, rodents, and human disturbance, resulting in a declining trend in the age structure of this over-mature natural forest (He et al 2019). Fallen trees cause severe canopy fragmentation, thus forming canopy gaps.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canopy gaps control litter decomposition and nutrient release in subtropical forests

Chen¹,

Zhu²,

Wang³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Aims Forest litter plays a critical role in the nutrient cycle of forest ecosystems, and the changes in the microenvironment brought about by the formation of a canopy gap affect litter decomposition and nutrient release. However, the pathway through which canopy gaps influence litter decomposition and nutrient release remains insufficiently understood, which limits our understanding of the relationship between forest soil material cycling and the environmental heterogeneity of canopy gaps. Methods Here, we collected samples of the leaf and branch litter of Castanopsis kawakamii natural forest during decomposition for a whole year, aiming to explore the characteristics of litter mass remaining and nutrient release in canopy gaps and non-gaps. Meanwhile, combined with environmental factors, taxonomic diversity, and soil microbial diversity, we aimed to reveal the primary factors influencing litter decomposition for leaf and branch litter. Results We found that the litter mass remaining of leaves and branches in medium gaps (50–100 m2) was lower than that of other gaps, and the leaf litter decomposition rate was higher than that of branch litter decomposition. Likewise, litter mass remaining, total carbon and nitrogen release, and enrichment were found to be asynchronous. Conclusions We highlight that the environmental heterogeneity caused by gap sizes significantly influenced the soil microbial community activity and taxonomic diversity. Furthermore, the asynchronous nature of taxonomic diversity and soil microbial diversity depending on canopy gap size affected mass remaining and nutrient release for both leaf and branch litter, thus comprehensively influencing litter decomposition and nutrient release in subtropical forests.

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Effect of Microenvironment on Species Distribution Patterns in the Regeneration Layer of Forest Gaps and Non-Gaps in a Subtropical Natural Forest, China

Cited by 18 publications

References 29 publications

Effect of Gap Size And Elevation On The Regeneration And Coexistence of Three Tree Species In A Subalpine Coniferous Forest

Effect of Gap Size And Elevation On The Regeneration And Coexistence of Three Tree Species In A Subalpine Coniferous Forest

Response of Photosynthesis and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters of Castanopsis kawakamii Seedlings to Forest Gaps

Canopy gaps control litter decomposition and nutrient release in subtropical forests

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