Natural regeneration characteristics ofPinus sylvestris var.mongolica forests on sandy land in Honghuaerji, China

Abstract

Natural regeneration in Mongolian pine,Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica, forest at honghuaerji of China (the original of the natural Mongolian pine, forest on sandy land) was studied in 2004. The total mean values of regeneration indexes were higher in mature stands (more than 80% individual stems were older than 50 years), the maximum of regeneration index reached 29 seedlings·m⁻², with lowest values in the younger stand, e.g., in 32-year old and 43-year old stands. The stand age was an important factor determining the natural regeneration, which was the best in the older stands in this investigation (e.g. about 80-year old). The regeneration index seemed not to be closely in relation to canopy openness although Mongolian pine is a photophilic tree species. In each type of gaps, natural regeneration was very well. Regeneration indexes were satisfactory at the south and east edges in the circle gaps; and at the east edge of the narrow-square gaps. Results indicated that Mongolian pine, seedlings could endure shading understory, but it would not enter the canopy layer without gap or large disturbance, e.g., fire, wind/snow damage or clear cutting etc. These results may provide potentially references to the management and afforestation of Mongolian pine, plantations on sandy land in arid and semi-arid areas. Researches such as the comprehensive comparisons on regeneration, structure and ecological conditions and so on between natural Mongolian pine, forests and plantations should be conducted in the future.

Keywords

Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica / Mongolian pine / Sandy land / Natural regeneration / Canopy openness / Forest gap / Regeneration index / S754.1 / A

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