Distribution characteristics and succession regulation of the forests in alpine and canyon region of western Sichuan Province, P. R. China

Abstract

Since 1950, 700 plots were established in the alpine and canyon region of western Sichuan. The distribution characteristics and the relationships between forest succession and environmental gradients were studied. The results showed that the main tree species werePicea andAbies in this region, and there were more than 90 forest types.Abies forests mainly distributed in the middle and upper reaches of rivers and their branches, andPicea forests mainly distributed in the wide valleys and on half-shaded and half-sunny slopes. The natural regeneration was poor under primitive spruce and fir forest canopy, but was good in the spruce and fire forest gap. The relationship between forest succession and vertical gradient was closely related to the relationship between forest succession procession and plant synusia under primary forests. Human activities could promote and postpone succession process. The results of expanding regeneration were often influenced by topography, vegetation and wind direction.

Keywords

Alpine and canyon region / Forest succession / Environmental gradients / Forest gap / Regeneration / S718.5 / B

References

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