Canopy gap characteristics and its influence on the regeneration of broad-leaved Korean pine forests in Changbai Mountain

Abstract

With the concern of regeneration, characteristics of canopy gaps in broad-leaved Korean pine forest were studied. The areas of actual gap, expanded gap and maximum gap were analyzed respectively. The species composition, number, origin, decayed class and sizes of gap makers were studied comprehensively. The comparative studies of regeneration inside and outside of canopy gap showed that the density of regeneration inside canopy gaps was 30% higher than that outside canopy gaps. The specific species regeneration response to canopy gap varied greatly.Pinus koraiensis, Picea jezoensis Fraxinus mandshurica, Juglans mandshurica andAcer mono generally did not response to canopy gap disturbance. The Regeneration Importanice Value (RIV) ofAbies nephrolepis, Ulmus Japonica increased with canopy gap disturbance. RIV ofTilia amurensis, Acer madshurica and Ulmus laciniata decreased with canopy gap disturbance. Canopy gap disturbance was not strong enough to result in the regeneration of some species of shade intolerance such asLarix olgensis, Betula platyphylla.