Stand dynamics and competition in a mixed forest at the northern distribution limit of evergreen hardwood species.

ABSTRACT: Tree species of three growth forms (evergreen conifers, deciduous hardwoods, and evergreen hardwoods) codominate at the northern distribution limit of evergreen hardwoods in central Japan. This study examined the stand dynamics and competition during 13 years at a single plot to reveal how three growth forms codominate at the ecotone. Species were characterized as large DBH and low tree density for evergreen conifers, and conversely for evergreen hardwoods. Total basal area increased during the examined period, accompanied with the reduction in tree density (i.e., mortality exceeded the recruitment rate). Mortality increased with time especially for small trees of deciduous hardwoods. The effect of competition among the three growth forms on tree growth was not detected. Species were class

SUBMITTER: Takahashi K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6262723 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature