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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2014, Vol. 50 ›› Issue (1): 9-14.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.20140102

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Spatial Pattern and Spatial Association of Betula albosinensis at Different Developmental Stages at Taibai Mountain

Guo Yaoxin1,2, Hu Youning3, Li Gang4, Wang Dexiang3, Yang Jijian3, Yang Gaihe1,2   

  1. 1. College of Agronomy, Northwest A&F University Yangling 712100;
    2. Research Center of Recycle Agricultural Engineering and Technology of Shaanxi Province Yangling 712100;
    3. College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University Yangling 712100;
    4. College of Life Science, Northwest A&F University Yangling 712100
  • Received:2012-11-05 Revised:2013-11-22 Online:2014-01-25 Published:2014-01-25
  • Contact: 杨改河

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Abstract:

In order to understand the recruitment mechanism and recovery process of Betula albosinensis forest, an investigation was conducted in B. albosinensis forest of Taibai Mountain, Qinling Mountains. Based on data collected from 1-hm2 plots, the spatial pattern and spatial correlation of B. albosinensis populations at different developmental stages were analyzed at multiple scales by the O-ring functions of single variable and double variables. The results showed that the natural recruitment of B. ablosinensis were scarce, however more saplings were recruited in stand with artificial disturbances. B. albosinensis saplings were significantly clustered together in a range from 0 to 10 m, but the clustered pattern intensities decreased with increasing age so that large trees presented a stochastic spatial distribution at most scales. As to the spatial correlations, there was a negative correlation between saplings and large trees at scale from 0 to 15 m, whereas no significant correlations were observed between saplings and medium trees as well as medium trees and large trees in most scales. Disturbances drove the regeneration dynamics of most closed-canopy forests by creating opportunities for the establishment of new individuals through canopy opening. The findings suggest that as an intolerant species, natural B. albosinensis population requires disturbed microsites and canopy openings for regeneration. The recruitment of B. ablosinensis offspring was restricted not only by interspecific competition but also by intraspecific competition due to their shade sensitivity. Thus, moderate severity of disturbance created by selective cut would be useful for B. albosinensis recruitment by releasing space and reducing forest litters cover. The spatial pattern of B. albosinensis population depends on their biological characteristics, intraspecific relationship and environmental heterogeneity. Naturally, the aggregation of different cohorts in space and time might be the strategy of B. ablosinensis population stability.

Key words: Betula albosinensis, developmental stages, point pattern analysis, distribution pattern, spatial association

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