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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2017, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (12): 153-160.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.20171218

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Surface Fuel Loads of Tianshan Spruce Forests in the Central Tianshan Mountains and The Impact Factors

Liang Ying1, Li Jimei1, Zhao Fengjun2, Zhang Yutao1, Kong Tingting1, Nurgul·Mahan1   

  1. 1. Xinjiang Academy of Forestry Urumqi 830006;
    2. Key Laboratory of Forest Protection of State Forestry Administration Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, CAF Beijing 100091
  • Received:2016-03-30 Revised:2017-05-03 Online:2017-12-25 Published:2018-01-13

Abstract: [Objective] This study investigated the surface fuel loads of Tianshan spruce (Picea schrenkiana) forests in the central Tianshan Mountains,analyzed their relationship with terrain and stand factors, and compared the differences in surface fuel loads among stands at different canopy density levels. The result would provide scientific data and guidance for Tianshan spruce forests fuel management.[Method] Totally 48 plots were set up along an altitudinal gradient in the central Tianshan. The surface fuel loads of 1, 10 and 100 h time-lags and the terrain and stand factors of Tianshan spruce forests were measured. The correlations between fuel loads and the terrain and stand factors were analyzed and a fuel load estimation model was established using multiple linear regression method.[Result] The surface fuel loads of 1 h, 10 h and 100 h time-lags and the total fuel loads were 1.49±1.00, 2.69±1.05, 2.06±0.29 and 6.24±1.21 t·hm-2, respectively. The total fuel loads in high, medium and low canopy densityies were 12.09±3.13, 4.29±2.35, and 2.34±0.83 t·hm-2, respectively. The fuel loads with 1 h time-lag were correlated negatively with elevation and positively with slope or canopy density (P<0.05). The fuel loads with 10 h time-lag were correlated negatively with elevation (P<0.05) and positively with tree height or canopy density (P<0.01). The fuel loads with 100 h time-lag were correlated positively with canopy density (P<0.01) and tree height (P<0.05). The total fuel loads were correlated positively with canopy density (P<0.01) and tree height (P<0.05).[Conclusion] The elevation, slope, tree height and canopy density have to a certain degree influence on the surface fuel loads of Tianshan spruce forests in the central Tianshan Mountains, of which the canopy density has the most significant impact on the fuel loads. The canopy density is positively correlated with the fuel loads. The fuel loads were highest in the stand with the high canopy density, followed by the stand with the medium canopy density. Because it is dry in the forest and the litter is not easily decomposed,thus a large amount of surface fuel is accumulated. The higher fuel loads with 1h time-lag in stand increased the possibility of forest fire. From the quantity and composition of the surface fuel load, it can be concluded that the Tianshan spruce forests in the central Tianshan Mountains have the material basis for the occurrence of forest fires.

Key words: fuel loads, terrain factor, stand factor, canopy density, Tianshan spruce forests

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