Behavior of four broad-leaved tree species used to revegetate eroded granite hill slopes

Abstract

Information on primary growth behavior after planting is required for mixed-plantation revegetation using broad-leaved species. To estimate primary growth, especially from the perspective of crown coverage and changing growth rates, we examined the growth and survival of four broad-leaved species that are frequently used in erosioncontrol plantations in Japan. The species studied were Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zucc., Alnus pendula Matsum., Quercus glauca Thunb., and Q. serrata Thunb. The survival, height, and basal diameter of planted trees were measured over a 4-year period, and crown area was calculated over a 3-year period. We found a negative relationship between relative growth rate (RGR) and survival rate, suggesting that fast growth may be fatal when resources are severely limited. The relative height growth rate (RHGR) of A. pendula was especially high during the early period of the study (1997)(1998)(1999) and then drastically declined, whereas the opposite tendency was observed in Q. glauca. The results of stem allometry analyses conformed to the specific relationships between height growth and diameter growth of the four species; increases in stem thickness based on height increments were smaller in the pioneer species A. pendula. Between-species differences in coverage per planted tree (mean crown area multiplied by survival rate) were small as a result of the negative relationship between coverage area and survival rate.

Elements and ectomycorrhizal symbiosis affecting the growth of Japanese larch seedlings regenerated on slopes of an active volcano in northern Japan

“…The internode length of the shoot from 2006 was carefully measured for these seedlings, and was tracked back 3 years. We calculated the relative height growth rate (RHGr) as follows (Ishimaru et al 2005):…”

Nutrient dynamics and carbon partitioning in larch seedlings (Larix kaempferi) regenerated on serpentine soil in northern Japan

“…We measured tree height, annual stem growth, and diameter at ground level. We calculated relative height growth rate (RHGR) as follows (Ishimaru et al 2005):…”

Growth and Nutrient Acclimation of Evergreen Oak Seedlings Infected with Boletus reticulatus in Infertile Colluvial Soil in Warm Temperate Monsoon Asia: Evaluation of Early Growth

“…To mitigate soil erosion and degradation in forest ecosystems, reforestation with native species is an essential practice for the conservation of forest ecosystems [1,2]. Soil erosion is one of the driving factors of soil degradation.…”

“…Forests 2020, 11, 870 2 of 17 Following Japan's national strategy of biodiversity conservation, demand for reforestation species has increased the population of indigenous broad-leaf species in this region [1]. Therefore, species chosen for reforestation should be an adequate native species rather than economically important conifers.…”