Boreal Forests of Kamchatka: Structure and Composition

Abstract

Central Kamchatka abounds in virgin old-growth boreal forest, formed primarily by Larix cajanderi and Betula platyphylla in varying proportions. A series of eight 0.25-0.30 ha plots captured the range of forests present in this region and their structure is described. Overall trends in both uplands and lowlands are for higher sites to be dominated by L. cajanderi with an increasing component of B. platyphylla with decreasing altitude. The tree line on wet sites is commonly formed by mono-dominant B.ermanii forests. Basal area ranged from 7.8-38.1 m 2 /ha and average tree height from 8.3-24.7 m, both being greater in lowland forests. Size distributions varied considerably among plots, though they were consistently more even for L. cajanderi than B. platyphylla. Upland sites also contained a dense subcanopy of Pinus pumila averaging 38% of ground area. Soil characteristics differed among plots, with upland soils being of lower pH and containing more carbon. Comparisons are drawn with boreal forests elsewhere and the main current threats assessed. These forests provide a potential baseline to contrast with more disturbed regions elsewhere in the world and therefore may be used as a target for restoration efforts or to assess the effects of climate change independent of human impacts.

Fate of atmospherically deposited NH4+ and NO3− in two temperate forests in China: temporal pattern and redistribution

“…This difference in vegetation composition had affected the topsoil so that soil pH and N concentrations were lower (and thus higher C:N ratio) in larch forest than in mixed forest (Table ), as often observed in coniferous vs. broadleaved forest comparisons (Vesterdal et al. , Eichhorn ). Soil N availability was also affected, with the mixed forest being more NO 3 − dominated in the soil water than the larch forest (Fig.…”

Regional Case Studies

“…The vast range in fire cycles implies that old-growth and late seral features were historically abundant in certain parts of the boreal forests, more than was appreciated in the past. In fact, new evidence suggests that old-growth forests were a much more predominant feature of the preindustrial landscape in North America (Cyr et al, 2009;Bergeron and Fenton, 2012), Europe ( € Ostlund et al, 1997), and Asia (Eichhorn, 2010) than previously thought. This does not lessen the role of large fires in the boreal, which produce vital habitat for numerous species that have evolved strategies to respond to fire (Rowe, 1983), but it does suggest that a more intricate biogeographical lens is required to understand this ecosystem.…”

The geography of Kamchatka

“…However, the largely intact forest in many areas has led to the identification of the area as being a priority for conservation and the Bystrinsky region of central Kamchatka has been designated part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Volcanoes of Kamchtka) on the basis of both its pristine environments and the Reindeer-herding Eveni people. Almost a third of Kamchatka's forests receive some protection from exploitation, though the Bystrinsky region remains threatened by potential mining developments (Eichhorn, 2010).…”

“…Timber extraction has been historically important particularly within the central conifer-dominated area where only an estimated 2.1% remains undisturbed by logging or recent fire (Eichhorn, 2010). However, the largely intact forest in many areas has led to the identification of the area as being a priority for conservation and the Bystrinsky region of central Kamchatka has been designated part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Volcanoes of Kamchtka) on the basis of both its pristine environments and the Reindeer-herding Eveni people.…”