Effect of Japanese Larch Arable Land Windbreaks on Wind Damage Reduction in the Early Spring Cultivation Season: A Case Study in Kamioribe District, Shihoro Town, Eastern Hokkaido

Abstract

A case study on the effect of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi Carr.) arable land windbreaks on the reduction of wind damage in Kamioribe District, Shihoro Town, eastern Hokkaido, Japan, is reported. Wind damage occurred on May 8, 2016. Buds of larches were supposed to be just opened, and the leaves on short shoots were still extending at that time. The percentage of severe damage was high on arable lands outside sheltered areas. In contrast, it was low on lands within areas 15 to 20 times the heights of windbreaks leeward to Japanese larch arable land windbreaks. These differences were statistically significant. The results of this study indicate that Japanese larch arable land windbreaks are effective for the reduction of wind damage during the early spring cultivation season, regardless of if its buds are closed or its leaves are not fully extended.

Growth of 19 conifer species is highly sensitive to winter warming, spring frost and summer drought

“…2 ) and each species might be sensitive for a different reason. First, Larix kaempferi , a winter deciduous species, normally starts to open buds in early May and it takes 3 weeks to fully extend leaves ( Hirano et al , 2003 ; Nakagawa, 2021 ). The late spring frosts between March and April in our study area may damage larch buds, and consequently limit leaf expansion and reduce growth.…”

Conifer tree species differ in traits, growth, and drought resilience

“…2.2) and each species might be sensitive for a different reason. First, Larix kaempferi, a winter deciduous species, normally starts to open buds in early May and it takes three weeks to fully extend leaves (Hirano et al, 2003;Nakagawa, 2020). The late spring frosts between March and April in our study area may damage larch buds, consequently, limit leaf expansion and reduce growth.…”