Recovery and Disaster Prevention Capability of Coastal Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii) Forests on the Fukiage Sand Dunes of Southern Kyushu, Japan

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the Fukiage sand dunes of southern Kyushu, Japan. We surveyed the status of recovery of coastal Japanese black pine forests damaged by pine wilt disease and their disaster prevention capability. We placed two transects: Transect 1, in an area that was severely damaged (80-90% damage rate) by pine wilt disease, and Transect 2, in an area that was mostly undamaged (＜10% damage rate). Then, we installed survey lines, carried out vegetation surveys, and measured the depth and pH of humus soil. The survey lines were placed perpendicular to the coastline from the top of the fore-dune to the inland area, and divided into five 50 m sections. Before the point 100 m inland from the top of the fore-dune, the number of invasive hardwoods and of Japanese black pines were small because of the poor growth environment in both transects. Past the 100 m point, the species and number of Japanese black pines and broad-leaved trees increased further inland because the growth environment improved. In addition, the recovery metrics of tree height, diameter at breast height, age, and number in Transect 1 were much lower than those in Transect 2, and the basal area of broad-leaved trees and the depth of humus soil in Transect 1 were lower than in Transect 2, and the soil pH of humus soil in Transect 1 was higher than that of Transect 2. The shape ratio of the Japanese black pine forests indicated that they were insufficient for disaster prevention. Therefore, in order to fully promote the disaster prevention capability of coastal Japanese black pine forests, we should not only focus on prevention of pine wilt disease but also undertake continuous control efforts taking into consideration the sound growth environment such as appropriate density and soil management and removal of invasive broad-leaved trees.