Structure of primary Japanese beech (Fagus japonica maxim.) forests in the Chichibu Mountains, central Japan, with special reference to regeneration processes

Abstract

The floristic composition, structure and dynamics of three primary Fagus japonica stands were investigated in the Chichibu Mountains. were distributed in the form of colonies, being scattered almost uniformly, and arranged in positive association with each other. Detailed examination of the bases of the stem groups forming colonies revealed that most of them originated from the bases of dead mother stems and that they were from common stools [No. of large stems (H>10 m) per stool: 6-11]. Among six major canopy gaps observed, only one included stems sprouting from the outer part of F. japonica stools, while all the others were occupied by individuals of species other than 17. japonica. After tree-fall, several undercanopy F. japonica stems remained. Thus canopy gaps in these forest stands recovered through the sprouting of remaining 17. japonica stools or by new sprouting of F. japonica individuals adjacent to the gaps. However, it was considered difficult to fill canopy gaps only with sprouts when the distance between the center of a gap and that of a stool surpasses the crown vector. Such places that are not fully occupied by sprouts will be filled by individuals of other canopy and/or under-canopy species.

Competition, mortality, and development of spatial patterns in two Cantabrian populations of <i>Fagus sylvatica</i> L. (Fagaceae)

“…However, the regeneration of different Fagus species is very difficult under a canopy of their own species, mainly due to the great capacity of light assimilation that adult Fagus trees possess. Therefore, Fagus regeneration takes place mostly in canopy gaps and less dense canopy zones, in which young trees reach often large densities (NAKASHIZUKA & NUMATA, 1982a, 1982bKOOP & HILGEN, 1987;OHKUBO & al., 1988). Thus, the highly organised spatial structure of F. sylvatica population in plot C3 would be mainly a consequence of the occurrence of regeneration as a density-dependent process along the last 80 years.…”

Age structure and dynamics of Cercidiphyllum japonicum sprouts based on growth ring analysis

“…Many species can sprout under the brighter light conditions following overstory removal for human use (Rydberg, 2000;Louga et al, 2004), and even in undisturbed stable forests, light conditions are also important for sprouting (Koop, 1987;Ohkubo et al, 1988Ohkubo et al, , 1996Peter and Ohkubo, 1990). Sonoyama et al (1997) reported that sprouting by Fraxinus lanuginosa Murata is encouraged by brighter light conditions following gap formation.…”

“…Therefore, sprouting likely compensates for sparse seedling regeneration (Hara, 1987;Ohkubo, 1992;Kruger et al, 1997). Even in stable forests, sprouting plays an important role in the maintenance of forest vegetation by repairing the forest canopy after gap formation (Koop, 1987;Ohkubo et al, 1988Ohkubo et al, , 1996Peter and Ohkubo, 1990).…”

Photosynthetic activity and water relations of sprouts of Pasania edulis

“…The fast growth of sprouts may play an important role in the regeneration and recovery of disturbed vegetation, and has been applied in the practical management of fuel wood forests over a long period (Blake 1983). The ecological significance of sprouts in natural forest regeneration processes has also been reported for several hardwood species (Auclair 1975; Tryon & Powell 1984;Ohkubo et al 1988;Peters & Ohkubo 1990).Recently, several researchers have reported the physiological and morphological differences between seedling and coppice shoot leaves in relation to the high productivity of sprouts (Blake 1980; Accepted 15 December 1992. Tschaplinski & Blake 1989a,b; Ito & Suzaki, 1990).…”