Population structure and dynamics of Pinus taiwanensis Hayata at Songyang county, Zhejiang Province, China

Abstract

Pinus taiwanensis is a widely distributed species in the southeastern China (Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, Human, Jiangxi, Fujian, Taiwan provinces) at an elevation of 700–2000 m. This pine is a pioneer in forest succession and is often used as a species for afforestation in this region at an elevation above 700 m. This study was carried out at Guanshanyuan, Zhejiang province, at a latitude of N 28° 18′, a longitude of E 119° 16′ and an altitude of 800–1502 m above sea level. On the basis of a census of all individuals of Pinus taiwanensis at different successional stages and various habitats, age structure, spatial pattern, density, biomass of population and their dynamics were described. Considering the population dynamics throughout the successional process, three phases could be recognized. Until about 9–10 years after Pinus taiwanensis invaded the stands, the density of population was increased by the recruitments along with increase of the mean tree weight and population biomass (phase I). Thereafter, the population was in full density state, the biomass of population and the mean tree weight increased exponentially, while the density was decreased drastically by the self-thinning and the invasion of other broad-leaved trees (phase II). The −3/2 power law of natural thinning was applicable to the populations in this phase. When the broad-leaved trees reached the canopy, although the mean tree weight increased slowly, the density and biomass of Pinus taiwanensis population decreased gradually (phase III) until the population senesced and retreated from the successional series completely. The population dynamics of Pinus taiwanensis during the successional process was in common with pioneer species in forest succession. At some special habitats such as rocky steep slopes and ridges, however, Pinus taiwanensis population could form such an edaphic climax community that the population density, biomass and the mean tree weight in phase III could be in a stable state for very long period.