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Role of Uprooting in Composition and Dynamics of an Old‐growth Forest in Japan
Author(s) -
Nakashizuka Tohru
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1938186
Subject(s) - understory , seedling , ecology , species richness , temperate forest , disturbance (geology) , old growth forest , bamboo , forest floor , pioneer species , forest dynamics , regeneration (biology) , temperate climate , temperate rainforest , biology , ecological succession , botany , soil water , ecosystem , canopy , paleontology , microbiology and biotechnology
Seedling, sapling, and tree composition in several types of gap and nongap microsites were examined in an old—growth temperate mixed forest in western Japan. The distribution of species was not related to gap size (10—340 m 2 ). Seedling communities on tip—up mounds and those on fallen boles of coniferous trees were rich and composed of pioneer species. In contrast, understory composition in gaps without uprooting did not differ from undisturbed forest. Dwarf bamboo, which dominates the forest floor and prevents tree regeneration, magnifies the effect of uprooting. Species with small, wind—dispersed seeds were found mainly on disturbed soil, while species with large, animal—dispersed seeds did not have any bias in distribution. Soil disturbance is a more important feature of the disturbance regime of this forest than is gap formation, with regards to maintaining species richness.