Effects of dwarf-bamboo understory on tree seedling emergence and survival in a mixed-oak forest in northern Japan: a multi-site experimental study

0340343 - BÚ 2010 RIV HU eng J - Journal Article
Doležal, Jiří - Matsuki, S. - Hara, T.
Effects of dwarf-bamboo understory on tree seedling emergence and survival in a mixed-oak forest in northern Japan: a multi-site experimental study.
Community Ecology: an interdisciplinary journal reporting progress in community and population studies. Roč. 10, č. 2 (2009), s. 225-235. ISSN 1585-8553. E-ISSN 1588-2756
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/05/0119; GA AV ČR IAA600050802
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60050516
Keywords : Dwarf-bamboo understory * Forest regeneration * Seedling recruitment and survival
Subject RIV: EF - Botanics
Impact factor: 0.792, year: 2009

We conducted a field experiment with repeated observations of emergence and survival of tree seedlings in undisturbed Sasa senanensis understory and experimental gaps simulating different disturbance events to determine mechanisms of bamboo interference with tree seedling regeneration. The experiments were repeated in four sites to test if seedling emergence was related to differences in site overstory composition and thus to differential seed input. The results confirmed that a dense bamboo undergowth and thick layer of its slowely decaying litter are the main factors inhibiting the establishment of woody species in forest stands of northern Japan. The successful regeneration hinged on small-scale disturbances that removed the understory cover and created open sites suitable for seed germination and growth.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0183607