Growth characteristics of Sakhalin spruce (Picea glehnii) planted on the northern Japanese hillsides exposed to strong winds

摘要: Sakhalin spruce (Picea glehnii), a native species typically found in northern Japan, has been used reforestation on hillsides exposed to strong winds. In the areas, there are south-facing (S-slope) and northwest-facing slopes (NW-slope). Climatic conditions contrasting between two slopes, with shallower snow cover S-slopes. We compared growth responses of micro-environment S- NW-slopes through soil nutrients, needle longevity, water status, photosynthesis, nutrients needles. These parameters were measured needles above winter lower protected by cover. High-position suffered from drought stress, especially winter, shed early year both slopes. Low-position did not suffer maintained high photosynthetic rate However, longevity was reduced S-slope, concentrations nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium decreased age. Soil nutrient low which suggests that S-slope may remobilize aged younger prior shedding. This characteristic is probably an adaptation poor conditions.