Initial Responses of Quercus serrata Seedlings and Forest Understory to Experimental Gap Treatments

摘要: Pinus thunbergii plantations in Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea, are of low ecological quality, with arrested succession and a high proportion ruderal species. To improve the quality habitat, we created canopy gaps () monitored changes abiotic (light availability, openness) biotic (survival growth seedlings understory communities) variables 2007 2008 plots that had received one five types treatment: cutting trees removal (CU), only (C), girdling (GU), (G) or control. Each treatment was applied to three replicate plots. Abiotic did not significantly differ among treatments. Survival rates target species were slightly lower CU, G control conditions. Based on logistic regression analysis, significant factor affecting survival height growth. Positive effects seedling leaf area also detected, but reach statistical significance. In G, gradual improvement overstory conditions mitigation competition by limitation disturbance community likely have promoted There no gap treatments abundance (cover richness) composition between study years. This result implies small our may be below threshold size affect However, results this based short-term investigation two Long-term research is strongly recommended clarify plant communities afforested areas.