Factors promoting the natural regeneration of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation in the Lvliang Mountains of central China

Wenjun Liang; Xi Wei

doi:10.7717/peerj.9339

journal article Open Access Jun 17, 2020

Factors promoting the natural regeneration of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation in the Lvliang Mountains of central China

Wenjun Liang Xi Wei

PeerJ Vol. 8 pp. e9339 · PeerJ

View at Publisher Save 10.7717/peerj.9339

Abstract

Given their complexity, targeted care and management of different areas and tree species are necessary for enhancing the natural regeneration of forests. Thus, an understanding of changes in the overstory and understory is essential for ensuring successful regeneration. Promoting the natural regeneration of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations is considered challenging; indeed, regional sustainable development through natural regeneration of many stands has often been considered unattainable. Here, we studied several plots with varying extents of regeneration to identify the most important factors that affect regeneration. The plots were divided into three forest types based on the number of regenerating plants. For each type of plot, we measured various factors that might potentially affect regeneration. Representational difference analysis was used to identify the most important factors >9% contribution). Based on these factors, multiple corrections were made to construct a structural equation model of topography, stand structure, soil properties and litter to identify the most important factors driving variation in regeneration. Positive correlations were detected between regeneration with diameter at breast height (0.21) and litter thickness (0.57). Regeneration was negatively correlated with soil (−0.54) and slope (−0.48). Additionally, the number of regenerating plants and the height of regenerating plants were strongly positively correlated. However, there was no significant relationship between regeneration and litter accumulation, stand density, altitude, average tree height, total P and total N. Overall, our study showed that key factors for promoting natural regeneration include appropriate litter thickness, strong parent trees, a gentle slope and sufficient quantities of soil nutrients. Moreover, our findings provide a reference for the design of effective management and restoration plans.

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References

Details

Published: Jun 17, 2020
Vol/Issue: 8
Pages: e9339
License: View

Authors

W

Wenjun Liang

College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China

X

Xi Wei

College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China

Funding

Natural Science Fund Award: 31971644

Fund for Introduced Talents for Shanxi Agricultural University Award: 2014YJ19

Research Projects of Shanxi Excellent Doctors’ Work Award Fund Award: SXYBKY2018032

Cite This Article

Wenjun Liang, Xi Wei (2020). Factors promoting the natural regeneration of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation in the Lvliang Mountains of central China. PeerJ, 8, e9339. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.9339

Factors promoting the natural regeneration of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantation in the Lvliang Mountains of central China

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