[Analysis of natural regeneration barriers of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantation on sandy land].
By employing comparison analysis, and field experiment of watering and soil-covering before overwintering for seedlings, the barriers of natural regeneration for Mongolian pine plantations on sandy soil were identified. The experimental area was divided into 3 parts according to the state of natural regeneration. Crown closure, litter, understory coverage, and site condition were the factors which affect natural regeneration. Water deficit, but not low temperature during overwintering, is the key factor that limits survival for 1-2 years old seedlings in plantation area. The water deficit is due to higher air temperature, less accumulated snow, higher soil evaporation, higher plant transpiration in plantation area than in the area in which Mongolian pine is naturally distributed. Based on the above research, it is necessary to take effective artificial measures to promote its natural regeneration so as to guarantee its successful development. The following measures are recommended: 1) covering the 1-2 years old seedlings with soil before wintering, 2) irrigating seedlings before wintering, 3) suitable forest harvest, e.g., belt clear-cutting, or patch cutting, 4) planting the pine with broadleaf species, 5) protecting forest stands from livestock grazing, seed collecting and litter gathering.
Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016. dehuizeng@yahoo.com.cn
Dehui
D
Zeng
Wenzhong
W
You
Zhiping
Z
Fan
Mingguo
M
Liu
D003889:Desert Climate; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D028223:Pinus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D041605:Pinus sylvestris; D012987:Soil; D014867:Water / Q000502:physiology
D012987:Soil; D014867:Water