Community stability evaluation of riparian forest of the upper reaches of Wenyuhe in Shanxi, China

Abstract

Aims Stability can comprehensively reflect the structural and functional characteristics of communities. Our objective was to evaluate the stability of 13 riparian forest communities in the upper reaches of Wenyuhe. Methods The evaluation was based on fuzzy comprehensive appraisement theory. In considering integrity stability and structural stability, five indexes were selected which could reflect the current situations of the 13 communities: regeneration of dominant species of the tree layer, total species diversity, Godron index, site quality and protection intensity. The five indexes were measured by 12 factors. Community stability was determined by the means of five subordinate function values. Important findings Most subordinate function values were 0.40–0.60. The stability of two communities, Populus cathayana + Quercus wutaishanica and Pinus tabulaeformis + Betula platyphylla, classified them in the middle of a low-mountain forest succession series. Among middle (high)-mountain forest succession series, stability increased with succession progressing from Populus cathayana forest as the lowest to Picea wilsonii as the highest. In addition, the stability of Picea meyeri + Populus cathayana + Betula platyphylla mixed forest, Larix principis-rupprechtii + Picea meyeri mixed forest and Larix principis-rupprechtii + Picea wilsonii mixed forest were also high, probably in response to disturbance caused by tree canopy or environmental heterogeneity.