Effects of gap microsites and bamboo on Abies faxoniana regeneration in a subalpine forest, China

Abstract

To clarify the effects of gap size and age, as well as microsites on Abies faxoniana recruitment in gaps with or without dwarf bamboo, the occurrences of A. faxoniana seedlings and saplings on four microsites were examined in a subalpine forest in Wanglang Natural Reserve, southwestern China. Results showed that: (1) while increased gap size had little effect on the seedling densities, it significantly reduced the sapling densities on moss-cover ground in A gaps (without bamboos) and those on moss-cover ground and decaying logs in AF gaps (with bamboos; P < 0.05). (2) Increased gap age also exerted little effect on the seedling densities while significantly reduced the sapling densities on decaying logs in AF gaps (P < 0.05). (3) Most of A. faxoniana seedlings and saplings occurred on decaying logs in AF gaps, but in A gaps A. faxoniana regeneration had no preference on microsites. Compared to gap characteristics, microsites are more important for A. faxoniana regeneration.