Spatial distribution of canopy and subcanopy species along a sloping topography in a cool‐temperate conifer‐hardwood forest in the snowy region of Japan

Abstract

The spatial distributions of canopy and subcanopy species (≥50 cm stem length) were investigated within a plot extending from the top of a ridge to the valley bottom in a cool‐temperate old‐growth mixed forest, dominated by Cryptomeria japonica and Fagus crenata, in the snowy region of Japan. Based on the longitudinal profile of the slope, the study slope was divided into the relatively gentle upper slope position (US), the steep lower slope position (LS), the flat valley bottom (VB) and the boundary zone between the upper and lower slopes (BS). Spatial dispersal and the association patterns of species were analyzed in upperstory (≥10 cm d.b.h) and understory (<10 cm d.b.h) layers. Dominant species in the upperstory layer abruptly changed from Cryptomeria to Fagus at the BS site. In contrast, the understory trees of many species, including shade‐intolerant and evergreen species, were independent of the location of conspecific upperstory trees or canopy gaps and extended their distributions on and around the BS site. Significant, diverse canopy and subcanopy species occurred at this site in both upperstory and understory layers. On the BS site, which is the lower margin of Cryptomeria‐dominated vegetation, there were many medium‐sized C. japonica that were killed by uprooting or breaking of the stems as a result of heavy snow pressure. It is suggested that the snow pressure gradient along a slope has a strong influence on community structure and the maintenance of diverse canopy and subcanopy species in this snowy mixed forest.