Spatial structure characteristics of the main tree species in a mixed broadleaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis)forest in a mountainous area of eastern Liaoning Province, China

Abstract

Maintaining forest structural diversity is generally considered as an effective way to preserve forest stability and biodiversity. The spatial structure characteristics of the dominant tree species in a climax community were investigated in a primary mixed broadleaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) forest in a mountainous area of eastern Liaoning. Stand spatial structure parameters were determined based on the relationships among neighboring trees. The climax communities were used as a theoretical reference for optimizing the spatial structure of a low-quality secondary forest and monoculture plantation. The diameter distribution of the trees in the pine forest exhibited an inverse J-shape, indicating that understory regeneration was relatively good and with certain proportion of large-diameter trees. The main tree species were randomly distributed across the whole plot (=0.507) and in an intensively mixed state (=0.82). An average DBH comparison of trees in the stand indicated that they were at a intermediate status (=0.506). There was a differentiation among different dominances along the high intensity mixed dimension in the stand, indicating an optimal distribution of understory trees and the rational utilization of resources. Trees in the small diameter category were at a state of complete compression, while canopy trees were at a state of complete dominance in terms of their vertical space. Individuals of each dominant tree species were randomly scattered, with a random pattern of individuals throughout the climax community.