Abstract
ABSTRACTForest structure and function are both closely interconnected and interdependent. It is important to understand forests’ structural characteristics to utilize their functions effectively. In this study, we quantified and compared 112 water conservation forests in the mountainous areas of Beijing, which included 18 different forest types. We performed a holistic analysis, summarizing the forests’ structural characteristics in terms of water conservation and examining aspects of horizontal and vertical structures. The results showed that natural conservation forests had mostly unevenly aged, multilayered, mixed structure, while most artificial conservation forests exhibited even-age, single-story, and homogeneous structures with relatively low biomass. Understanding structural features may provide better insight into how forests affect water conservation and thus improve the sustainable management of forests for water conservation in Beijing.
Published Version
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