Variation in Structure of Larix olgensis Stands along the Altitudinal Gradient on Paektu-san, Changbai-shan, North Korea

Abstract

Variation in spatial and age (temporal) structure of a Larix olgensis population was studied along an altitudinal gradient at the treeline on the southeastern slope of Paektu-san (Mount Paektu) in North Korea. A belt transect of 15 plots (20 by 20 m) was used for the study. The allometry of Larix olgensis changed significantly along the gradient; trees are shorter at the same diameter at breast height (dbh) with increasing altitude. The maximum height of Larix krummholz slightly decreased and its maximum width increased with increasing environmental severity up the gradient. Growth rates also decreased with altitude. Trees were clumped in all plots, however, the intensity of clumping did not change along the gradient. Spatial and temporal variability in annual growth showed no marked trend along the gradient. There was some indirect evidence of competition by neighbors at lower altitudes, but none was found in the most extreme plots, at the highest altitudes of the gradient.