Larix Kaempferi Research Articles

Tree growth and survival over 61 years at the Second International Larch Provenance Test in southeastern Michigan, USA

Abstract Provenance trials remain an important tool for understanding genetic variation in forest trees. Maintaining decades-old experiments is critical for revealing maladaptation of translocated populations to local sites and meaningful divergence in survival and growth. We revisited the Second International Larch Provenance Test in southeastern Michigan, which featuring 24 provenances of European and Japanese larch. We compiled data collected when the plantation was 25, 41, and 61 years from seed to supplement data published at 19 years from seed. Divergence in survival rates first became pronounced at 41 years from seed. Plantation sources of unknown origin and continental Sudeten provenances had the highest rates of survival. High-elevation sources from the southern Alps performed the poorest. Survival differences were likely driven by ice storm damage and severe growing season droughts, both of which occurred at least 1-2 times per decade in southeastern Michigan over the last 60 years. Provenance performance for growth mirrored that of survival, although sources varied more in their survival than in their growth. Growth rate among sources varied over the 43-year sampling period, with intervals of fast growth occurring in several of the overall poor-performing provenances. Diameter was moderately correlated to both elevation and latitude, with inconsistent correlations to climatic variables. Broad geographical variation in provenance performance was also important in explaining variation in growth. Our data corroborate that monitoring of long-term provenance trials could be an important source of information needed to predict and understand how forest species may respond to imminent climate change and may be critical for developing strategies for its mitigation.

Estimating the distribution characters of Larix kaempferi in response to climate change

A better understanding of the distribution of suitable habitats of Larix kaempferi and its environmental constraints is crucial to know how global climate change will affect its growth and future dynamics. We simulated global suitable distribution areas of L. kaempferi under current and future climates, using different representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios, to evaluate the main factors affecting its geographical distribution. The results showed that under current climate conditions the suitable distribution areas of L. kaempferi are concentrated in Europe and Asia, followed by North America. The “Germany-Sweden-Britain” (19.42% of the total worldwide area) and “China-Japan-North Korea” (43.11%) regions are the cores for L. kaempferi distribution. The suitable distribution area for L. kaempferi is large in China (33.75% of the total area). The suitable distribution areas in Asia, Europe, and China decreased and shifted northward in the RCP scenarios. The main climatic factors affecting the distribution of L. kaempferi were the annual mean temperature, mean temperature of the coldest quarter, annual mean precipitation, and precipitation in the driest month. L. kaempferi could adapt or move to higher latitudes/altitudes to cope with climate change. Our results contribute to the introduction, cultivation, and management of L. kaempferi and potentially of other deciduous gymnosperms.

Metabolome and Transcriptome Association Analysis Reveals Regulation of Flavonoid Biosynthesis by Overexpression of LaMIR166a in Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr

Somatic embryogenesis is an ideal model process for studying early plant development. Embryonic cell lines of Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr overexpressing LaMIR166a were obtained in our previous study. Here, a combination of de novo transcriptomics and extensively targeted metabolomics was used to study the transcriptional profiles and metabolic changes in wild-type and LaMIR166a-overexpressed embryonic cell lines. A total of 459 metabolites were found in the wild-type and transgenic cell lines. Compared to those in the wild-type cell lines, transcripts and metabolites were significantly altered in the LaMIR166a-overexpressed cell lines. Among differentially expressed genes (DEGs), phenylalanine and flavonoid synthesis genes were significantly enriched, and among differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), phenolic acids and flavonoids accumulated in particularly high amounts. Thus, the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway seems to be the most abundant pathway in response to LaMIR166a overexpression. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database, the association analysis of metabolome and transcriptome data showed that flavonoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction processes were significantly changed in miR166a-overexpression lines, suggesting that miR166 might be involved in these processes. The present study identified a number of potential metabolites associated with LaMIR166a overexpression, providing a significant foundation for a better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying miR166.

Estimating the distribution and productivity characters of Larix kaempferi in response to climate change

Understanding the distribution, net primary productivity (NPP) and environmental constraints of Larix kaempferi is crucial to predict how global climate change will affect its growth and future dynamics. We simulated future changes in the globally suitable distribution patterns and the NPP dynamics under different representative concentration pathways (RCPs) using MaxEnt and Physiological Principles in Predicting Growth (3-PG) models. The results showed that suitable distribution areas for Larix kaempferi were concentrated in Europe and Asia, followed by North America, under current climate conditions. Globally, about 33.75% of the suitable area was in China. Suitable areas decreased and shifted northward in Asia, Europe and China in the RCP scenarios. Larix kaempferi could adapt or move to higher latitudes/altitudes to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. The NPP of Larix kaempferi in China was 241.85–863.57 g m−2 a−1 simulated by the 3-PG model after local parameterization, which was consistent with the measured NPP. Changes in NPP were predicted in future climates. When the correlations between climate factors and NPP were examined, under the more optimistic scenarios, NPP would increase significantly. The key parameters of the 3-PG model were the optimal temperature for growth, forest age, and the number of days of lost productivity in each frost period. Therefore, climate change has a quantitative and significant impact on the distribution and productivity of L. kaempferi, which was estimated successfully with the two modeling approaches. Our results will contribute to the improved cultivation, environment and management of L. kaempferi and potentially of other deciduous gymnosperms.

Comparison of inter-annual variation in net primary production among three forest types in the same region over 7 years

ABSTRACT Differences in dominant tree species affect ecosystem carbon budgets in forests, but their independent impacts have not been fully recognized. We aimed to clarify the interannual variation in net primary production (NPP) in three different forest types and the effects of dominant tree species on this. We calculated NPP excluding belowground litter fall using a biometric-based approach for 7 years (2012 − 2018) in three different forests in the same region dominated by deciduous oak (Quercus serrata), Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) and Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora). Aboveground litter fall (LF) and stand biomass increment (SI) were determined using the litter trap method and allometric relationships of tree biomass with diameter, respectively. Although inter-annual variation in LF seemed to be affected by the strong typhoons that passed through the study area, the sensitivity to the typhoons differed among the forest types: L. kaempferi and P. densiflora forests were more susceptible than the Q. serrata forest. Inter-annual variation in NPP (LF + SI) differed greatly among the three forests; this was primarily explained by the inter-annual variation in SI. Mean NPP excluding belowground litter fall for 7 years was 6.0 ± 0.50, 5.2 ± 0.44, and 6.7 ± 0.40 MgC ha−1 year−1 in Q. serrata, L. kaempferi, and P. densiflora forests, respectively. Our results suggest that differences in dominant tree species have non-negligible effects on inter-annual variations in NPP and its components (SI and LF), even in the same region.

In vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid accumulation properties of taxifolin-rich extract from the Japanese larch, Larix kaempferi

The Japanese larch, (Larix kaempferi) is known to contain abundant taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) in its xylem. In this study, to assess the bioactivities of taxifolin rich methanol extract of L. kaempferi (LK-ME), anti-inflammatory effect, and the anti-lipid accumulation effect of LK-ME were investigated. The results showed that nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were reduced after treatment with LK-ME, and that lipid accumulation in adipocyte differentiated 3T3-L1 cells was inhibited after the cells were grown in medium containing LK-ME. Taxifolin, the major compound contained in LK-ME, and its related compounds, quercetin and luteolin also exhibited similar effects with LK-ME. The LK-ME exhibits relatively strong anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid accumulation activities compared with that of similar amounts of taxifolin contained in LK-ME, suggesting that other minor compounds contained in LK-ME is involved in the effects. These results indicate the potential of taxifolin-rich L. kaempferi extract for use as a supplement to prevent excess inflammation and obesity.

Identification and Characterization of LaSCL6 Alleles in Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. Based on Analysis of Simple Sequence Repeats and Allelic Expression

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are widely used as markers for the assessment of genetic diversity and marker-assisted breeding. In a previous study, two SSRs (GCA and CCA), were found in the genomic sequence of Larix (La) SCL6, which plays important roles in the growth and development of Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. In this study, we analyzed the polymorphisms of these two SSRs in the L. kaempferi population. We found that each SSR had five different polymorphisms, among which (GCA)7 and (CCA)7 were predominant. In addition, 12 haplotypes were detected, with (GCA)7(CCA)7 having the highest frequency. Furthermore, we detected the haplotypes of LaSCL6 in mature trees and their seeds and analyzed the relationships between parents and offspring. The expression patterns of five LaSCL6 alleles were analyzed and they showed balanced expression during vegetative development. Taken together, these findings not only provide more genetic information on LaSCL6, but also provide a candidate marker for genetic studies and breeding.

Результаты изучения географических посадок сосны и лиственницы в Серебряноборском опытном лесничестве

The results of the cultivation of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the provenance trial in the Serebryanoborsky experimental forest district of the Institute of Forestry of the Russian Academy of Sciences are summarized. The silvicultural effect was assessed by a comprehensive indicator of the feasibility of introducing specific pine conventions. It was established that the use of pine seeds of exclusively local provenances cannot be considered justified. In the vast area of pine there are very remote populations of a local nature, the seed of which, when moved, can be successfully used to create highly productive artificial stands. The 68 year old geographical plantations of larch growth and production rates of 18 climotypes of 14 larch species were compared. These species are Polish larch (Larix polonica Racib.), European larch (Larix decidua Mill. f. Sudetica), Larix sukaczewii Dylis, Siberian larch (Larix sibirika Ledeb.), Larix cajanderi Mayr., Larix gmelinii Rupr., Larix Czekanovskii Szaf, Larix amurensis Kolesn., Olgan larch (Larix olgensis Henry), Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carrière), Larix kurilensis Maur., Larix principis Rupprechtii Maur., Larix potaninii Bat, American larch (Larix laricina (Duroi) K. Koch). Polish larch, Japanese larch, European larch and Olgan larch have the best growth rate results. Climotypes from Siberia and American larch showed worst results. Polish larch (812 m3/ha) and Japanese (804 m3/ha) larch from the Southern Sakhalin have the highest stem volume. The final estimations showed that the climotypes of Polish larch, European larch from Sudetes and Japanese larch from the Southern Sakhalin are suitable for introduction in the Moscow Region. The climotypes from the Far East, namely Larix amurensis Kolesn., Olgan larch and Larix kurilensis Maur., had positive silvicultural effect. The inland climotypes from Asia together with American larch showed negative results.

Ray properties in the stems of Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii) and Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi)

Abstract The radial variation of rays within the stems of Dahurian larch and Japanese larch growing in Korea was studied to obtain valuable information to identify the two species and determine wood quality. Uniseriate ray height, fusiform ray height, ray number, ray spacing, and epithelial cell number were investigated by optical microscopy. The heights of uniseriate and fusiform rays and epithelial cell numbers in Dahurian larch were lower than those in Japanese larch. Dahurian larch wood had greater ray number and ray spacing than Japanese larch wood. In both species, the heights of uniseriate and fusiform rays and epithelial cell number increased with increasing growth ring number but then stabilized from a certain growth ring number. However, ray number and ray spacing decreased with age but were stable toward the bark. There were significant differences in all ray properties between the two species. Furthermore, in both species, the number and spacing of rays showed a significant negative correlation with uniseriate ray height. The relationships between uniseriate and fusiform ray height, and between ray spacing and ray number were significantly positive. In conclusion, the results from this study provide basic information that can be used to identify these species, and the quality indices from ray properties will improve the effective utilization of the two woody species.

Advancing Timberline on Mt. Fuji between 1978 and 2018.

Climate change is a major cause of changes in alpine and polar vegetation, particularly at the edges of distributions. In temperate regions, these changes are expected to occur at the timberline of alpine zones. On Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, the timberline is located 2400–2500 m above sea level. Over a 40-year period (1978–2018), we researched changes in the timberline vegetation of Mt. Fuji. A permanent belt transect extending from the upper timberline to subalpine zones was set up in August 1978. Tree diameters and heights were recorded at the establishment of the transect and every 20 years afterwards. Over the 40 years of the study, the timberline advanced rapidly upwards, and the degree of vegetation cover above the timberline increased remarkably. Notably, the expansion of Salix reinii into the upper part of the timberline facilitated the subsequent spread of Larix kaempferi into this zone. Seedlings of L. kaempferi were particularly abundant at the upper timberline and became established on the uppermost part of the slope. The shape of L. kaempferi at the upper timberline changed from a prostrate form to an upright tree form. We conclude that the upward advance of the alpine timberline observed on Mt. Fuji is due to climate change.

Tensile Properties of Utgulisanji Connection

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate tensile properties of utgulisanji connection. The utgulisanji connection is a traditional wood-to-wood connection used in wood-frame buildings in Korea. Different sizes (120 × 120, 180 × 180, 180 × 240, 240 × 240 mm2) of glulam beam at 2.4 m length made from Larix kaempferi and Pinus koraiensis were used to determine the tensile properties of utgulisanji connection. Most failure occurred at the re-entrant corner of utgulisanji connections. Different elasto-plastic behaviors of utgulisanji connection made from different species under tension indicated that tensile properties of utgulisanji connection could not be determined by specific gravity, but by a combination of manufacturing parameters with properties of materials. Initial stiffness, yield load, and maximum load of utgulisanji connections determined using three different methods increased with the size of member, whereas the yield displacement showed an inconsistent trend with the size of member.

A Study on the Block Shear Strength according to the Layer Composition of and Adhesive Type of Ply-Lam CLT

In this study, a block shear strength test was conducted to compare and analyze the strength and failure mode on the glued laminated timber, CLT, and Ply-lam CLT, which are mainly used for the construction of wood construction as engineering wood. Through this, the Ply-lam CLT manufacturing conditions for optimum production, such as the type of lamina, plywood, adhesive, and layer composition, were investigated. The results are as follow. Through block shear strength test, it showed high strength in the order of glued laminated timber, Ply-lam CLT and CLT. In particular, the shear strength of Ply-lam CLT, which is made of a composite structure of larch plywood and larch lamina, passed 7.1 N/mm2, which is a Korean industrial standards for block shear strength of structural glued laminated timber. In addition, in this study, there was no different in shear strength according to the adhesive type used for glulam, CLT, and Ply-lam CLT adhesion. However, in the case of Ply-lam CLT, the difference in shear strength of Ply-lam CLT was shown according to the type of lamina and plywood. The results showed high strength in the order of Larix kaempferi > Mixed light hardwood ≒ Pinus densiflora, sieb, et, Zucc plywood. The optimal configuration of Ply-lam CLT is when larch plywood and larch lamina are used, and it is decided that the adhesive can be used by selecting PRF and PUR according to the application. The results of block shear strength failure mode by type of wood based materials were analyzed. The failure mode showed shear parallel-to-grain for glulam, rolling shear for CLT, and shear parallel-to-grain and rolling for ply-lam CLT. This is closely related to shear strength results and is decided to indicate higher shear strength in Ply-lam CLT than in CLT due to rolling shear.

Fitness characteristics of the European lineages of Phytophthora ramorum

AbstractAs an introduced pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum exists as four near‐clonal evolutionary lineages, of which only EU1 and EU2 are established in the UK. EU1 has become widespread since the first findings in 2002 whereas EU2, detected in 2011, has a more limited distribution. Both lineages are epidemic in plantation‐grown larch, sporulating asexually on needles, but also causing heavy dieback and mortality. To understand whether EU1 and EU2 pose different threats to forest health, we compared their growth characteristics on agar, pathogenicity on several hosts, and sporulation on Japanese larch needles. When pathogenicity was evaluated by measuring colonization at 20 °C in mature bark (phloem) of Japanese and European larch (Larix kaempferi and L. decidua), English oak (Quercus robur), and beech (Fagus sylvatica), Japanese larch was the most susceptible and oak the least susceptible. On average, EU2 isolates produced significantly larger lesions than EU1 isolates in Japanese larch and oak although not in the other hosts. With tests using young saplings of Japanese and European larch, damaging bark lesions formed at both 10 °C and 20 °C, but EU2 was significantly more pathogenic at 20 °C on both hosts compared with EU1. In contrast, both lineages caused similar amounts of necrosis on inoculated leaves of rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum). Moreover, EU2 isolates usually sporulated less abundantly on larch needles compared with EU1 isolates, suggesting a trade‐off in pathogenicity and sporulation between lineages. As EU2 tends to have smaller sporangia than EU1, this could also reduce the inoculum potential of EU2.

Performance Comparison for Two Cable Extraction Machines in a Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. Plantation

Forests in Korea are mainly located in steep mountainous areas, where small-shovel-based extraction technology is widely used, with the level of mechanization undoubtedly low due to financial limitations. On this steep terrain, a better approach may be to use cable yarders, which can offer high revenues through cable-based extraction. Therefore, improving the efficiency of cable yarding activities in good-quality timber forests is necessary. The main objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the productivity and cost of a cable yarder operation for tree-length clearcut treatment of a Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. stand and (2) compare the productivity efficiency of two yarder (K301-4 and HAM300) types. The productivity rates of the K301-4 ranged from 10.2 to 12.5 m3/productive machine hours, with corresponding costs of US $12.6–15.4 /m3. The productivity of the HAM300 was 26% lower than that of the K301-4 for a 30% lower cycle log volume while yarding and a comparable lateral distance. This study provides insights to support production and management decisions in the forest supply chain associated with planning cable-yarding operations.

Impacts of competition and nitrogen addition on plant stoichiometry and non-structural carbohydrates in two larch species

Previous research has shown that competition between plants can have differential effects on leaf stoichiometry and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) in different environments. However, little attention has been given to understanding these effects on non-photosynthetic organs, particularly of deciduous tree species. Here we assess the impact of competition on below and aboveground biomass, stoichiometry, nutrient composition and NSC in pure and mixed forests of two Larch species, Larix kaempferi and L. olgensis under nitrogen (N) addition. Nitrogen enrichment did not result in stronger intraspecific competition for both species and L. olgensis benefited from the presence of L. kaempferi under different N levels. Stems kept relatively stable C/N compared to roots and branches in response to competition, while N addition imposed stronger impacts on N/P of different organs rather than competition. In contrast to stable C concentrations, starch and soluble sugar concentrations were more easily impacted by competition and the addition of nitrogen. Competition forced L. kaempferi and L. olgensis to allocate more carbon into storage by increasing their starch concentration and starch/soluble sugar of stems under competition. However, no significant differences in stoichiometry and NSC concentration between intra- and interspecific competition were found. NSC and nutrient pools of L. kaempferi stems, branches and coarse roots consistently declined due to competition regardless of N addition. Coarse and fine roots of L. kaempferi accumulated more N when in competition with L. olgensis than with a conspecific neighbor under N addition. Our results show that NSC was more sensitive to competition relative to stoichiometric traits (N and P) of non-photosynthetic organs.

Effects of Light Intensity and Girdling Treatments on the Production of Female Cones in Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr.): Implications for the Management of Seed Orchards

To ensure sustainable forestry, it is important to establish an efficient management procedure for improving the seed production capacity of seed orchards. In this study, we evaluated the effects of girdling and increasing light intensity on female cone production in an old L. kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. seed orchard. We also evaluated whether there is a genotype-specific reproductive response to these factors among clones. The results showed that female cone production was augmented by girdling and increasing light intensity. There was a difference in the effectiveness of girdling treatment levels, and the probability of producing female cones increased markedly at higher girdling levels. At light intensities where the relative photosynthetic photon flux density was higher than 50%, more than half of the trees tended to produce female cones, even in intact (ungirdled) trees, and the genotype-specific response to light intensity was more apparent in less-reproductive clones. These findings suggested that girdling less-reproductive trees combined with increasing light intensity was an effective management strategy for improving cone production in old seed orchards.

Effects of Different Feedstock Type and Carbonization Temperature of Biochar on Oat Growth and Nitrogen Uptake in Coapplication with Compost

We aimed to verify whether (i) biochar-compost application improves plant growth when compared with compost application alone and (ii) a diversity of biochar caused by feedstock type and carbonization temperature affects the extent of plant growth. We prepared six types of biochar from larch (Larix kaempferi Sarg.) and dairy manure at 300 °C, 450 °C, and 600 °C for 1 h. Compost was applied as control, and each biochar was co-applied with compost to oat plants (Avena sativa L.). The total nitrogen input of all the seven treatments was adjusted to the same level to assess their effects on plant nitrogen uptake and nitrogen content. Compared with the control, biomass production increased from 13.1 to 34.0% with the wood biochar application and from 39.7 to 64.2% with manure biochar application because of more mineralization of compost and nitrogen fixation through rhizobacteria and/or diazotrophic endophytes. The diversity of biochar caused a difference in the extent of oat growth, and feedstock type of biochar was a more dominant factor than carbonization temperature. Due to the favorable chemical properties of manure biochar like high pH and more labile-C and -N content, the manure biochar application increased average biomass production by 26.0% compared with the wood biochar application. The carbonization temperature had no significant impact on oat growth, but the optimal temperature was indicated as approximately 450 °C. Biochar diversity causes a difference in plant growth in biochar-compost application, and the selection of appropriate biochar, such as manure biochar at 450 °C, would be a guideline for achieving a robust crop production system.

Soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus ecological stoichiometry shifts with tree species in subalpine plantations.

Understanding ecological stoichiometric characteristics of soil nutrient elements, such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is crucial to guide ecological restoration of plantations in ecologically vulnerable areas, such as alpine and subalpine regions. However, there has been only a few related studies, and thus whether and how different tree species would affect soil C:N:P ecological stoichiometry remains unclear. We compared soil C:N:P ecological stoichiometry of Pinus tabulaeformis, Larix kaempferi and Cercidiphyllum japonicum to primary shrubland in a subalpine region. We observed strong tree-specific and depth-dependent effects on soil C:N:P stoichiometry in subalpine plantations. In general, the C:N, C:P and N:P of topsoil (0–10 cm) are higher than subsoil (>10 cm) layer at 0–30 cm depth profiles. The differences in C:N, N:P and C:P at the topsoil across target tree species were significantly linked to standing litter stock, tree biomass/total aboveground biomass and Margalef’s index of plant community, respectively, whereas the observed variations of C:N, N:P and C:P ratio among soil profiles are closely related to differences in soil bulk density, soil moisture, the quantity and quality of aboveground litter inputs as well as underground fine root across plantations examined. Our results highlight that soil nutrients in plantation depend on litter quantity and quality of selected tree species as well as soil physical attributes. Therefore, matching site with trees is crucial to enhance ecological functioning in degraded regions resulting from human activity.

Potential Lidar Height, Intensity, and Ratio Parameters for Plot Dominant Species Discrimination and Volume Estimation

Precise stand species classification and volume estimation are key research topics for automated forest inventory. This study aims to explore the feasibility of light detection and ranging (lidar) height, intensity, and ratio parameters for discriminating dominant species (Pinus densiflora, Larix kaempferi, and Quercus spp.) and estimating volume at plot scale. To achieve these objectives, multiple linear discriminant and regression analyses were utilized after a separate selection of explanatory variables from extracted 38 lidar height, intensity, and ratio parameters. A kappa accuracy of 0.75 was achieved in discriminating the plot-dominant species from three different species by adopting a combination of nine selected explanatory variables. Further investigation found that dispersion and mean of lidar intensity within a plot are key classifiers of identifying three species. Species-specific optimal plot volume models for Pinus densiflora, Larix kaempferi, and Quercus spp. were evaluated by coefficients of determination of 0.71, 0.74, and 0.56, respectively. Compared to species classification, height-related lidar variables play a key role in modeling forest plot volume. Several explanatory variables for each modeling practice were correlated to canopy vertical and horizontal structures and were enough to represent species-specific characteristics in both approaches for species classification and plot volume estimation. Additionally, observed different variable combinations for two important applications imply that future studies should use proper variable combinations for each purpose.

청도군 운문사 입구 수구막이 소나무림 식생구조 및 생육 특성

This study was designed to come up with a way of managing a cultural landscape forest by conducting research on the vegetation structure and growth characteristics. This study’s target site, which was 45,201m² in size, was <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest for Sugumagi placed at the entrance of Unmun Temple, Sinwon-ri, Unmun-myeon, and Cheongdo-gun in the southernmost part of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea. Sugumagi means the water of the valley flows far away, and where no downstream is visible according to feng shui. The historical sources of the Sugumagi <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest at the entrance of Unmun Temple isn’t clear. It waw only found at that location. The <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest at the entrance of Unmun Temple is located in the waterway in terms of Feng Shui. The present condition of growth was investigated through a grid surveys of 98 trees and <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> growth. As a result of the analysis of growth status, <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>, <italic>Larix leptolepis, Zelkova serrata, Celtis sinensis</italic>, and <italic>Rhus javanica</italic> were distributed in the conopy layer, and 28 species including <italic>Ailanthus altissima</italic> were grown in the understroy layer, and 92 species, including <italic>Ampelopsis brevipedunculata</italic>, in the shrub layer. The plant community structure was divided into low, medium and high-density <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forests in the study area, based on the number in the conopy layer and the grade of and the trees analyzed. As a result of the analysis, the <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> dominated the low, medium and high-density <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forests, and there were no competitive species. The relative dominance of the low-density <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forests was 46.9% on average, medium-density was 62.6% and 50.2% was found in high-density. The mean species diversity of Shannon in the low-density study was 0.7055, medium -density study was 0.8966 and the average species diversity of Shannon in the high-density study was 0.8317. The analysis of the age and growth of 25 sample trees in the Sugumagi <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest shows that the distribution of the chest diameter (DBH) of the sample <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> is 38 to 77cm with the average chest diameter being 61.1cm. The age was 84-161 years and the average was 114 years. In the <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest, most(670,659, or 98.3%) of the tree trunk wound was collected for rosins during the Japanese colonia Era, Of the total 670, 659 were <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic>, 98.3% of the total. 394 were surgically repaired in 2005. For the preservation of the Sugumagi <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> forest, dead trees should be replaced with substitute trees appropriate to the middle and south topography. It is demanded that foreign species such as <italic>Larix leptolepis</italic> in the research area should be removed and <italic>Pinus densiflora</italic> that underwent surgical operations should be regularly sterilized. It is also emphasized that the management of insecticide is important.