2026 Volume 108 Issue 4 Pages 106-111
This study clarified the utilization of a forest dominated by “Toudai” beech (Fagus crenata), an Agariko-type pollard , in the former Todo settlement of Otari Village, central Japan, through interviews and a tree census. Pollarding was practiced by local youth groups until around 1950, and harvested stems were used for elementary school stove fuels. This management, involving selective harvesting of thick stems using saws on remaining spring snow while leaving thinner stems to promote resprouting, was distinct from autumn charcoal coppicing. Toudai individuals (n＝14) had an average diameter at breast height (DBH) of 105.1 cm, a sprout emergent height of 4.7 m, and 5.1 sprout stems, with diameters peaking in the 10-20 cm class. Within a 40×40 m plot, all trees (DBH≧5 cm) were beech, forming a high-volume pure stand where Toudai (6 individuals) accounted for approximately 40％ of the total basal area (58.40 m2/ha). Large single-stem individuals were derived from natural regeneration, while medium-sized trees originated from simultaneous regeneration following charcoal production, suggesting complex resource utilization. Establishment of beech juveniles was observed under the Toudai canopy, suggesting continuous regeneration.
