On the growth of the Beech (Fagas crenata BLUME) and other shrubs in the Beech sprout forest

Abstract

This investigation was carried out in the beech sprout forest on the gentle middle slope with nothern aspect of Mt. Iwaki (1, 625m), Aomori Prefecture, to make researches in the growth of the beech and other shrubs in 1949.
(a) In the beech sprout forest which has been formed by clear cutting,
1) during the first period the beech is lower than other shrubs. These shrubs—
Tamushiba (Magnolia salicifolia MAXIM.), Okamenoki (Viburnum furcatum BLUME), Ryobu (Clethra barbinervis S. et Z.), Kuromoji (Parabenzoin trilobum NAKAI) etc.— grow very rapidly for several years, afterwards slowly, the beech, on the contrary, does constantly on an average of 23cm per gear. Consequently abut in its fifteenth year the beech rises above this layer and forms the stable forest type, and goes on.
2) As to the tendency of such beech sprout forest, it is advisable to carry out by the age of 15 years.
(b) In the beech sprout forest which has been formed by selective cutting (small diameter class trees remain),
1) After the overwood has been cut, the suppressed advance growth of obout 2_??_3m high begins and continues to grow rapidly in diameter (in 0.2m on the ground) in the next year and in tree height in the forth or fifth year.
2) Its growing ratio is nearly equal to that of the upper trees in the neighbouring forest.
3) Accordingly it is desirable for the supressed advance growth in the beech sprout forest to remain as much as possible. If we practise in this way we are able to reduce at least fifteen yeas in final age, and thus expect it to increase in the yield so much.