Stand structure and regeneration process of a natural Larix kaempferi stand on Mt

Abstract

We studied distribution, stand structure and transition of stand structure by altitude of a naturally regenerated Larix kaempferi stand on Mt. Komagatake, a volcano on the island of Hokkaido. L. kaempferi dominated at altitudes from 200 to 1, 000 m above sea level, although broadleaved trees dominated at the foot of the mountain. The stands on the mountain were composed of L. kaempferi, Betula spp., and Populus maximowiczii, and asortment of others. At 500 m a. s. l., the stand dominant height was 2.0 to 6.1 m and basal area at ground level was 0.1 to 7.8 m²/ ha. These values indicate that the stand had intensively restricted growth. The stands at higher altitudes were less developed than at lower altitudes in dominant height and basal area at ground level. The present L. kaempferi gradually started being established in the area between 500 to 700 m a. s. l. during 20 to 50 years after the eruption in 1929. Thereafter the number of the established L. kaempferi increased remarkably. We believed that seed dispersal from artificial forests of L. kaempferi that have been planted since 20 years after the eruption, and from the individuals that had invaded the stands in the very early period, contributed to the increase of naturally regenerated L. kaempferi trees.