Environmental factors affecting community structure of Sasa kurilensis in the understory of a beech forest

Abstract

Dwarf bamboos often dominate forest floor. Therefore, the information on the ecological properties of dwarf bamboos is necessary for conservation of forest floor in primary forests and management of that in secondary forests. This study examined the effects of topography and canopy species on community structure of Sasa kurilensis dominating the forest understory. The results demonstrated culm diameters in convex are larger than those in concave. Density is higher and dry weight per area is larger under canopy trees of Magnolia obovata and Betula grossa than under canopy trees of Fagus crenata probably because of phenological gaps.