Abstract
Seedling dynamism of Abies veitchii is studied in a large scale disturbed area located in a subalpine forest in Mt. Fuji, central Japan, which was damaged by Typhoon No. 17 in 1996. Study sites are established in 3 stands: wind damaged (disturbed), closed canopy (undisturbed), and transition (neutral) stands. Number, age, height, annual growth rate, and ecesis substrate of seedlings are investigated in each stand. In addition, light, temperature, and humidity are also measured as environmental factors. In the disturbed stand, no tree species are found over the shrub layer. This stand appearance has great influence on the growth of seedlings. Straight growth and population size of seedlings are the largest in the disturbed stand, which is caused by the changed light condition. In the past five years, progress of straight growth has been more remarkable after the disturbance.
Consequently, it is suggested that Abies veitchii has a species specificity similar to intolerant trees.
