MECHANISM OF EXPANSION OF BAMBOO AREA CONTROLLED BY STEM EXTENSION AND AMBIENT ENVIRONMENT CHANGE

Abstract

Bamboo expands its area by enlarging underground stem. However, its characteristic has not been well investigated in the environment of river bank. We have investigated the formation process of bamboo forest and the distribution of underground stem. Bamboo’s rhizome can enlarge and expand its area if the thickness of sand is more than 10cm and relatively low water content is at the surface of the river bank. These features of river bank have been affected mainly by the change of hunan use and floods. Bamboo expands its area rapidly if the environment is suitable. Once they settle in a relatively dry sand bar where surface sand deposition is thick, rapid expansion is very likely to occur. River managers should pay more prevent bamboo area expansion.