The tree species composition and factors affecting the distribution of Betula davurica patch forest on a crest flat in Mt. Warabi, Okumusashi region, central Japan

Abstract

This paper details my present work on tree species composition and factors affecting the distribution of Betula davurica patch forest in Mt. Warabi, Okumusashi region. On a crest flat landform, the forest consisted mainly of young Betula davurica and Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata trees, which are local dominant species. Layers of trees, subtrees, and shrubs were indistinct, and stratification was not possible. I discovered that the distribution of the Betula davurica patch forest was influenced by artificial clear cutting before 1970. The data also suggested that the forest was influenced by damage or blowdown caused by wind and soil disturbance.