50-YEAR SUITABILITY EVALUATION ON PINUS DENSIFLORA FOREST PLANTATION IN MOUNT TA, SHANDONG, CHINA

Abstract

In this study, with a 50-year-old Pinus densiflora forest plantation on Mount Ta as the experimental group and 50-year-old secondary forest as the control group, diameter distribution and species diversity of Pinus densiflora and secondary forests were assessed using quadrat method to analyze 4 species diversity indices and 7 soil nutrient indices, evaluate the suitability of Pinus densiflora forest plantation in Mount Ta, and provide a reference for Pinus densiflora forest plantation and plant community succession in Mount Ta even extending to Yimeng mountain area. The results indicate that: (1) Evaluated in terms of individual and population, Mount Ta is a suitable area for Pinus densiflora forest, but Pinus densiflora seedlings and saplings are significantly scarce, which will make it difficult for population to renew. (2) In terms of 4 species diversity indexes of arborous layer and shrub layer in Mount Ta, Pinus densiflora forests do not significantly different from secondary forests, while 4 species diversity indices of field layer are significantly higher in Pinus densiflora than in secondary forests. The soil contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are not significantly different between Pinus densiflora and secondary forests in Mount Ta. Evaluated from the perspective of community and ecosystem, Mount Ta is a suitable area for Pinus densiflora. (3) Pinus densiflora forest plantation or long-term enclosure in this area can promote vegetation recovery.