The role of rainfall-induced landslide on regeneration of small seeded tree species

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26850104
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Forest science
• Research Institution: Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute
• Principal Investigator: NOGUCHI Mahoko 国立研究開発法人森林総合研究所, 東北支所, 主任研究員 (00455263)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 地表攪乱 / 斜面崩壊 / 冷温帯林 / 実生 / 落下種子

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The objective of this study was to clarify the role of landslide on regeneration of a cool-temperate forest. I investigated tree seedling dynamics on landslides triggered by heavy rain in August 2013 and neighboring undisturbed forest floor. The landslides promoted seedling establishment of several canopy component species in 2014. Seedlings of small seeded species, Cryptomeria japonica and Betula maximowicziana, were recorded only in the landslide-disturbed area. However, these species did not become dominant because of insufficient seedfall and poor survival. It is suggested that difference in soil water content among disturbance types within the landslide-disturbed area caused variation in growth of the seedlings and development of understorey vegetation.

Free Research Field

森林生態学