ALBERT

Description: Coarse woody debris (CWD) is involved in important forest ecosystem functions and processes, e.g., habitat provision, water retention, and organic matter decomposition. However, a quantitative, CWD-produced soil organic carbon (SOC) imprint has not yet been detected, possibly due to lack of free adsorption sites on soil minerals. To circumvent this potential constraint, we selected plots with and without CWD in a beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) primeval forest in the West Carpathian volcanic range (Slovakia). Local andic soil contains abundant allophane and amorphous Fe-compounds as important SOC binding agents. The C concentration in the fine earth of sampled soils was determined by the dry combustion method. We established that organic carbon concentration decreased with depth from 0.20 kg kg −1 (0.0–0.3 m) to 0.11 kg kg −1 (0.3–0.5 m) in soil with CWD and from 0.13 kg kg −1 (0.0–0.3 m) to 0.07 kg kg −1 (0.3–0.5 m) in soil without CWD. The respective average differences in soil organic carbon concentration (0.07 kg kg −1 ) and stock (15.84 kg m −2 ) between the two series of plots within the upper 0.3 m were significant according to the t test ( P  〈 0.05 or P  〈 0.01, respectively). Also, corresponding differences within the 0.3–0.5 m layer (0.04 kg kg −1 and 5.51 kg m −2 ) were significant ( P  〈 0.05, P  〈 0.001). Our results represent the first indication that CWD-produced SOC imprint may reach deeper than just a few centimeters in soils featuring high adsorption capacity, such as Andosols.

Description: The growth of 67 young hybrid ( Castanea  ×  coudercii A. Camus) and pure sweet chestnut ( Castanea sativa Mill.) plantations was studied in relation to ground vegetation (GV) and non-site factors such as type of site preparation, weed control (WC), disease-related damage and prior land use. The classification and regression trees procedure was used to analyse the data. Ground vegetation communities accounted for a large amount of variability in the site index (SI) and were found to be useful as predictors of chestnut site quality. The presence of broom communities indicated the best site for establishing chestnut plantations, whereas bracken and bramble communities indicated poorer conditions, although those sites can still be considered suitable for growing chestnut. Terrain covered with herbaceous communities also indicated intermediate or even good site conditions. The poorest sites were the heathlands. As regards non-site factors, only weed control was found to be a significant variable. Ground vegetation caused a significant reduction in tree growth, indicating the importance of carrying out regular weeding to improve productivity. The most positive effect of weeding on height growth was detected in terrain covered by gorse and broom, and the least positive effect was observed in heathland. The findings are important for forest management purposes, as evaluation of ground vegetation will enable rapid prediction of site productivity classes in afforested areas and help in selecting the best land for planting this species in reforestation programmes.

Description: Rhizosphere-induced changes of Pinus densiflora (S. and Z.) grown at elevated atmospheric temperature and carbon dioxide are presented based on experiments carried out in a two-compartment rhizobag system filled with forest soil in an environmentally controlled walk-in chamber with four treatment combinations: control (25°C, 500 μmol mol −1 CO 2 ), T2 (30°C, 500 μmol mol −1 CO 2 ), T3 (25°C, 800 μmol mol −1 CO 2 ), and T4 (30°C, 800 μmol mol −1 CO 2 ). Elevated temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide resulted in higher concentration of sugars and dissolved organic carbon in soil solution, especially at the later period of plant growth. Soil solution pH from the rhizosphere became less acidic than the bulk soil regardless of treatment, while the electrical conductivity of soil solution from the rhizosphere was increased by elevated carbon dioxide treatment. Biolog EcoPlate™ data showed that the rhizosphere had higher average well color development, Shannon–Weaver index, and richness of carbon utilization compared with bulk soil, indicating that microbial activity in the rhizosphere was higher and more diverse than in bulk soil. Subsequent principal component analysis indicated separation of soil microbial community functional structures in the rhizosphere by treatment. The principal components extracted were correlated to plant-induced changes of substrate quality and quantity in the rhizosphere as plants’ response to varying temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Description: We investigated the dynamics of litterfall and litter decomposition of Sasa dwarf bamboo ( Sasa senanensis ) and trees to clarify the characteristics of organic matter and nitrogen cycling between plant and soil in a natural cool-temperate mixed forest ecosystem dominated by an understory vegetation of Sasa. Mean annual Sasa litterfall over the 3-year study period was 164 g m −2  year −1 , which accounted for approximately 29% of total litterfall. Litter decomposition of Sasa leaf and Sasa culm was significantly slower than that of tree leaf during first and second years. The slow decomposition rates of both Sasa litter types were caused by a significantly higher silicate than in tree leaf. Nitrogen concentration in litter increased as decomposition progressed, especially in Sasa leaf and tree leaf. As a result of the slow decomposition of both Sasa litter types, 111 and 73% of nitrogen to the initial amounts were retained in Sasa leaf and Sasa culm after 3 years, respectively. The amounts of retained nitrogen in Sasa leaf, Sasa culm, and tree leaf after 3 years were 1.29, 0.47, and 3.92 g N m −2 , respectively, indicating that the differences of litter decomposition rates among the litter types influence on the nitrogen cycling in forest ecosystem through the differences of the nitrogen release from litter.

Description: To quantitatively assess future change of evergreen broad-leaved tree species’ distributions in human-disturbed landscapes of the Korean Peninsula under climate change, potential habitats (PHs) were projected for four important evergreen broad-leaved tree species ( Quercus acuta , Castanopsis sieboldii , Machilus thunbergii , and Neolitsea sericea ) by species distribution models (SDMs). The distribution data (presence/absence) of the target species in Korea and Japan were used as response variables for SDMs, and climatic data were used as explanatory variables. Three general circulation models under A2 emission scenarios were used as future climate scenarios for the years 2070–2099. Potential habitats masked by land-use data (PHLUs) were projected to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities. Highly accurate SDMs were obtained for all the target species. The current PHs were decreased to 21–35 % by the anthropogenic activities. Future PHLUs for all the target species were projected to increase by 2.0–18.5 times of current PHLUs. These results suggest that all the target species are applicable as indicator species for monitoring in the Korean Peninsula, even if anthropogenic effects are incorporated. Variation of the increasing rate was caused by the differences in the response to temperature changes. M. thunbergii responded sensitively to the increase of minimum temperature of coldest month and had a largest increase in PHLUs under future climate. Therefore, M. thunbergii is considered to be most appropriate species for monitoring the changes of horizontal distributions above all focal evergreen broad-leaved tree species.

Description: Heterogeneity of forest stand structure often results from repeated small disturbances, but structural variation also arises in a stand that has regenerated after a single large stand-replacing disturbance. We explored the structural variation within a subalpine Abies forest in Japan that regenerated after a large typhoon in 1959. In 2004, four 50 × 50 m plots were established at two sites in the regenerated forest. To characterize local stand structure within each plot, we determined the stem density, stand basal area, mean diameter at breast height (DBH), and coefficient of variation (CV) of DBH in 10 × 10 m subplots. We analyzed the spatial distribution pattern of the trees in each subplot using the L ( t ) function and categorized the distributions as clumped or non-clumped. The analysis revealed marked variation among subplots in the stand’s structural characteristics. Although the spatial distribution patterns of the trees in all plots were clumped, 11 of 50 subplots at one site and 39 of 50 subplots at the other site were non-clumped. Subplots with a clumped distribution pattern generally had a smaller basal area, smaller mean DBH, and greater CV of DBH than subplots with the same density but a non-clumped pattern. These results illustrated the spatial heterogeneity of forest structure that can arise in Abies forest that has experienced a large disturbance, probably because of the different densities and distribution of saplings surviving the disturbance and the different forest growth dynamics that result.

Description: Stream macroinvertebrate assemblages are expected to be affected by the abundance and constitution of litter from surrounding forests. We compared forest floor cover, overland flow, stream environment, and stream macroinvertebrate assemblages between the catchments of a Japanese cedar plantation (CP) and a primary deciduous forest (DF). Both systems experience excessive deer browsing. Understory vegetation cover was higher in the DF than in the CP in summer, although cover was low (〈20 %), possibly because of excessive deer browsing. Litter cover was much higher in the CP than in the DF in summer as a result of the long abscission period, slow breakdown, and low rate of dispersal of Japanese cedar litter compared to deciduous litter. Monthly overland flow was always lower in the CP than in the DF, and substrate size was smaller in the DF stream. In the CP, cedar litter accumulated in the stream, probably because of its low breakdown rate and morphology, and abundant shredder taxa characterized the macroinvertebrate assemblage. In contrast, abundant burrower taxa characterized the macroinvertebrate assemblage in the DF stream. These results imply that Japanese cedar litter functions in structuring the macroinvertebrate assemblage by supplying persistent food resources for detritivores, and by buffering fine sedimentation via overland flow under excessive deer browsing.

Description: Composition, structure, and species-specific patterns of recruitment and growth were characterized in two yellow birch ( Betula alleghaniensis Britt.)–conifer stands in Quebec, Canada, to improve our understanding of the dynamics of these complex ecosystems. The mixture of mid- and shade-tolerant species in the canopy, the inverse J-shape stem diameter distribution, and the age distribution were indicative that the two stands were in a late-successional stage. Recruitment of mid-tolerant species above 1.3 m in height appeared to be periodic and synchronized with historical spruce budworm ( Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) outbreaks, while the coniferous component of these mixedwood stands recruited continuously. Results suggest that recruitment of yellow birch and red maple ( Acer rubrum L.) requires disturbances of a certain intensity that affect at least 25 % of the forest cover. In contrast, balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and red spruce ( Picea rubens Sarg.) can recruit under the canopy without relying on moderate or large canopy disturbances. Results suggest that the historical disturbance regime, and differences in shade tolerance between species, largely govern the contemporary composition of these stands. This study improves the comprehension of mechanisms that regulate the dynamics of yellow birch-conifer stands and will be useful for the subsequent elaboration of forest management strategies.

Description: Release experiments of Doryctes yogoi Watanabe onto Semanotus japonicus Lacordaire larvae inoculated into Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica D. Don, were conducted to clarify the role of the parasitoids in the mortality of S. japonicus and the efficiency of the parasitoid as a natural enemy of the beetle. S. japonicus larvae were inoculated into three types of samples: live trees, girdled trees, and logs, each of which was treated in three ways: D. yogoi was released into the sample, the sample was screened (excluding natural enemies), or the sample was used as a control. In live trees, more than 90% of the larvae were killed by resin flow, and the percentage of parasitism by D. yogoi was less than 6%. In girdled trees, most of the larvae were dead due to the resin in the trees, having survived inoculation as well as in live trees, but many larvae were parasitized by D. yogoi in dead trees like logs. The present study revealed three negative effects of resin flow on parasitism by D. yogoi in the live trees. First, most of the host larvae died before reaching a size suitable for parasitism. Second, parasitoid larvae were caught in the resin with their hosts and died. Third, the host-searching and oviposition of female D. yogoi were obstructed by resin flow on the surface of the trunk. The efficiency of D. yogoi as a natural enemy of S. japonicus is discussed.

Description: In order to determine the influences of environmental factors on seed germination and to identify the effects of germination characteristics on seedling establishment for Sasa veitchii var. hirsuta , germination experiments and a survey on current seedling dynamics were conducted in a natural habitat after mass flowering. The results of the germination experiments revealed that the seeds require a low-temperature environment for germination; those exposed to low-temperature conditions for a time similar to the length of winter (4 months of low-temperature conditions) germinated gradually, while those exposed for longer (〉4 months of low-temperature conditions) germinated rapidly. These results were compatible with field observations indicating that seedlings emerged from June to October in the year after mass flowering, and they suggested this germination characteristic (i.e., variation of germination timing due to seed dormancy) may play an ecological function in spreading risk (although it may also increase the potential for seed predation). The results also revealed that stronger light and alternating temperature conditions had no effect on germination, whereas high temperatures and drying had negative effects. The outcomes of the survey on current seedling dynamics revealed that the seedling establishment ratio was high in a forest understory compared to that seen at a site where solar radiation was strong and soil water content was low. This implies that germination characteristics may promote seedling establishment in forest understory.

Description: The occurrence and localization of endophytic actinomycetes within diverse organs of host plants provide ecological information that can be used to evaluate the significance of their spatial habitats. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize endophytic actinomycetes in different organs of Quercus serrata. For this purpose, actinomycete isolates were obtained from surface-sterilized tissues of both symptomless seedlings and aged trees of Q. serrata and rhizosphere soil of the sampled seedlings. Thirty-five isolates with the ability to sporulate, including 4 from leaves of the aged trees, 10, 6, and 15 from leaves, stems, and roots of the seedlings, respectively, and 8 soil-derived isolates, were selected and characterized. The 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence analyses revealed that all of them belonged to the genus Streptomyces . According to a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree constructed based on the results, the isolates of plant origin were divided into three major clades with high bootstrap values of 98 or 99 %, whereas eight soil-derived isolates were located at different positions from those of the endophyte isolates. Moreover, two larger clades were formed, one of which contained isolates derived only from aboveground parts, while the other contained isolates from all of the organs. These results suggest that the endophytic streptomycetes in Q. serrata may differ in their habitat positions (i.e., either above- or belowground parts).

Description: Quercus serrata Thunb. ex Murray is a widespread deciduous oak in China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, and a strong isoprene emitter. Establishing accurate inventories of this species and estimating net carbon budgets, including biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC), necessitates detailed evaluation of BVOC emission and oxidation characteristics. Emissions of isoprene, the most abundant BVOC, presumably contribute to atmospheric chemistry through the formation of photochemical oxidants and secondary organic aerosols. We built an isoprene flux monitoring system to simultaneously reveal characteristics of the flux and fate of isoprene at multiple locations in Q. serrata forests. We used proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and an automated closed chamber to measure isoprene emissions from soil and leaves in a warm-temperate Q. serrata forest. We used a relaxed eddy accumulation system with PTR-MS to simultaneously measure the canopy flux. In continuous foliage chamber measurements, we observed daily variations of isoprene emissions and continuous nocturnal emissions from leaves. Nocturnal emissions exceeded 25 % of total daily leaf emissions and were relatively high at sunset and low at sunrise. These results suggest that nocturnal emissions from mature trees may not be negligible. When leaf emissions were high in the daytime, the canopy isoprene flux tended to plateau at an upper limit. Observations of isoprene concentrations and gradients suggest that the plateau was caused by acceleration of isoprene oxidation, and sequential formation of secondary organic aerosols may occur near the leaf just after emission. Elucidation of these linkages may require continuous field measurements with a simultaneous multi-flux monitoring system.

Description: Many ecologists in East Asia consider that Kira’s coldness index (CI) of −10 °C month agrees well with the northward and upward limits of evergreen broad-leaved forest (EBLF). It is of interest to establish whether CI is an effective indicator of the upper limit of EBLF in a tropical-to-temperate transitional island. A case study in Taiwan was conducted through a comparison of CI layers with field vegetation information. The results from spatial analysis revealed that the location of CI = −10 isotherm was approximately 3,381 m a.s.l., within the Abies zone. The analysis of plots showed that vegetation near CI = −10 isotherm was evergreen coniferous pure forest with 99.9 % relative dominance. The CI = 0 isotherm lay at approximately 2,594 m a.s.l., close to the boundary between the Tsuga – Picea and upper Quercus zones, with the CI = 0 isotherm in the transformation zone between evergreen coniferous and broad-leaved trees. However, the vegetation near CI = 0 isotherm tended more toward coniferous forest showing a total relative dominance of 78.26 %. The two-way cluster dendrogram of vegetation plots revealed identical results. The preceding evidence, combined with the spatial pattern of 3,564 plots along CI and elevation gradients, made it clear that CI did not indicate the upper limit of EBLF in Taiwan. Other information on the CI criterion are discussed. To explore the differentiation of altitudinal vegetation, further research should be made to connect ecoclimatic factors such as effective warmth index with information from vegetation plots.

Description: Structures and dynamics of old-growth coniferous stands are affected by several types of disturbances including typhoons. We report the forest dynamics of four old-growth Chamaecyparis stands in central Japan that differ in the disturbance history of typhoons over a period of 23 years. The stem number, basal area and mortality were examined. In a predominant stand of C. obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc.) Endl., 24 % of the C. obtusa canopy trees died, mainly as a result of the severe damage of a strong typhoon that caused a single tree-fall gap and the following gap enlargements. In this stand, the total basal area decreased to 76.5 % of the initial value, although the mortality declined in recent years. In contrast, the other three stands decreased only slightly in the stem numbers (0.0–5.6 %) and increased in the basal areas of C. obtusa canopy trees. It is confirmed that the stand-level ingrowths of 300-year-old C. obtusa canopy trees could contribute to the increase in the stock of each stand. Our results support an idea that the dynamics of old-growth Chamaecyparis forests were greatly affected by typhoons. The stand structures will be gradually changed (with the processes of gap dynamics) and C. obtusa will continue to be dominant, potentially over hundreds of years.

Description: We conducted a year-round measurement of gross N transformation rates using the 15 N dilution method, and analyzed seasonal changes and the mechanisms regulating gross N transformation in the Kiryu Experimental Forest in central Japan. While soil microbial biomass C (SMB-C) decreased from the dormant to growing seasons at the organic (O) horizon, no significant trend was observed in SMB-N. This resulted in SMB-C/N being high in the dormant season and low in the growing season, and suggests that the microbial composition changed seasonally. No clear seasonal trend was found in gross NH 4 + production rates at either the O or surface mineral soil horizons. In contrast, the NH 4 + consumption rate varied seasonally, with high values in January and April during the dormant season and low values in July and October during the growing season. There was no clear trend in seasonal fluctuation of net NH 4 + production rates. Gross NH 4 + production and gross NH 4 + consumption rates were 10 times greater than the gross nitrification rate. Almost all of the produced NH 4 + was immobilized, indicating that N tightly cycles at this study site. Considered together with results of the gross N transformation rates, the dominance of high SMB-C/N microbes might stimulate immobilization in the dormant season. At this study site, the change in microbial composition likely influences gross N transformation through immobilization efficiency.

Description: Like edge effects, variations in topography can influence the physiognomy and structural patterns of the vegetation due to the high dynamics encountered in inclined areas. We evaluated the effect of edges on the structure and physiognomy of the arboreal and woody understory communities in patches of an Atlantic Forest remnant in two distinct topographic positions. Four study situations were laid out (slope edge, top edge, slope interior, and top interior), with ten 10 × 10 m plots each to sample the arboreal components (circumference at breast height ≥15 cm), and ten 5 × 5 m plots (in the corner of each arboreal component plot) to sample the woody understory (circumference at ground level ≥3 cm and with circumference at breast height 〈15 cm). We investigated physiognomic and structural variables of edge and interior environments in similar topographic positions on both slope and top (level) areas of the same remnant forest. Physiognomic and structural differences between edge and interior vegetation were noted, and these were found to be still more evident when different topographic positions were considered. Physiognomic and structural variations between the edge and interior vegetation were more notable on slopes than on hill tops, indicating greater dynamics in areas with greater topographic inclinations.

Description: Mangroves play important roles in providing a range of ecosystem services, mitigation of strong waves, protection of coastlines against erosion, maintenance of water quality, and carbon sink in the context of global warming. For trees in mangrove forests in southern Ranong Province, Thailand, we investigated the allometric relationship between crown area derived from high-resolution satellite data and stem diameter and used the resulting model to estimate aboveground biomass. We used QuickBird panchromatic and multispectral data acquired for the study area on 15 October 2006 as the high-resolution satellite data. Individual tree crowns were extracted from the satellite image of panchromatic data by using the watershed method, and the species were identified by using the maximum-likelihood method for the multispectral data. Overall classification accuracy for species identification was 88.5 %. The biomass derived from our field survey was plotted against aboveground biomass in the sample plots, estimated from the QuickBird data. The regression line through the origin between the satellite-estimated biomass and biomass based on the field data had a slope of 1.26 ( R 2  = 0.65). Stand aboveground biomass estimated from the high-resolution satellite data was underestimated because of a lack of data on the biomass of suppressed trees and inappropriate segmentation of crowns of large trees into two or more trees.

Description: Based on the model–data comparison at the eddy-covariance observation sites from CarboEastAsia datasets, we report the current status of the terrestrial carbon cycle modeling in monsoon Asia. In order to assess the modeling performance and discuss future requirements for both modeling and observation efforts in Asia, we ran eight terrestrial biosphere models at 24 sites from 1901 to 2010. By analyzing the modeled carbon fluxes against the CarboEastAsia datasets, the strengths and weaknesses of terrestrial biosphere modeling over Asia were evaluated. In terms of pattern and magnitude, the carbon fluxes (i.e., gross primary productivity, ecosystem respiration, and net ecosystem exchange) at the temperate and boreal forest sites were simulated best, whereas the simulation results from the tropical forest, cropland, and disturbed sites were poor. The multi-model ensemble mean values showed lower root mean square errors and higher correlations, suggesting that composition of multiple terrestrial biosphere models would be preferable for terrestrial carbon budget assessments in Asia. These results indicate that the current model-based estimation of terrestrial carbon budget has large uncertainties, and future research should further refine the models to permit re-evaluation of the terrestrial carbon budget.

Description: The conservation of cavity trees in plantations is important for maintaining biodiversity because cavity trees are one of the forest attributes most strongly affected by forestry operations. We surveyed the occurrence of cavities at the tree-level and the abundance of cavity trees and the number of uses by secondary cavity users at the stand-level in natural and conifer plantation forests in Hokkaido, Japan. We classified cavities into two types by their formation processes: excavated and non-excavated. Excavated cavities were more common in dead trees than in live trees. Non-excavated cavities showed high occurrence in dead and live broad-leaved trees. The abundance of non-excavated cavity trees was two times greater than that of excavated cavity trees in natural forests, but, in plantations, excavated cavity trees were dominant. The abundance of non-excavated cavity trees was lower in thinned plantations than in not-thinned plantations. The number of cavity uses increased with the number of cavity trees, indicating the importance of maintaining cavity trees. Conifer plantations are established by removing native broad-leaved trees, which results in a lower abundance of non-excavated cavity trees in these locations. The conservation of broad-leaved trees is important for maintaining the current and future resource of non-excavated cavity trees in plantation forests, as is the conservation of dead trees, which showed a high occurrence of excavated cavities.

Description: Hemispherical photographs combined with litter collection were applied to determine seasonal dynamics of leaf area index (LAI) between the period of maximum leaf area and the leafless period from an old-growth temperate forest in the Xiaoxing’an Mountains, northeastern China. Our objective is to explore the change in the relationship between “true” LAI and effective LAI (calculated only from hemispherical photography) and to find the best LAI estimation models. Effective LAI in November is corrected for contribution of woody material and clumping at shoot and beyond shoot levels, to give minimum “true” LAI. The “true” LAI in each period is estimated as a sum of the minimum “true” LAI and litter collection LAI in each period. Power function regression calibration models were then carried out between “true” LAI and effective LAI in each period and the entire litter-fall period. Then, significance tests were applied to detect the differences among different models. The results showed that the average “true” LAI ranged from 2.74 ± 0.54 on November 1 to 6.64 ± 1.34 on July 1. For the entire season, average effective LAI was 53.16 % lower than the average “true” LAI. After significance tests, calibration models were classified into two types: (1) maximum LAI period and the period of maximum leaf fall; (2) the period during which leaves began falling and all deciduous leaves had fallen. Based on our experience, we believe that the classified models can produce reliable and accurate LA1 values for the needle and broad-leaved mixed forest stands under the non-destructive condition.

Description: Regions believed to be refugia are known to have lineages indigenous to the regions. The Izu Peninsula, where genus Fagus existed during the last glacial period, was focused on to survey chloroplast DNA of Japanese beech ( Fagus crenata Blume) that grew there. DNA sequence analysis of chloroplast genome regions of about 14 kb revealed two new haplotypes, O and E-1, in F . crenata populations in the Izu Peninsula and adjacent regions. Both haplotypes were conceivably derived from haplotype E. The result of the genetic analysis in this study in combination with the result of pollen analyses performed in the past clearly showed that refugia for F . crenata existed in the Izu Peninsula, and that F . crenata now in growth are lineages indigenous to the region.

Description: In uneven-aged conifer–broadleaved mixed forests in Hokkaido, northern Japan, single-tree selection cutting has been a common management practice since the early twentieth century. This practice is expected to produce timber without major changes in stand structure or tree species composition. The demographic response of forests to this practice has often been unexpected, and degradation of stand properties has been widely observed. We propose here a sustainable management regime of selection cutting, based on an individual-based forest dynamics simulation model, SORTIE-ND. Our simulations, based on demographic data from 15 long-term monitoring stands, suggest that selection cutting using a lower cutting intensity together with a longer rotation period and reduced removal of small trees and conifer species is more appropriate than traditional systems in terms of maintaining stand structure and tree species composition, as well as being profitable financially. Supplemental regeneration practices, which can counter accidental mortality incurred during harvesting operations, would also be necessary to ensure tree recruitment.

Description: Quantifying tree damage and mortality caused by single-tree selection harvesting is critical to understanding postharvest forest dynamics and management. In this study, we quantified the effects of tree size and species and the distance from residual trees to felled trees and skid trails on damage to residual trees and mortality in mixed coniferous–broadleaved stands of Hokkaido, northern Japan. Among the 4,961 trees that we studied, 373 (7.5 %) were damaged, and 148 of these trees (3.0 %) died during or immediately after logging. Hierarchical Bayesian modeling showed that the risk of damage to residual trees increased with increasing size of the felled trees and with increasing proximity to felled trees and skid trails. Smaller residual trees had the greatest risk of damage. Species differed in their susceptibility to damage; Abies sachalinensis (Fr. Schm.) Masters and Picea jezoensis (Sieb. et Zucc.) Carr. were the most susceptible species in our sample plots. Smaller damaged trees had the highest risk of mortality. The damaged trees that did not die at the time of logging had a higher risk of postharvest mortality than undamaged trees. Our results indicate that, to minimize logging-induced damage and mortality: (1) the spatial arrangement of skid trails should be optimized and fixed, (2) the risk of skidding damage should be considered before marking the trees to be harvested and choosing the felling direction, and (3) logging operators should be instructed to avoid damaging small trees, especially those of the species that are most susceptible to damage.

Description: An integrative survey was conducted on the ability of litter-decomposing macrofungi (LDM) from forests of different climatic regions to decompose litter materials and recalcitrant compounds in the litter under pure culture conditions. A total of 75 isolates in six families of LDM from subtropical, cool temperate (CT), and subalpine (SA) forests in Japan were tested for their ability to decompose a total of eight litter types that are major substrates for macrofungi at each site. The mass loss of the litter (% original mass) during incubation for 12 weeks at 20 °C ranged from −3.1 % to 54.5 %. Macrofungi originated from forests of different climatic regions exhibited similar decomposing abilities, but the SA isolates caused negligible mass loss of Abies needles, possibly due to inhibitory compounds. Decomposing activity for recalcitrant compounds (as acid-unhydrolyzable residues, AUR) was found in many macrofungal isolates. The isolates of Marasmiaceae were generally more able to cause selective decomposition of AUR than those of Mycenaceae and to decompose AUR in partly decomposed materials. The isolates of Xylariaceae had lower ligninolytic activity than those of Basidiomycetes. The AUR mass loss caused by CT isolates was significantly lower in nitrogen-rich beech litter than in its nitrogen-poor counterpart, suggesting a retarding effect of nitrogen on AUR decomposition, which was obvious for Mycenaceae. The effect of fungal family was generally more significant than that of litter type, suggesting that possible changes in the composition of fungal assemblages influence their functioning more than changes in the quality of substrates.

Description: The long-term accumulation of precipitation was accompanied by a seasonal rain front (known as the Baiu front) covering wide areas of western and central Japan during the period 11–16 July 2010. In Shobara city, Hiroshima prefecture, more than a thousand shallow landslides occurred within a very limited area (9 km 2  = 3 × 3 km) during the afternoon of 16 July 2010, claiming one fatality. In the source areas on steep slopes, meanwhile, volcanoclastic soil slid due to the heavy rainfall, then fluidised to flow over long distances. Landslides appeared to occur on all slopes; not only young forests but also mature forests. A field investigation revealed a case where slides occurred in young Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) forests, but surface water only flowed over the ground in mature Japanese cypress forest sandwiched by the young forests, while the side ends of the slides reached the edge of the mature forest. To examine the differences between both forests, simplified cone penetration tests, tests on tree root distribution in trenches, tree root pull out tests, soil samples, and geotechnical soil tests were all conducted. Although the number of lateral roots found in the trenches differed little, the root diameters in the mature forest exceeded those in the young forest. The thicker and stronger root in the mature forest would, thus, help prevent shallow landslides.

Description: The quality of diameter measurements for natural old-growth forest was evaluated by comparing repeated field measurements in a diameter census and tree-ring chronologies. The diameter census was repeated three times from 1973 at 10- to 19-year intervals in old-growth Cryptomeria japonica forests on Yakushima Island, Japan. The diameter growth in the three intervals between (1) first and second measurement (15–19 years), (2) second and third measurement (10–13 years), and (3) first and third measurement (28–30 years) were calculated. The diameter growth of each interval was also measured using tree-ring chronologies as a control. There were significant differences in paired t tests for diameter growth calculated from the diameter census data and from the tree-ring chronologies when the interval was 〈20 years. Conversely, no significant differences were observed when the measurement interval was 〉27 years. The average percentage differences (APDs) were relatively high for every interval and for all diameter classes, but the APDs for the 28- to 30-year intervals were better than the 10- to 19-year intervals. The APDs followed a rising trend with increasing diameter at breast height for every interval. In conclusion, data from an interval of 〉27 years is required for accurate estimation of diameter growth. Furthermore, extra care should be taken when measuring large diameter trees. The results from this study demonstrated the difficulty of using a diameter census in natural old-growth forest.

Description:    To determine the effects of the characteristics of litter and surface soil on the infiltration capacity in bamboo groves, infiltration rates were measured on a plot-scale using an oscillating-nozzle rainfall simulator at seven Moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys pubescens ) sites and one Madake ( P. bambusoides ) site in Japan. The maximum final infiltration rate (FIR max ), which was defined in this study as the infiltration capacity, was calculated, and the correlation between FIR max and earth surface properties was analyzed. The FIR max ranged from 9 to 308 mm h −1 , showing little correlation with litter as surface cover, and a weak correlation with bulk density (0.3–0.9 g cm −3 ) and organic matter content (10.4–45.9%). These results suggest that the bulk density and organic matter content of surface soil, rather than surface cover, can be the controlling factors of infiltration capacity in bamboo groves. The bulk density of surface soil correlated significantly with the soil organic matter content, represented by bamboo rhizomes, suggesting that the infiltration capacity can increase with the amount of root networks present, related to macropore formation. The stand density showed a weak positive correlation, although not significant, with the soil organic matter content and a positive correlation with FIR max . Thus, the infiltration capacity of bamboo groves can increase as the stand density of culms and bamboo rhizomes increase. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0311-4 Authors Marino Hiraoka, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Advanced Research Building A-416, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan Yuichi Onda, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Advanced Research Building A-405, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    The Otton frog, Babina subaspera , is an endangered forest frog species with unusual morphological and ecological features compared with other frogs. Eight microsatellite markers were isolated from B. subaspera and characterized with 24 individuals from Amami Islands, Kagoshima prefecture, Japan. The number of alleles observed for each locus ranged from 9 to 19 (average 13.9). The observed heterozygosity ( H O ) and the expected heterozygosity ( H E ) ranged from 0.71 to 0.92 and 0.83 to 0.92, respectively. These microsatellites will be useful for future genetic studies of B. subaspera , which will be essential in the conservation of this species. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0310-5 Authors Noriko Iwai, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Etsuko Shoda-Kagaya, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Keiko Hamaguchi, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 68 Nagaikyutaro, Momoyama, Kyoto, 612-0855 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We investigated the effects of litter accumulation by an alien tree, Casuarina equisetifolia , on the germination and seedling establishment of Rhaphiolepis wrightiana , a shrub native to the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands, in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, in a field experiment. We compared the emergence of seedlings in forests dominated by C. equisetifolia with that in native forests, with and without litter removal. More than 75% of seedlings emerged during a year except at the C. equisetifolia sites with litter removal (approximately 45%). Thus, seeds of R. wrightiana can germinate under C. equisetifolia if they are dispersed on the ground. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0279-0 Authors Kenji Hata, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan Hidetoshi Kato, Makino Herbarium, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Japan Naoki Kachi, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    The objective of this study was to identify climatic factors determining the distribution of a keystone understory taxon, section Crassinodi of the genus Sasa , and assess the impacts of climate change on the taxon. Relationships between the distribution of sect. Crassinodi and five climatic variables were explored using classification tree analysis. Potential habitats under current climate and future climate in 2081–2100 were predicted. Potential habitats were further divided into suitable and marginal habitats. The predictive accuracy of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis and by comparing model predictions with an independent dataset. The model was reasonably accurate. It showed that the warmth index (WI) and snow cover were the most important climatic variables for Crassinodi distribution. Potential habitats were limited to cooler regions with WI 〈102.7°C month. Suitable habitats were limited to even cooler regions with WI 〈84.8°C month. The model also showed that areas with deeper snow than previously reported would provide suitable habitats for Crassinodi under some climatic conditions. In 2081–2100, 37.4% of current potential habitats are predicted to become non-habitats because of increases in WI. Most currently suitable habitats are predicted to vanish from western Japan by 2081–2100. Meanwhile, Hokkaido and high-elevation areas of eastern Honshu will sustain suitable habitats. Sect. Crassinodi , which is adapted to less snowy climates, is predicted to be more affected by climate change than sect. Sasa and Macrochlamys , which are adapted to snowy climates. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0283-4 Authors Ikutaro Tsuyama, Department of Plant Ecology, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Masahiro Horikawa, Toyota Biotechnology and Afforestation Laboratory, Toyota Motor Corporation, 1099 Aza Marune, Oaza Kurozasa, Miyosi-cho, Nishikamo-gun, Aichi, 470-0201 Japan Katsuhiro Nakao, Department of Plant Ecology, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Tetsuya Matsui, Hokkaido Research Station, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 7 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-8516, Japan Yuji Kominami, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 68 Nagaikyutaro, Momoyama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-0855 Japan Nobuyuki Tanaka, Department of Plant Ecology, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We evaluated the survival and growth of Amburana cearensis , Cedrela fissilis , and Sterculia striata seedlings in three seasonally tropical dry forest fragments that were subjected to different logging levels (intact, intermediately and heavily logged). In each fragment, we planted 40 seedlings of each species and monitored these over a period of 1 year. The highest seedling survival rate (64%) occurred in the heavily logged fragment, which, however, also had the highest mortality risk for all species during the dry season. Only S. striata seedlings had different survival rates among the fragments. Height and diameter growth were higher at sites with higher canopy openness in the wet season. The survival and growth rates of seedlings planted in logged fragments indicate that this technique can be applied to restore and enrich logged forests of the Paranã River Basin. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0294-1 Authors Ernestino de Souza Gomes Guarino, Embrapa Acre, Rodovia BR-364, km 14, PO Box 321, 69908-970 Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil Aldicir Osni Scariot, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, Av. W5 Norte (final), PO Box 02372, 70770-917 Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Herbivore damage can induce the host plant to alter the chemical and physical qualities of its leaves, which is thought to be a plant strategy—termed “induced response”—for avoiding further herbivory. In woody plants, many studies have considered variation in induced response with resource availability, but few studies have examined this variation in relation to growth patterns of woody plants. We studied the phenotypic variability of induced response within successively flushing Quercus serrata seedlings. Q. serrata seedlings were grown under controlled conditions. The controlled factors were herbivore damage (herbivore-damaged and -undamaged) and soil fertility (low and high). At each flush stage, the concentrations of condensed tannin (CT), total phenolics (TP), and nitrogen (N) in leaves were analyzed, and the leaf mass per area (LMA) was measured. CT and TP concentrations in leaves and LMA were higher in herbivore-damaged seedlings. Leaves of the first flushes showed greater sensitivity to herbivore damage and had a higher CT concentration than leaves of the later flushes. Furthermore, seedlings growing in low-fertility soil showed a greater induced response. The results suggest that the induced response of Q. serrata seedlings was related to the contributions of the tissue to current productivity. Leaves of the first flush showed a greater induced response, possibly because they play an important role in subsequent growth. The potential of Q. serrata seedlings to adjust the properties of leaves depending on herbivory and soil fertility in relation to growth patterns may be advantageous on the forest floor, where seedlings grow in soil of heterogeneous fertility and are constantly exposed to herbivory. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0291-4 Authors Eri Mizumachi, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Akira S. Mori, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Reiko Akiyama, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Naoko Tokuchi, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Naoya Osawa, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    The ambrosia beetle Platypus quercivorus is a vector for the fungus that causes Japanese oak wilt, and susceptibility to infestation by P. quercivorus varies by tree species. We postulated that P. quercivorus discriminates among host tree species differing in susceptibility to attack. To test this postulate, we counted the number of flying male beetles (NFM), the number of holes bored by male beetles (NH), and the number of flying female beetles (NFF) per unit area of bark surface in three fagaceous tree species: Quercus crispula (with high susceptibility to infestation) and Q. serrata and Castanea crenata (both with low susceptibility). NFM and NH were used to calculate the proportion of male beetles that bored holes out of those that flew to the tree (PBM). We used generalized additive models to predict NFM, NFF, and PBM. The locations of trees, expressed as x and y coordinates, numbers of weeks after the first male beetle’s flying (WEEK), diameters of trees 130 cm above ground (DBH), and tree species (SP) were incorporated into the models as candidate explanatory variables. The best-fit models for NFM and NFF included WEEK and DBH and the effect of location; SP was not included in the models. For PBM, the best-fit model included WEEK, DBH, and SP. The results indicate that male P. quercivorus prefer Q. crispula to Q. serrata and C. crenata and that selection is made before boring holes on trees, but that P. quercivorus do not discriminate among host species when they fly to trees. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0280-7 Authors Michimasa Yamasaki, Laboratory of Forest Biology, Division of Forest and Biomaterials Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Kazuyoshi Futai, Laboratory of Environmental Mycoscience, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Release experiments of Doryctes yogoi Watanabe onto Semanotus japonicus Lacordaire larvae inoculated into Japanese cedar, Cryptomeria japonica D. Don, were conducted to clarify the role of the parasitoids in the mortality of S. japonicus and the efficiency of the parasitoid as a natural enemy of the beetle. S. japonicus larvae were inoculated into three types of samples: live trees, girdled trees, and logs, each of which was treated in three ways: D. yogoi was released into the sample, the sample was screened (excluding natural enemies), or the sample was used as a control. In live trees, more than 90% of the larvae were killed by resin flow, and the percentage of parasitism by D. yogoi was less than 6%. In girdled trees, most of the larvae were dead due to the resin in the trees, having survived inoculation as well as in live trees, but many larvae were parasitized by D. yogoi in dead trees like logs. The present study revealed three negative effects of resin flow on parasitism by D. yogoi in the live trees. First, most of the host larvae died before reaching a size suitable for parasitism. Second, parasitoid larvae were caught in the resin with their hosts and died. Third, the host-searching and oviposition of female D. yogoi were obstructed by resin flow on the surface of the trunk. The efficiency of D. yogoi as a natural enemy of S. japonicus is discussed. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0334-5 Authors Tadahisa Urano, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, 305-8687 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We investigated the ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community of naturally regenerating Pinus densiflora seedlings on exposed decomposed granite (DG) slopes along woodland paths in the Republic of Korea. We sampled three- to five-year-old seedlings from slopes where DG was exposed (habitat S) and from the surrounding forest edge or gaps (habitat F). We classified EcMs into morphological groups and counted the number of root tips. The fungal taxa were determined by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of their nuclear rDNA. We observed a total of 27 EcM fungal taxa. Atheliaceae and Rhizopogon were the dominant taxa on exposed DG slopes. The fungal species compositions were similar between habitats (0.59 as calculated by the Morishita–Horn index). Fourteen fungal taxa were common to both habitats, and these accounted for more than 90% of the relative abundance in each habitat. There were no significant differences in relative abundance and colonization frequency of each EcM fungal taxon between the habitats, except for Russula sp. 2, which was significantly more frequent in habitat F than in habitat S. Our results indicated that P. densiflora seedlings on exposed DG slopes associated with EcM fungi that were common in forests and not specific to the exposed DG slopes. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0301-6 Authors Keisuke Obase, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701 Korea Joo Young Cha, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, Nayoro, 096-0071 Japan Jong Kyu Lee, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701 Korea Sang Yong Lee, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701 Korea Kun Woo Chun, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 200-701 Korea Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    In conifer plantations, enhancement of species diversity has become an important management goal. Although thinning is a useful method to enhance diversity, determining optimum thinning intensities may be rather complicated because of potential trade-offs among a broad array of management goals (e.g., recovery of biodiversity, increasing individual tree sizes, increasing net primary production, saving management costs). To evaluate the optimum thinning intensity by analyzing these relationships, we conducted a thinning experiment with three different thinning intensities—unthinned, 33% thinned, and 67% thinned—in a Cryptomeria japonica plantation in 2003, and investigated the number, diameter at breast height (DBH), and diversity of hardwoods (height 〉 1.5 m) in 2008, and the growth of conifers over five years. In hardwoods, the number of individuals, number of species, mean DBH, and total basal area were greatest in the 67% thinned treatment, irrespective of successional status. However, Shannon’s diversity index did not differ among the three treatments due to a disproportionate increase with thinning intensity in the abundance of a mid-successional species, Cornus controversa . Diameter growth of conifers was also highest in the 67% thinned and lowest in the unthinned treatment, whereas the reverse was true for stand volume increment. These results suggest that intensive thinning is a reliable method to convert conifer plantations into conifer–hardwood mixed forests at canopy level much more quickly and consistently than weak thinning, although primary production is to some extent reduced. If forest managers prefer sustainable timber production of conifers rather than full recovery of diversity, weak thinning may be suitable. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0316-z Authors Kenji Seiwa, Laboratory of Forest Ecology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan Yukino Eto, Laboratory of Forest Ecology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan Masahiro Hishita, Laboratory of Forest Ecology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Naruko-onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan Kazuhiko Masaka, Forestry Research Institute Koshunai, Bibai, Hokkaido 079-0198, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We examined fruiting behaviors of 24 dipterocarp species in a lowland rain forest of Peninsular Malaysia during two consecutive episodes of general flowering (GF). The first GF episode (GF2001) occurred from August 2001 to February 2002, and the second GF episode (GF2002) followed immediately, from March to September 2002. The magnitude of GF2002 was greater than that of GF2001 at the community level. Significant positive size dependence of fruiting behavior at the community level was found in both GF2001 and GF2002, but there was no significant association between the fruiting behaviors in GF2001 and GF2002 except for one species. These results imply that tree size was one of the explanatory factors for fruiting behavior of dipterocarp species, but there was no evidence that adjacent reproduction caused the absence of reproduction and decreased fecundity in the subsequent fruiting event. In contrast, strong spatial aggregation of fruiting trees was found in GF2001, suggesting that external factors may affect fruiting behavior of dipterocarps in a minor GF episode. Among the 12 study species, there were large variations in fruiting behavior, but growth type (e.g., fast-growing or slow-growing) did not simply explain the inter-specific pattern of fruiting behavior. Thus, tree size may account for fruiting behavior of dipterocarps during the consecutive GF episodes through species-specific differences in phonological responses to internal and external conditions. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0308-z Authors Shinya Numata, Biological Environment Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan Ryo O. Suzuki, Sugadaira Montane Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Sugadaira-kogen 1278-294, Ueda, Nagano 386-2204, Japan Sen Nishimura, Forestry Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia Yoko Naito, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan Akihiro Konuma, National Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences, 3-1-3 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8604, Japan Yoshihiko Tsumura, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Naoki Tani, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Ohwashi 1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8686 Japan Toshinori Okuda, Biological Environment Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan Md Noor Nur Supardi, Forestry Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    A method for obtaining a relative deer population density index with low cost and effort is urgently needed in wildlife protection areas that need their own deer management guidelines. We recorded the number of deer sighted during our daily trips on forest roads by car in Ashiu Forest at Kyoto University, Japan, beginning in 2006. We used generalized additive mixed models (GAMMs) to estimate among-year trends in the number of deer sighted. We applied models for the total number of deer (TND), number of adults (NA), and number of fawns (NF) sighted, which included both current-year and 1-year-old fawns. Full models included the terms of year (2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010), weather (fine, cloudy, and rain/snow), and nonlinear effects of season (date) and time (time). The optimal GAMMs for TND, NA, and NF did not include the effect of weather but included those of time, date, and year. The detected among-year trends in deer population may be influenced by differences in snow environments among the years. The modeling of road count data using GAMM quantitatively determined among-year variation in the number of deer sighted. This trend was similar to that of the population density estimated using a block count survey conducted in Ashiu Forest. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0379-5 Authors Inoue Mizuki, Laboratory of Forest Science, Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Akita, 010-0195 Japan Shota Sakaguchi, Laboratory of Forest Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Keitaro Fukushima, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Masaru Sakai, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Atsushi Takayanagi, Laboratory of Forest Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Daisuke Fujiki, Institute of Natural and Environment Science, University of Hyogo, Tanba, Japan Michimasa Yamasaki, Laboratory of Forest Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    The specific leaf area (SLA) is an important variable reflecting the carbon gain strategy of tree growth, but the relationships between SLA and other environmental factors have not been studied extensively at the stand level. The aim of this study was to define the relationships between stand structure and SLA in order to improve the predictive value of SLA for forest management models. Various parameters of stand structure and specific needle area (SNA) were measured in 14 different even-aged and closed-canopy stands of Chinese pine ( Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.). Correlation and regression analysis revealed several significant relationships between stand structure and SNA. Stand density exerted a significant effect on mean-canopy SNA (SNA mean ). Stand density was also strongly correlated to mean-layer SNA (SNA L ), especially at lower canopy layers. SNA L increased at lower canopy layers within each stand, and the increase was greater in higher density stands. Within the range of stand densities examined in this study, the SNA mean initially increased sharply with increasing stand density, but the rate of rise declined as the density increased. Finally, it reached stability when the stand density was above about 3,000 trees ha −1 . Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0372-z Authors Yu Shi, Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation & Desertification Combating of Ministry of Education, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinhuadong Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China Xinxiao Yu, Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation & Desertification Combating of Ministry of Education, School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, No. 35, Qinhuadong Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083 People’s Republic of China Xiongbin Wang, Hebei Provincial Academy of Water Resources, No. 310, Taihua Road, Xinhua District, Shijiazhuang, 050051 People’s Republic of China Jiayin Zhang, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences Beijing, No. 8(1), Anwai Dayangfang, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100012 People’s Republic of China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Hemispherical photographs combined with litter collection were applied to determine seasonal dynamics of leaf area index (LAI) between the period of maximum leaf area and the leafless period from an old-growth temperate forest in the Xiaoxing’an Mountains, northeastern China. Our objective is to explore the change in the relationship between “true” LAI and effective LAI (calculated only from hemispherical photography) and to find the best LAI estimation models. Effective LAI in November is corrected for contribution of woody material and clumping at shoot and beyond shoot levels, to give minimum “true” LAI. The “true” LAI in each period is estimated as a sum of the minimum “true” LAI and litter collection LAI in each period. Power function regression calibration models were then carried out between “true” LAI and effective LAI in each period and the entire litter-fall period. Then, significance tests were applied to detect the differences among different models. The results showed that the average “true” LAI ranged from 2.74 ± 0.54 on November 1 to 6.64 ± 1.34 on July 1. For the entire season, average effective LAI was 53.16 % lower than the average “true” LAI. After significance tests, calibration models were classified into two types: (1) maximum LAI period and the period of maximum leaf fall; (2) the period during which leaves began falling and all deciduous leaves had fallen. Based on our experience, we believe that the classified models can produce reliable and accurate LA1 values for the needle and broad-leaved mixed forest stands under the non-destructive condition. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0370-1 Authors Yujiao Qi, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040 China Guangze Jin, Center for Ecological Research, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040 China Zhili Liu, Center for Ecological Research, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, 150040 China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Plant functional types (PFTs) are essential for us to research on community structure and dynamics. A proper criterion for assessing PFTs in a broad-leaved community is yet to be established, and the reports for correlations between PFTs and plant succession are still rare. The current study aimed to: (1) detect which functional trait(s) of woody species would best characterize PFTs in a forest community, and (2) explore general trends of functional traits with plant succession. We sampled fruit-bearing twigs of 55 woody species in a subtropical forest in southwest China, and recorded two sets of sizes of functional traits including both vegetative and reproductive organs. A principal components analysis (PCA) was performed on the functional traits studied, and the functional types were grouped out with K -means clustering. Next, the relationship between PFTs and species succession status was examined. The PCA revealed that of all the functional traits studied, twig sizes may exert a greatest impact on the traits assemblages and PFTs’ performances in this community, i.e., twig size may act as an important determinant for PFTs at the species level. The 55 woody species were classified into three distinct PFTs whose sizes tended to increase with the advance of species succession. Twig size tended to combine with leaf size, and so was the fruit size with seed size. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0376-8 Authors Haiyang Wang, Institute of Landscape Ecology of Mountainous Horticulture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716 China Hong Chen, Institute of Landscape Ecology of Mountainous Horticulture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716 China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    To evaluate the effect of thinning on a mature coastal Pinus thunbergii Parlat. forest in Hokkaido, northern Japan, we established four study plots with different thinning intensities (control and 20, 40, and 60 % thinned at individual base; each 20 m × 20 m) and monitored them for 10 years. Radial growth of individual trees in the 60 % thinned plot was significantly greater than that in the other plots, whereas height growth in the 60 % thinned plot was significantly lower than in the other plots. Applying the height growth contribution index, which represents the trade-off between relative height growth rate and relative diameter growth rate, revealed that individual trees in the control and weakly (20 and 40 %) thinned plots had invested more in height growth compared to trees in the 60 % thinned plot. Though higher trunk slenderness value (〉80) indicates higher susceptibility to meteorological disturbance such as wind storm and heavy snow, trunk slenderness in the control and the weakly thinned plots increased significantly compared to that in the 60 % thinned plot. In this study, 44.3 % of trees in the control plot had trunk slenderness values 〉80 over a period of 10 years. The number of trees with trunk slenderness values 〉80 also increased in the weakly thinned plots. In contrast, no increase was observed in the 60 % thinned plot. In Japan, the thinning intensity is legally supposed to be 〈35 % of stand volume, which is not enough to improve tree architecture in terms of trunk slenderness. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0373-y Authors Kazuhiko Masaka, Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Koshunai, Bibai, Hokkaido 079 0198, Japan Hajime Sato, Donan Branch Station, Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Kikyo, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041 0801, Japan Hiroyuki Torita, Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Koshunai, Bibai, Hokkaido 079 0198, Japan Hirokazu Kon, Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Koshunai, Bibai, Hokkaido 079 0198, Japan Minoru Fukuchi, Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Koshunai, Bibai, Hokkaido 079 0198, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    The status quo of forest parks, including National Forest Parks (NFPs), and the problems they are facing in China are reviewed. A large amount of Chinese-language literature is not easily accessible to the international scientific community. Forest tourism started in 1982 with the establishment of Zhangjiajie NFP, the first designated NFP in China. Recently, both the number of forest tourists and the amount of revenue from the entry fee to the forest parks have increased by approximately 20 % each year. The sharp increase of forest tourism generates impressive revenues and improves the regional economy near the forest parks. The large number of forest visitors has placed much pressure on natural resources. Tourism facilities built inside the protected area pollute the water, and biological integrity has been deteriorating. Under the conditions of a lack of appropriate legislation and management by several organizations, forest tourism is in a dilemma about to how to develop in a way that is sustainable and which promotes the local economy. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0365-y Authors Bixia Chen, United Nations University-Institute of Advanced Studies Operating Unit Ishikawa /Kanazawa, Shiinoki Cultural Complex, 3F, 2-1-2 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0962, Japan Yuei Nakama, Department of Subtropical Agricultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, 1-banchi, Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    In order to elucidate the phylogeographical relationships and to find the past colonization routes of evergreen oak ( Quercus phillyraeoides ), we collected samples from 19 populations from the central to western part of Japan and examined chloroplast DNA sequence variation. We analyzed the genetic variation for four non-coding and one coding region and examined a total of 3,665 bp. Total nucleotide diversity ( π ) was 0.00017 ± 0.00001, and the scaled mutation rate ( θ w ) was 0.00021 ± 0.00011. These values were relatively smaller than those formerly reported for Japanese deciduous oak species ( Q. mongolica var. crispula ). A total of five haplotypes, two of which included two subtypes (A1, A2, B, C, D1, D2, E), were identified, with types A1 and D2 the most frequent. A large degree of genetic differentiation had occurred across the populations ( G ST  = 0.833 for haplotype data and F ST  = 0.858 for sequence data). The data suggested several possible refugia populations on the Pacific Ocean coast and the East China Sea coast, nearly identical to those previously suggested for the lucidophyllus forest refugia. We could not find any evidence showing that any part of the Seto Inland Sea populations could be possible refugia. Largest genetic differentiation across the populations in the Seto Inland Sea region suggests that these areas have been recently colonized following the last glacial maximum from the refugia in the Pacific coast or in southern Kyushu. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0357-y Authors Huan-Zhen Liu, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, 790-8566 Japan Yasunori Takeichi, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, 790-8566 Japan Koichi Kamiya, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, 790-8566 Japan Ko Harada, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama, 790-8566 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Few studies have been done on the quantification of stand-level leaf herbivory in tropical forests. We evaluated the significance of annual leaf loss due to folivorous insects on the calculation of aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in tropical rain forests along broad climatic and edaphic gradients on Mt. Kinabalu, Borneo. We estimated insect folivory at the stand level as the product of a lifetime leaf loss ratio and annual leaf production in the stand. We defined the lifetime leaf loss ratio as the ratio of litter-leaf mass consumed by folivorous insects to the total litter-leaf mass at the stand level. The lifetime leaf loss ratio ranged from 1.6 to 8.4 %. The annual leaf loss caused by folivorous insects ranged from 0.01 to 0.38 Mg C ha −1  year −1 , or from 1.2 to 5.9 % of ANPP in these tropical rain forests. Our method of estimating folivory (1) simultaneously considers all the tree species, canopy layers, and species of folivorous insects, (2) avoids underestimating leaf herbivory due to the resorption of mobile organic and inorganic matter from senescent leaves at the time of leaf abscission, and (3) can readily be applied in forests elsewhere. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0356-z Authors Shizuo Suzuki, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Kanehiro Kitayama, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Shin-ichiro Aiba, Faculty of Science, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-0065 Japan Masaaki Takyu, Faculty of Regional Environmental Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, 156-8502 Japan Kihachiro Kikuzawa, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Tree root respiration is an important component of the carbon balance in forest ecosystems; however, it is not clear whether root preparation treatments (such as excising and washing) affect root respiration measurements. Here, we aimed to compare the respiration rates of roots subjected to different treatments (i.e., washing with water vs. brushing without water, and excising vs. not excising) for 17-month-old seedlings of Cryptomeria japonica . Immediately after sampling an entire root system, the root respiration rate was measured on a mass basis using a closed static chamber system equipped with an infrared gas analyzer. We found that the respiration rates for roots that were excised 10–20 times were significantly higher than those for roots that were not excised. There was no significant difference in the root respiration rates between washing and brushing treatments. Our results indicate that large numbers of excisions (〉10 times) could lead to bias in the measured changes in specific root respiration rates, and imply that differences between washing and brushing treatments do not affect the specific root respiration rate. We conclude that potential variation in recorded root respiration rates could be minimized by standardizing the root preparation technique, which should involve rapidly removing all loose soil and limiting the extent of root excision. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0355-0 Authors Naoki Makita, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Ryoko Yaku, School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, Himeji, 670-0092 Japan Mizue Ohashi, School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, Himeji, 670-0092 Japan Keisuke Fukuda, School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, Himeji, 670-0092 Japan Hidetoshi Ikeno, School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, Himeji, 670-0092 Japan Yasuhiro Hirano, Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 464-8601 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Quercus serrata Thunb. ex Murray is a widespread deciduous oak in China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, and a strong isoprene emitter. Establishing accurate inventories of this species and estimating net carbon budgets, including biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC), necessitates detailed evaluation of BVOC emission and oxidation characteristics. Emissions of isoprene, the most abundant BVOC, presumably contribute to atmospheric chemistry through the formation of photochemical oxidants and secondary organic aerosols. We built an isoprene flux monitoring system to simultaneously reveal characteristics of the flux and fate of isoprene at multiple locations in Q. serrata forests. We used proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and an automated closed chamber to measure isoprene emissions from soil and leaves in a warm-temperate Q. serrata forest. We used a relaxed eddy accumulation system with PTR-MS to simultaneously measure the canopy flux. In continuous foliage chamber measurements, we observed daily variations of isoprene emissions and continuous nocturnal emissions from leaves. Nocturnal emissions exceeded 25 % of total daily leaf emissions and were relatively high at sunset and low at sunrise. These results suggest that nocturnal emissions from mature trees may not be negligible. When leaf emissions were high in the daytime, the canopy isoprene flux tended to plateau at an upper limit. Observations of isoprene concentrations and gradients suggest that the plateau was caused by acceleration of isoprene oxidation, and sequential formation of secondary organic aerosols may occur near the leaf just after emission. Elucidation of these linkages may require continuous field measurements with a simultaneous multi-flux monitoring system. Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0350-5 Authors Takafumi Miyama, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 68 Nagaikyutaro, Momoyama, Fushimi, Kyoto, 612-0855 Japan Motonori Okumura, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Yuji Kominami, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 68 Nagaikyutaro, Momoyama, Fushimi, Kyoto, 612-0855 Japan Kennichi Yoshimura, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 68 Nagaikyutaro, Momoyama, Fushimi, Kyoto, 612-0855 Japan Mioko Ataka, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan Akira Tani, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Forest management has significant influences on the preferences of people for forest landscapes. This study attempted to evaluate the effects of thinning on the scenic value of forests. Five typical stands in Nanjing Wuxiangsi National Forest Park were subject to a designed thinning experiment from February to May 2007 with four intensities: unthinned, light-thinning, middle-thinning, and high-thinning. Next, people’s preferences for landscape photographs taken in plots with different thinning intensities were assessed by a scenic beauty estimation (SBE) developed by using normal function theory (N-SBE) 2 years after thinning. In order to resolve shortcomings of N-SBE, another SBE calculation method based on weighted sum theory (W-SBE) was developed in the study, and it was demonstrated to have the same reliability as N-SBE by statistical methods. Then, the difference of W-SBE between different thinning intensities was analyzed by paired samples T test. The results suggested that it was significant, at the 0.01 level, between unthinned plots and all thinned plots, and significant, at the 0.05 level, between high-thinning and light-thinning, and between high-thinning and middle-thinning, while there was no significant difference between middle-thinning and light-thinning. Finally, a stepwise regression model was established between W-SBE as the dependent variable and some possible impact preference factors as independent variables. This indicated that landscape value was diminished with increase of tree density, canopy density, and opening of understory, while the value improved with the increment of average diameter at breast height and tree height, species diversity or uniformity, and also the improvement of accessibility and environment neatness in the forest. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0342-5 Authors Songqiu Deng, Forest Resource and Environment College, Nanjing Forestry University, 159, Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China Jiafeng Yan, Forestry Bureau of Huainan City, Huainan, Anhui 232001, China Qingwei Guan, Forest Resource and Environment College, Nanjing Forestry University, 159, Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China Masato Katoh, Forest Measurement and Planning Laboratory, Forest Science Department, Agriculture Faculty, Shinshu University, 8304, Minamiminowa-Vill., Kamiina-Dtrct, Nagano, 399-4598 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Like edge effects, variations in topography can influence the physiognomy and structural patterns of the vegetation due to the high dynamics encountered in inclined areas. We evaluated the effect of edges on the structure and physiognomy of the arboreal and woody understory communities in patches of an Atlantic Forest remnant in two distinct topographic positions. Four study situations were laid out (slope edge, top edge, slope interior, and top interior), with ten 10 × 10 m plots each to sample the arboreal components (circumference at breast height ≥15 cm), and ten 5 × 5 m plots (in the corner of each arboreal component plot) to sample the woody understory (circumference at ground level ≥3 cm and with circumference at breast height 〈15 cm). We investigated physiognomic and structural variables of edge and interior environments in similar topographic positions on both slope and top (level) areas of the same remnant forest. Physiognomic and structural differences between edge and interior vegetation were noted, and these were found to be still more evident when different topographic positions were considered. Physiognomic and structural variations between the edge and interior vegetation were more notable on slopes than on hill tops, indicating greater dynamics in areas with greater topographic inclinations. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0344-3 Authors Tassiane Novacosque Feitosa Guerra, State Environmental Agency of Pernambuco, St. Santana 367, Casa Forte, Recife, PE 52060.460, Brazil Maria Jesus Nogueira Rodal, Department of Biology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Ave. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171.900, Brazil Ana Carolina Borges Lins e Silva, Department of Biology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Ave. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171.900, Brazil Marccus Alves, Department of Botany, Federal University of Pernambuco, St. Prof. Nelson Chaves, Cidade Universitária, Recife, PE 50670.901, Brazil Maria Amanda Menezes Silva, Department of Biology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Ave. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171.900, Brazil Poliana Gabriella de Araújo Mendes, Department of Biology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Ave. Dom Manoel de Medeiros, Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE 52171.900, Brazil Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient for forest development. In this study, using a natural pH gradient, N and carbon (C) mineralization was investigated and the effects of soil pH as well as the total C and N contents and the soil C/N ratio were evaluated in forest soils after mountain closure in a karst region. The N availability was poor based on the low N mineralization potential ( N 0 ) and the low active fraction of soil total N ( N 0 /total N), while high microbial decomposition activity was indicated by a high mineralization rate constant ( k N ). N 0 was positively correlated with soil pH as well as the total C and N contents. Additionally, multiple regression analysis revealed that total CN (the product of the soil total C and total N contents) and the C/N ratio had more significant effects on N 0 than soil pH. In contrast, the mineralization rate constants k N and k C were positively affected by soil pH. The results indicated that N availability was regulated by soil organic matter (SOM), while microbial activity was restricted by soil pH. Also, the lack of nitrification and the high C 0 / N 0 ratio observed at soil pH 〈5.5 may be a strong indicator of alterations to the microbial composition prompted by severe soil acidification. Further research is required to determine the changes in soil microbial composition with the drop in soil pH and their effects on SOM decomposition and nutrient availabilities. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0341-6 Authors Ye Tian, College of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037 China Kiyomi Takanashi, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan Hiroto Toda, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan Kikuo Haibara, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan Fangjun Ding, Karst Forest Ecosystem Research Center, Guizhou Academy of Forestry, Guiyang, China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Super-absorbent polymer (SAP) is a widely studied cross-linked hydrophilic polymer used as water absorbent material. However, little information is available concerning the effects of SAPs on the growth and nutrient accumulation in forest container seedlings. The present study was conducted to quantify the effects of SAP applied with or without fertilizer on the dry matter and nutrient uptake of Pinus pinaster container seedlings. SAP addition with fertilizer increased dry matter along with increased seedling emergence time. However, no effect was found without fertilizer. Compared with fertilizer only, rapid accumulation time of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) was 7 days longer resulting from SAP addition. The maximum daily N and K accumulations in the fertilized seedlings increased by 9.31 and 10.44 %, respectively, whereas those of the unfertilized seedlings did not differ significantly. SAP addition had little effect on phosphorous (P) uptake, except for an increase in the maximum daily P accumulation under fertilized conditions. The shoot and root of P. pinaster with SAP had 8.61 and 13.70 % higher yields, respectively, than those that received fertilizer only. Compared with fertilizer only, SAP addition with fertilizer increased the N and K contents by 7.15 and 10.04 %, respectively, whereas the P content did not differ significantly. Under fertilized conditions, N, P, and K uptake increased by 17.17, 10.13, and 20.33 %, respectively, from SAP addition. Hence, SAP could be used as a nutrient absorption enhancer (mainly N and K) in forest container seedlings, aside from being a water absorbent material. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0340-7 Authors Fangchun Liu, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Ecological Restoration of Forest Vegetation, Shandong Academy of Forestry, 42 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China Hailin Ma, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Ecological Restoration of Forest Vegetation, Shandong Academy of Forestry, 42 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China Shangjun Xing, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Ecological Restoration of Forest Vegetation, Shandong Academy of Forestry, 42 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China Zhenyu Du, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Ecological Restoration of Forest Vegetation, Shandong Academy of Forestry, 42 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China Bingyao Ma, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Ecological Restoration of Forest Vegetation, Shandong Academy of Forestry, 42 Wenhua East Road, Jinan, 250014 People’s Republic of China Dawei Jing, Agronomy college, Dezhou University, Dezhou, China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    To examine the effects of frequent fires on species composition of the boreal forest in northern Mongolia, we investigated regeneration patterns, including reproductive pathways, post-fire seed sources, and site preferences, of four common tree species ( Betula platyphylla , Larix sibirica , Picea obovata , and Pinus sibirica ). Regeneration patterns differed among B. platyphylla , L. sibirica , and the two evergreen conifers. B. platyphylla regenerated vigorously only after fire irrespective of the presence/absence of nearby seed sources, whereas post-fire regeneration of L. sibirica was more dependent on the presence of nearby seed sources. These two species did not regenerate in mature stands where mature trees of these species were growing. In contrast, no post-fire recruitment of P. obovata and P. sibirica was observed, whereas continuous recruitment of these species was observed in mature stands. The frequent fires that accompany illegal logging may result in larger burned areas and increase the risk of local extinctions of seed sources. The enlargement of burned areas is likely to favor post-fire recruitment of B. platyphylla . Seed dispersal limitation seems to have less effect on B. platyphylla than on the other species because of the wider seed dispersal range and vegetative reproduction capability of this species. Consequently, fires in the northern Mongolian boreal forest likely promote the relative dominance of B. platyphylla and threaten the existence of the evergreen conifers. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0345-2 Authors Takashi Otoda, Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan Takahiro Doi, Faculty of Agriculture, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan Keiji Sakamoto, Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan Muneto Hirobe, Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan Baatarbileg Nachin, Department of Forest Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, 210646 Mongolia Ken Yoshikawa, Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We investigated the effects of warming the basal ends of Carolina poplar ( Populus  ×  canadensis Moench.) softwood cuttings at controlled low-air-temperature on their root growth and leaf damage after planting. The warming treatment was applied to the cuttings by soaking 10 mm beyond the cut end in warmed water maintained at 30 °C in a cold chamber maintained at an air temperature of 10 °C and a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 10 μmol m −2  s −1 (near the light compensation point at 10 °C) until rooting was observed. The warmed cuttings were then grown in a growth chamber at an air temperature of 30 °C, relative humidity 85–90 %, and a PPFD of 100 μmol m −2  s −1 . Control cuttings were grown in the growth chamber throughout the experiment. Rooting occurred simultaneously for both warmed and control cuttings, irrespective of air temperature. Root development was greater and leaf damage, evaluated on the basis of extent of necrosis, was less for warmed cuttings than for control cuttings. The reduction of leaf damage for warmed cuttings probably resulted from reduced post-planting water stress and leaf senescence, because of improved root development as a result of the pre-planting warming treatment. This technique could improve the propagation of cuttings of woody plants, because it would ensure that the cuttings are ready to develop roots with minimum loss of carbohydrates, irrespective of weather conditions. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0343-4 Authors Toshio Shibuya, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan Shuhei Tsukuda, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan Ayako Tokuda, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan Shuji Shiozaki, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan Ryosuke Endo, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan Yoshiaki Kitaya, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    The wave attenuation function of a Japanese black pine forest was evaluated based on its growth at different initial planting densities ( P ini ) using the spatially explicit, individual-based, dynamic global vegetation model. The forest dynamics were simulated for 150 years utilizing datasets for tree density and stem diameter at different stand ages obtained in the field. To elucidate the ability of the forest to reduce the wave height h t (m), a long linear wave that propagates on dry ground was assumed. The attenuation of h t (m) was expressed as follows: h t = h t 0 exp( - k \text i x ) , where h t 0 , x , and k i are the initial wave height (m), the distance (m), and the wave attenuation coefficient (m −1 ), respectively. The tree destruction caused by the waves was considered in order to estimate k i . The model suggested that there was a peak age that maximized k i and was dependent on h t , and that the maximum k i attained decreased with increasing h t . When P ini was varied widely from 0.5 to 4 m −2 , the maximum k i for a relatively low wave height (≤3 m) changed dramatically. For example, when h t = 2\text m , the maximum k i ranged from 0.008 to 0.031 m −1 , depending on P ini . Thus, utilizing a relatively low P ini would be an efficient way of quickly creating a forest capable of sufficient wave attenuation in areas where a relatively high wave height (≥4 m) is expected. It was concluded that regular harvesting and planting would be required to realize the full potential of the coastal forests to attenuate waves, and that tailoring P ini is one of the management options that could be used to establish a wave prevention forest. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0348-z Authors Rempei Suwa, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We investigated mean leaf retention time in order to elucidate the factors affecting regional and local variations in stand-level leaf longevity in hinoki cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa ) plantations. Our study sites consisted of six stands at a low elevation (320–370 m a.s.l.) and 12 stands at a high elevation (850–970 m a.s.l.) in southwestern Japan. We also used published data on leaf longevity in stands at various elevations to clarify the regional-scale variations in leaf longevity and their relationships to environmental factors. At the regional scale, leaf longevity increased with increasing elevation and with decreasing air temperature, growing season length, and Kira’s warmth index across sites. Similar relationships were obtained for the variation in leaf mass. At the local scale, leaf longevity did not show a clear relationship with topographic position, soil water content, or soil C/N ratio. Contrary to our expectation, leaf longevity was negatively correlated with the leaf C/N ratio at both study sites, although the significance level was marginal. This indicates greater leaf longevity with better leaf nutrient status. Our results suggest that responses of leaf longevity in hinoki cypress stands to environmental factors would be more prominent at the regional scale than at the local scale, although large variation was detected at the local scale. Air temperature and growing season length appear to be the main drivers of the variation in leaf longevity at the regional scale, whereas the causal factors are unclear at the local scale. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0346-1 Authors Kazuki Miyamoto, Shikoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 2-915 Asakura-Nishimachi, Kochi, 780-8077 Japan Shiro Okuda, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 68 Nagaikyutaro, Momoyama-cho, Fushimi, Kyoto, 612-0855 Japan Yoshiyuki Inagaki, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Mahoko Noguchi, Shikoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 2-915 Asakura-Nishimachi, Kochi, 780-8077 Japan Takeharu Itou, Shikoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 2-915 Asakura-Nishimachi, Kochi, 780-8077 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Stream macroinvertebrate assemblages are expected to be affected by the abundance and constitution of litter from surrounding forests. We compared forest floor cover, overland flow, stream environment, and stream macroinvertebrate assemblages between the catchments of a Japanese cedar plantation (CP) and a primary deciduous forest (DF). Both systems experience excessive deer browsing. Understory vegetation cover was higher in the DF than in the CP in summer, although cover was low (〈20 %), possibly because of excessive deer browsing. Litter cover was much higher in the CP than in the DF in summer as a result of the long abscission period, slow breakdown, and low rate of dispersal of Japanese cedar litter compared to deciduous litter. Monthly overland flow was always lower in the CP than in the DF, and substrate size was smaller in the DF stream. In the CP, cedar litter accumulated in the stream, probably because of its low breakdown rate and morphology, and abundant shredder taxa characterized the macroinvertebrate assemblage. In contrast, abundant burrower taxa characterized the macroinvertebrate assemblage in the DF stream. These results imply that Japanese cedar litter functions in structuring the macroinvertebrate assemblage by supplying persistent food resources for detritivores, and by buffering fine sedimentation via overland flow under excessive deer browsing. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0339-0 Authors Masaru Sakai, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 Japan Yosihiro Natuhara, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 Japan Keitaro Fukushima, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 Japan Ayumi Imanishi, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 Japan Kensuke Imai, Department of Human Environments and Architectual Design, Osaka University of Human Sciences, 1-4-1 Shojaku, Settsu, Osaka 566-8501, Japan Makoto Kato, Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Branch growth in Larix gmelinii was estimated by several methods. Sample trees were felled in Laoshan (northeastern China) and Sapporo (northern Japan). Estimates of the annual woody growth of branches calculated by the growth ratio of the cross-sectional area of each branch base were found to be lower compared with those calculated by a detailed method, in which branch growth was estimated by growth-ring analysis of radial segments in different age classes. A linear relationship was observed between the annual woody growth/whole branch mass ratio and the relative depth within the crown (RDC), where the distance between the treetop and crown base was set to 1.0. The total annual woody branch growth of each tree was estimated using this relationship by multiplying the ratio by the whole branch mass at a given RDC and adding the products from the treetop to the crown base. Alternative estimates were obtained using the total branch growth, defined as the annual woody growth plus leaf mass, and the 1 − RDC relationship. Estimates obtained by these methods were similar to those obtained by detailed growth-ring analysis of branches. Estimates obtained by the growth/mass ratio for only the stem within the crown were also compared with those obtained by detailed growth-ring analysis. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0347-0 Authors Yoichi Kanazawa, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan Hiroaki T. Ishii, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan Shoko Homma, Forestry Preservation Division, Hiroshima Prefectural Government, Hiroshima, Japan Yasuo Kita, Faculty of Agriculture, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan Mayuko Jomura, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan Wang Wenjie, Lab. Forest Plant Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China Zu Yuangang, Lab. Forest Plant Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Composition, structure, and species-specific patterns of recruitment and growth were characterized in two yellow birch ( Betula alleghaniensis Britt.)–conifer stands in Quebec, Canada, to improve our understanding of the dynamics of these complex ecosystems. The mixture of mid- and shade-tolerant species in the canopy, the inverse J-shape stem diameter distribution, and the age distribution were indicative that the two stands were in a late-successional stage. Recruitment of mid-tolerant species above 1.3 m in height appeared to be periodic and synchronized with historical spruce budworm ( Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) outbreaks, while the coniferous component of these mixedwood stands recruited continuously. Results suggest that recruitment of yellow birch and red maple ( Acer rubrum L.) requires disturbances of a certain intensity that affect at least 25 % of the forest cover. In contrast, balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and red spruce ( Picea rubens Sarg.) can recruit under the canopy without relying on moderate or large canopy disturbances. Results suggest that the historical disturbance regime, and differences in shade tolerance between species, largely govern the contemporary composition of these stands. This study improves the comprehension of mechanisms that regulate the dynamics of yellow birch-conifer stands and will be useful for the subsequent elaboration of forest management strategies. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0338-1 Authors Louis Duchesne, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Direction de la recherche forestière, 2700, rue Einstein, Québec, QC G1P 3W8, Canada Marcel Prévost, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Direction de la recherche forestière, 2700, rue Einstein, Québec, QC G1P 3W8, Canada Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Over the past four decades, many researchers have applied the theory of island biogeography (IBT) to predict and understand species loss and distribution in fragmented landscapes. Recent studies found that specialist species were more affected by fragment size and isolation than generalists. However, the mechanisms underlying different effects of area and isolation among specialists and generalists are unknown. We tested the predictions of IBT on butterfly assemblages in Tokyo, Japan, and hypothesized that the effects of fragment size and isolation would be stronger for specialists than for generalists. We classified butterfly species into specialists and generalists for each of two dimensions (food range and voltinism) and according to tolerance to the matrix. We recorded 26 feeding specialists and 27 generalists, 24 seasonal specialists and 29 generalists, 32 low matrix-tolerant species and 21 high matrix-tolerant species in 20 forest fragments. We used generalized linear models to relate the number of species in a fragment to fragment size and isolation (distance to the mainland). The averaged models based on AICc showed that fragment size had positive and significant effects on both specialist and generalist and high matrix-tolerant butterfly species richness. However, the negative effects of isolation on species richness were only found in specialist and low matrix-tolerant species. Our results demonstrate that patch isolation only affects specialist species. This suggests that when applying IBT to terrestrial fragmented landscapes, researchers should be careful not to overlook patch area and isolation effects on specialists. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0349-y Authors Masashi Soga, Department of Environment Conservation, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwaicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan Shinsuke Koike, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwaicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description: We explored the temporal effects of fruit consumption on the subsequent seed germination pattern of a fleshy-fruited tree, the Chinese hackberry ( Celtis   sinensis ). Via nursery-based sowing experiments, we investigated (1) how pulp removal affected seed germination patterns at the different stages of fruit maturation, and (2) how the timing of seed dispersal (August, October, and December) affected the germination patterns of seeds from ripe fruits after the removal of pulp. We found that the removal of pulp from around the seeds of ripe fruit had no effect on the percentage and timing of germination. In contrast, the removal of pulp from seeds of unripe fruits largely reduced the germination percentage. The time of sowing did not affect the germination percentage, whereas the timing of germination was delayed for seeds that were sown later or under shaded environments.

Description: Japanese oak wilt (JOW) has been prevalent in Japan since the late 1980s. Infections of the fungus, Raffaelea quercivora Kubono et Shin. Ito, which is transmitted by an ambrosia beetle [ Platypus quercivorus (Murayama)], can cause JOW. Although R. quercivora , P. quercivorus , and oak trees are distributed in other Asia–Pacific countries, the incidence of JOW has not been reported outside Japan. In this study, we collected R. quercivora isolates from 5 Asian countries, including Japan, and compared their ability to induce sapwood discoloration by inoculating Q. serrata logs. The tangential widths of the discoloration in sapwoods inoculated with non-Japanese isolates were equivalent to or greater than those of the 2 Japanese isolates. This indicates that a lack of JOW incidence outside Japan is not because of the lowered ability of R. quercivora to spread discoloration compared with the Japanese isolates. Statistical analyses of the relationship between discoloration and phylogeny based on DNA sequences of actin and chitin synthase showed that the discoloration width was independent of phylogenetic relatedness among the isolates. To discuss why the occurrence of JOW has not been reported outside Japan, further studies (e.g., on host susceptibility and P. quercivorus aggression) throughout Asia are needed.

Description: To clarify the effect of aging in adult Monochamus alternatus on the susceptibility of the beetle to Beauveria bassiana , we inoculated the fungus into adult beetles 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after emergence. The number of days from B. bassiana inoculation to M. alternatus death increased with the number of days from beetle emergence to inoculation up to 14 days after emergence. This indicated that the susceptibility of adult beetles to the fungus decreased with aging. However, B. bassiana -inoculated beetles 28 days after emergence died earlier after inoculation than those inoculated with the fungus 14 days after emergence; i.e., the beetle’s susceptibility to the fungus increased again. We considered this phenomenon to be the result of senescence of adult beetles. We concluded that the susceptibility of M. alternatus to B. bassiana decreased first and then increased again with aging.

Description: Interception loss ( E i ) in forests has been studied widely. However, E i parameters and modeling as well as spatial patterns of throughfall ( TF ) in abandoned Japanese cypress ( Chamaecyparis   obtusa ) plantations remain poorly documented. In this study, gross precipitation ( P G ), stemflow ( SF ), and TF were monitored in an unmanaged 32-year-old Japanese cypress stand throughout the 2011 rainy season. Results indicate that P G partitioning into TF , SF , and E i were, respectively, 64.2 ± 3.6, 10.6 ± 0.6, and 25.2 ± 1.1 % of the 880.8 mm cumulative P G from 29 rainfall events. Direct throughfall proportion ( p ) and drainage from the canopy contributed about 14 ± 7 and 50 ± 21 % of the total TF for the events, respectively. The mean canopy storage capacity ( S ) was 2.4 ± 0.7 mm. The coefficient of variability (CV) of TF rate decreased asymptotically with increasing P G amount, ranging from 16 to 56 % with median 26 %. The CV of TF rate was not significantly correlated with canopy cover ( r  = 0.152, P  = 0.521, n  = 20) and distance from the nearest trunk ( r  = 0.196, P  = 0.408, n  = 20). Based on the revised Gash analytical model, the total simulated E i was close to the observed, with a general underestimation magnitude of 5.7 %. The E i components were quantified, and most of the interception loss (62.9 %) evaporated during rainfall, while 26.8 % evaporated after rainfall ceased. Climatic and forest structural parameters required by the model were identified and analyzed by sensitivity analysis, implying that the revised Gash analytical model is robust and reliable enough for abandoned Japanese cypress plantations in a maritime climate.

Description: Leaf litter respiration ( R LL ) was directly measured in situ to evaluate relationships with the water content in leaf litter ( WC ), which is distributed heterogeneously under natural conditions. To do so, we developed a small, closed static chamber system using an infrared gas analyzer, which can measure instantaneous R LL . This study focuses on the measurement of CO 2 effluxes from leaf litter using the chamber system in the field and examines the relationship between R LL and WC among seven broadleaf species in a temperate forest. The measurements focused on the position of leaves within the litter layer, finding that both R LL and WC were significantly higher in the lower layer. The value of R LL increased with increasing WC , and the response of R LL to WC was similar among all seven species. Moreover, the temporal variation in WC differed among three species and was associated with leaf litter thickness. The observed heterogeneity in WC induced by the physical environment (e.g., position and thickness of leaf litter) affects the variation in WC and, therefore, both R LL and the decomposition rates of organic matter in the litter layer.

Description: Mature somatic embryos (SEs) of Taiwan spruce ( Picea morrisonicola Hay.) were harvested from embryogenic tissues incubated on a filter paper laid on an abscisic acid (ABA)-containing medium. The effects of cold storage and partial drying on embryo germination and on reduction of embryo ABA content were determined. Percentage germination was low (〈10 %) and hyperhydricity was high (〉86.8 %) for mature SEs (control). Both cold storage and partial drying significantly reduced this physiological abnormality. Germination increased to 49.1 % for SEs that received cold-storage treatment, and their ABA content was reduced to a trace amount (2.4 ± 1.1 µg/g dw). Germination increased to 58.1 % for SEs partially dried for 7 days, and the ABA content was relatively high (62.8 ± 21.7 µg/g dw). Hyperhydricity-induced failure to germinate among SEs containing low levels of ABA is discussed. Histological study revealed vigorous differentiation in the root apical meristem of SE during partial drying. This advanced development also accounted for the enhanced germination performance compared with other treatments. A combination treatment (partial drying and cold storage) increased percentage germination even further (69.9 %) and more effectively reduced hyperhydricity (18.7 %) during SE germination.

Description: We investigated the fundamental behaviour of Chisan (check) dams in response to the presence or absence of impounded sediment with different levels of saturation. Large-scale model flume experiments were conducted by use of a model Chisan dam that had been backfilled with pumiceous clasts taken from the Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan. In these experiments, the miniature dam was situated midway down the flume under different backfill sediment conditions and the basal pore-fluid pressure, normal flow depth, and impact load of the granular mass were carefully monitored. Saturated sediment with a volume of 0.6 m 3 was released along the slope of the flume segment at 30° and excess pore-fluid pressure was generated, corresponding to a sediment velocity of approximately 4.8 m s −1 . Direct collision of the sediment with the Chisan dam meant the peak impact loads of granular mass against the back surface of the dam exceeded 157 N in experiments without backfill sediment but were as low as 32.1 N in experiments with sediment. Accordingly, placing the backfill sediment substantially reduced peak impact loads. The sediment captured by the Chisan dams was also calculated. For experiments using saturated backfill sediment, the dam captured only 35 % of the material, indicating that most of the granular mass passed over the dam. However, in experiments without backfill sediment or with unsaturated backfill sediment, over 90 % was captured. Although Chisan dams with unsaturated backfill sediment lacked pocket space, almost equivalent granular masses were trapped in these experiments. On the basis of these results, we suggest that Chisan dams with unsaturated backfill sediment could effectively counter debris flow, reducing sediment loads along the streams draining Sakurajima volcano.

Description: Estimating forest tree seeding before seedfall is important because annual fluctuations in seeding affect forest regeneration and wildlife behavior. Visual surveys for estimating tree seeding can be conducted easily, but cannot distinguish sound and unsound seeds, and cannot directly measure sound seedfall density, which closely correlates to seedling density and the food availability for wildlife. To establish an effective model for estimating sound seedfall density of Fagus crenata from a visual survey, seeding intensity at the tree level was visually rated into five classes in four stands for 7 years. Seedfall density of the visually surveyed trees was also measured by seed traps. Seeding intensity was strongly correlated with sound seedfall density at the tree level, and sound seedfall density differed among the five classes. However, a model that used only seeding intensity as an explanatory variable was not as effective at estimating sound seedfall density as more complex models that used the stand-level seeding index, calculated from the composition ratio of seeding intensity, in the current and previous years. More complex models improved the estimates because the proportion of sound-to-total seeds at the tree level depended on stand-level total seed production resulting from pollination efficiency and insect predator satiation. This method should be useful for forest management and wildlife conservation because it is rapid, easy, and highly accurate.

Description: Changes in physiognomy, species composition and structure, and dispersal mechanisms of canopy and subcanopy plant assemblages were investigated along a chronosequence of three ages: 12, 20, and 50+ years old (=old-growth), three replications in each, in an Atlantic Forest landscape in Northeastern Brazil. Our objective was to investigate whether there is floristic and structural convergence along secondary succession. There were significant differences between secondary and old-growth forests in density and basal area only for the subcanopy. Differences in density between forest ages were noted when the assemblage was analyzed per diameter and height classes. Richness of canopy species of both secondary ages differed from those of old-growth forests. Some dominant species in the canopy of secondary forests showed a significant decrease in density with increasing age, which indicates an ongoing process of floristic changes. The low level of shared species between secondary and old-growth forests supports the idea that species composition is one of the last components to recover during successional process. Zoochory was the most important dispersal guild in species percentage and number, irrespective of stand age. Although regenerating areas can take alternative pathways, our results indicate that secondary Atlantic Forest sites have a high potential for natural regeneration. This recovery is recorded as a physiognomic convergence of the canopy layer in as little as 12 years, and progressive introductions of later successional species into the plant assemblage that lead to convergence in terms of the diversity and richness of the subcanopy and of dispersal guilds just 20 years after abandonment.

Description: Cable skidders are one of the most used means for logging. In overall skidding operations, winching operations mark themselves out by consuming an important amount of time, which, depending on the work conditions can reach up to 43 % of the total skidding time. A better understanding of those conditions that may act as significant influence factors when estimating time consumption is needed as a prerequisite for better work organization. Based on an extensive time study, this paper demonstrates that along with influence factors that were already identified as being significant (especially winching distance), other influence factors, such as log volume, work pattern, felling area conditions and intervention type, slope, and winching direction, may prove significant in predicting time consumption for the main work elements of winching operations, as well as for a winching cycle. All the variables mentioned presented a great significance ( p  〈 0.05) for a winching replication, and taken apart, they presented great significances for certain work elements. Distance was the most significant independent variable for all the realized time prediction models, slope and winching direction became relevant especially in the case of manual pulling of the cable, whereas intervention type and work patterns made the difference when performances were evaluated. The amount of data within data pools may have a great importance when trying to emphasize the relevance of different variables, as demonstrated by this paper.

Description:    The occurrence and localization of endophytic actinomycetes within diverse organs of host plants provide ecological information that can be used to evaluate the significance of their spatial habitats. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize endophytic actinomycetes in different organs of Quercus serrata. For this purpose, actinomycete isolates were obtained from surface-sterilized tissues of both symptomless seedlings and aged trees of Q. serrata and rhizosphere soil of the sampled seedlings. Thirty-five isolates with the ability to sporulate, including 4 from leaves of the aged trees, 10, 6, and 15 from leaves, stems, and roots of the seedlings, respectively, and 8 soil-derived isolates, were selected and characterized. The 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence analyses revealed that all of them belonged to the genus Streptomyces . According to a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree constructed based on the results, the isolates of plant origin were divided into three major clades with high bootstrap values of 98 or 99 %, whereas eight soil-derived isolates were located at different positions from those of the endophyte isolates. Moreover, two larger clades were formed, one of which contained isolates derived only from aboveground parts, while the other contained isolates from all of the organs. These results suggest that the endophytic streptomycetes in Q. serrata may differ in their habitat positions (i.e., either above- or belowground parts). Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0337-2 Authors W. Thongsandee, Laboratory of Forest Pathology and Mycology, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan Yosuke Matsuda, Laboratory of Forest Pathology and Mycology, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan M. Shimizu, Laboratory of Crop Production and Ecology, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan H. Ehara, Laboratory of Crop Production and Ecology, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan S. Ito, Laboratory of Forest Pathology and Mycology, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    To estimate net ecosystem production (NEP), ecosystem respiration ( R E ), and gross primary production (GPP), and to elucidate the interannual variability of NEP in a cool temperate broadleaf deciduous forest in Sapporo, northern Japan, we measured net ecosystem exchange (NEE) using an eddy covariance technique with a closed-path infrared gas analyzer from 2000 to 2003. NEP, R E , and GPP were derived from NEE, and data gaps were filled using empirical regression models with meteorological variables such as photosynthetic active radiation and soil temperature. In general, NEP was positive (CO 2 uptake) from May to September, either positive or negative in October, and negative (CO 2 release) from November to the following April. NEP rapidly increased during leaf expansion in May and reached its maximum in June or July. The four-year averages (± standard deviation) of annual NEP, GPP, and R E were 443 ± 45, 1,374 ± 39, and 931 ± 11 g C m −2  year −1 , respectively. The lower annual NEP and GPP in 2000 may have been caused by lower solar radiation in the foliated season. During the foliated season, monthly GPP varied from year to year more than monthly R E . Variations in the amount of incoming solar radiation may have caused the interannual variations in the monthly GPP. Additionally, in May, the timing of leaf expansion had a large impact on GPP. Variations in GPP affected the interannual variation in NEP at our site. Thus, interannual variation in NEP was affected by the incoming solar radiation and the timing of leaf expansion. Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0335-4 Authors Kenzo Kitamura, Department of Meteorological Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Yuichiro Nakai, Department of Meteorological Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Satoru Suzuki, Department of Meteorological Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Yoshikazu Ohtani, Department of Meteorological Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Katsumi Yamanoi, Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 7 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, 062-8516 Japan Tomoki Sakamoto, Department of Meteorological Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 1 Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description: CO 2 flux observation in various forests of Monsoon-Asia Content Type Journal Article Category EDITORIAL Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0336-3 Authors Koji Tamai, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Yue-Joe Hsia, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, National Donghwa University, Shoufeng, Hualien 97401, Taiwan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We have studied the photosynthetic production and growth of Thujopsis dolabrata var. hondai (hiba) seedlings under typical light conditions found in mixed forests, including constant shade, phenological gaps under broad-leaved trees with different lengths of foliation period, and in an open plot. Leaves sampled from the open plot had significantly higher rates of light-saturated gross photosynthesis and dark respiration, and a significantly lower specific leaf area than leaves from the other plots. The relative growth rate of whole plant biomass was significantly higher in plots that received larger amounts of light. The variations in these properties under the various light conditions are considered to reflect the ability of hiba seedlings to adapt to available light. In the late autumn, leaves sampled from the open and from the gap under deciduous trees indicated photoinhibition. However, the estimated value of monthly net photosynthesis of hiba seedlings was greater in these plots, indicating that the benefit of a greater light intensity for photosynthesis seems to be larger than the detriment of photoinhibition. The seasonal pattern of photosynthesis by understory hiba seedlings was affected by the phenology of canopy trees. Light availability under the canopy of deciduous trees associated with phenological gaps helped hiba seedlings to tolerate the relatively dark conditions during the subsequent foliation period. These results for reaction to the light regime and for the phenology of hiba seedlings are practicable for hiba forest management. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0281-6 Authors Gaku Hitsuma, Tohoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 92-25 Nabeyashiki, Shimokuriyagawa, Morioka, Iwate 020-123, Japan Qingmin Han, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Yukihiro Chiba, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Heterogeneity of forest stand structure often results from repeated small disturbances, but structural variation also arises in a stand that has regenerated after a single large stand-replacing disturbance. We explored the structural variation within a subalpine Abies forest in Japan that regenerated after a large typhoon in 1959. In 2004, four 50 × 50 m plots were established at two sites in the regenerated forest. To characterize local stand structure within each plot, we determined the stem density, stand basal area, mean diameter at breast height (DBH), and coefficient of variation (CV) of DBH in 10 × 10 m subplots. We analyzed the spatial distribution pattern of the trees in each subplot using the L ( t ) function and categorized the distributions as clumped or non-clumped. The analysis revealed marked variation among subplots in the stand’s structural characteristics. Although the spatial distribution patterns of the trees in all plots were clumped, 11 of 50 subplots at one site and 39 of 50 subplots at the other site were non-clumped. Subplots with a clumped distribution pattern generally had a smaller basal area, smaller mean DBH, and greater CV of DBH than subplots with the same density but a non-clumped pattern. These results illustrated the spatial heterogeneity of forest structure that can arise in Abies forest that has experienced a large disturbance, probably because of the different densities and distribution of saplings surviving the disturbance and the different forest growth dynamics that result. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0331-0 Authors Satoshi N. Suzuki, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Ohsawa, Hachiohji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan Naoki Kachi, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Ohsawa, Hachiohji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan Jun-Ichirou Suzuki, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Ohsawa, Hachiohji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We investigated inter-annual variation of canopy CO 2 exchange (NEE) and evapotranspiration during a 7-year period over a lowland Dipterocarp forest in Pasoh, Peninsular Malaysia, using the eddy covariance method. Annual rainfall fluctuated between 1,451 and 2,235 mm during this period. Annual evapotranspiration estimated by energy budget correction and gap filling using the relationship between latent heat and available energy was 1,287 ± 52 mm. Despite inter-annual variation in rainfall, annual evapotranspiration was stable, except for a slight decrease in the driest year (2009). Evapotranspiration was roughly related to the amount of available energy, but was regulated by stomatal closure to prevent excessive water loss at high vapour pressure deficit. Even during dry periods, no significant decrease in evapotranspiration occurred, as water was supplied from soil layers deeper than 0.5 m. Ecosystem respiration (RE) increased with soil water content. Daytime NEE was also stable during the 7 years, despite climate variability. Afternoon inhibition of canopy photosynthesis was seen every month. Daytime NEE did not become more negative with increasing solar radiation, or with increasing soil water content. During dry periods, gross primary production (GPP) and thus canopy gross photosynthesis decreased slightly, coupled with decreased daytime RE. In this forest, variability in rainfall pattern resulted in seasonal and inter-annual variability in micrometeorology; evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, and RE responded to these changes, and compensated for each other and/or other components of micrometeorology, resulting in rather stable annual evapotranspiration and NEE, even during a very dry year associated with an El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event. Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10310-010-0235-4 Authors Yoshiko Kosugi, Laboratory of Forest Hydrology, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Satoru Takanashi, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Makoto Tani, Laboratory of Forest Hydrology, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Shinjiro Ohkubo, National Agricultural Research Center for Hokkaido Region, Sapporo, 062-8555 Japan Naoko Matsuo, Faculty of Bioresources, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan Masayuki Itoh, Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Shiga, 520-2113 Japan Shoji Noguchi, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute Tohoku Research Center, Morioka, Iwate 020-0123, Japan Abdul Rahim Nik, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, 52109 Malaysia Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) flux was measured above the forest at the Fujiyoshida site on the northern slope of Mount Fuji in Japan in 2000–2008 using an eddy covariance technique. The forest mainly consists of Japanese red pine ( Pinus densiflora ) and Japanese holly ( Ilex pedunculosa ). The 9-year average of monthly mean net ecosystem production (NEP) ranged from −0.1 g C m −2  day −1 in January to 2.5 g C m −2  day −1 in May. The maximum net uptake was observed in May, although gross primary production (GPP) was highest in July. Variation in the leaf amount did not notably affect seasonal variation in GPP. This site was characterized by carbon uptake even in winter, if the meteorological conditions were conducive for photosynthesis and a resulting long period of carbon uptake. The 9-year averages of annual NEP, GPP, and ecosystem respiration (RE) were 388, 1,802, and 1,413 g C m −2  year −1 , respectively. The annual NEP was lowest in 2003 and highest in 2004 over the 9 years. Year-to-year variability of NEP mainly depended on air temperature and photosynthetically active radiation in summer, and the dependence of the deviation of annual NEP on that of GPP was greater than that of RE. Long-term observational data indicated that the carbon uptake ability at the study site was at a moderate level in comparison with other temperate humid evergreen forests around the world. These data also indicated that the site had a high carbon uptake ability compared with other deciduous forests in Japan because of the duration of carbon uptake. Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0307-0 Authors Yasuko Mizoguchi, Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 7 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-8516, Japan Yoshikazu Ohtani, Department of Meteorological Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan Satoru Takanashi, Department of Meteorological Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan Hiroki Iwata, International Arctic Research Center, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK, USA Yukio Yasuda, Tohoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Morioka, Japan Yuichiro Nakai, Department of Meteorological Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    To assess the effect of changes in organic litter stock on seasonal changes in heterotrophic respiration ( R H ), soil respiration ( R S ), and total ecosystem respiration ( R E ), we measured seasonal changes in leaf litter respiration ( R LL ) by the chamber method and estimated the seasonal change in total R H using the RothC model in a warm-temperate mixed deciduous–evergreen forest in Japan. Both R E and R S had seasonal hysteresis and were higher in spring than at the same temperature during autumn. Under warm and humid conditions, the rate of decomposition of newly supplied leaf litter in one year was high (60% loss). Consequently, R LL and R H were higher in spring after leaf drop, when more fresh material was available, than in autumn. In this study, 42 and 88% of the difference in R E and R S between spring and autumn (soil temperature 16–18°C) could be accounted for by the difference in R H , respectively, and 71% of the difference in R H could be accounted for by the difference in R LL . This study showed that seasonal changes in heterotrophic respiration ( R LL and R H ) could be a major factor in the seasonal hysteresis of R E and R S . Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0315-0 Authors Yuji Kominami, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 68 Nagai-Kyutaro, Momoyama, Fushimi, Kyoto, 612-0855 Japan Mayuko Jomura, College of Bioresource Science, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan Mioko Ataka, Laboratory of Forest Hydrology, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Koji Tamai, Department of Forest Site Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Takafumi Miyama, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 68 Nagai-Kyutaro, Momoyama, Fushimi, Kyoto, 612-0855 Japan Masako Dannoura, Laboratory of Forest Utilization, Department of Forest Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Naoki Makita, Laboratory of Forest Hydrology, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Kenichi Yoshimura, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Habitat structure in Oku-Nikko, Japan, has been substantially modified by the overabundance of sika deer ( Cervus nippon ). A deer-proof fence (15.0 km and 900 ha) was constructed in 2001 to conserve vegetation. Although the understory inside the fence is dominated by Sasa nipponica (hereafter, Sasa ), an important forage plant for deer, that outside the fence is dominated by Aster ageratoides leiophyllus (hereafter, Aster ), an unpalatable plant to deer, and, partly, by bare floor. In this study, we examined the effects of deer on ground-dwelling insects and earthworms, the primary food resources of raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides ), and, thus, the bottom-up cascading effects of the herbivore on the omnivorous carnivore. Between July and September 2008, we examined the abundance of insects and earthworms by pitfall trapping and hand-sorting methods, respectively, both inside and outside the fence. The abundance of earthworms and insects (Scarabaeidae and Rhaphidophoridae) was higher on forest floors with Aster and/or bare floors outside the fence than on those with Sasa inside the fence. These results indicate that the increasing deer population in this area probably increased the number of these invertebrates outside the fence by modifying understory vegetation and/or depositing dung. Furthermore, the sighting rates of raccoon dogs obtained by spotlight counts were greater outside than inside the fence, suggesting that deer probably exert bottom-up cascading effects on raccoon dogs, at least during May to November, when the invertebrates are predominantly fed on by the omnivorous carnivore. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0332-z Authors Yoshikazu Seki, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8509 Japan Masaaki Koganezawa, Utsunomiya University Forests, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, Shioya, Tochigi, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    The uncertainty in the predicted values of a process-based terrestrial ecosystem model is as important as the predicted values themselves. However, few studies integrate uncertainty analysis into their modeling of carbon dynamics. In this paper, we conducted a local sensitivity analysis of the model parameters of a process-based ecosystem model at the Chaibaishan broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest site in 2003–2005. Sixteen parameters were found to affect the annual net ecosystem exchange of CO 2 (NEE) in each of the three years. We combined a Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis with a standardized multiple regression method to distinguish the contributions of the parameters and the initial variables to the output variance. Our results showed that the uncertainties in the modeled annual gross primary production and ecosystem respiration were 5–8% of their mean values, while the uncertainty in the annual NEE was up to 23–37% of the mean value in 2003–2005. Five parameters yielded about 92% of the uncertainty in the modeled annual net ecosystem exchange. Finally, we analyzed the sensitivity of the meteorological data and compared two types of meteorological data and their effects on the estimation of carbon fluxes. Overestimating the relative humidity at a spatial resolution of 10 km × 10 km had a larger effect on the annual gross primary production, ecosystem respiration, and net ecosystem exchange than underestimating precipitation. More attention should be paid to the accurate estimation of sensitive model parameters, driving meteorological data, and the responses of ecosystem processes to environmental variables in the context of global change. Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0305-2 Authors Li Zhang, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Guirui Yu, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Fengxue Gu, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Dryland Agriculture, MOA, Beijing, 100081 China Honglin He, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Leiming Zhang, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Shijie Han, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Rhizosphere-induced changes of Pinus densiflora (S. and Z.) grown at elevated atmospheric temperature and carbon dioxide are presented based on experiments carried out in a two-compartment rhizobag system filled with forest soil in an environmentally controlled walk-in chamber with four treatment combinations: control (25°C, 500 μmol mol −1 CO 2 ), T2 (30°C, 500 μmol mol −1 CO 2 ), T3 (25°C, 800 μmol mol −1 CO 2 ), and T4 (30°C, 800 μmol mol −1 CO 2 ). Elevated temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide resulted in higher concentration of sugars and dissolved organic carbon in soil solution, especially at the later period of plant growth. Soil solution pH from the rhizosphere became less acidic than the bulk soil regardless of treatment, while the electrical conductivity of soil solution from the rhizosphere was increased by elevated carbon dioxide treatment. Biolog EcoPlate™ data showed that the rhizosphere had higher average well color development, Shannon–Weaver index, and richness of carbon utilization compared with bulk soil, indicating that microbial activity in the rhizosphere was higher and more diverse than in bulk soil. Subsequent principal component analysis indicated separation of soil microbial community functional structures in the rhizosphere by treatment. The principal components extracted were correlated to plant-induced changes of substrate quality and quantity in the rhizosphere as plants’ response to varying temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-012-0333-6 Authors Venecio U. Ultra, Department of Forest Genetics Resources, Korea Forest Research Institute, Suwon, 441-350 Republic of Korea Sim-Hee Han, Department of Forest Genetics Resources, Korea Forest Research Institute, Suwon, 441-350 Republic of Korea Du-Hyun Kim, Department of Forest Genetics Resources, Korea Forest Research Institute, Suwon, 441-350 Republic of Korea Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We monitored variation in seasonal and annual net ecosystem production (NEP), gross primary production (GPP), and ecosystem respiration ( R E ) based on 7-year eddy covariance measurements above a cool–temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest (Japanese beech forest). The 7-year means (±SD) of annual NEP, GPP, and R E were 312 ± 64, 1250 ± 62, and 938 ± 36 g C m −2  year −1 , respectively. Variation in NEP was much larger than variation in GPP and R E . During the growing season, the main factor controlling carbon balance was air temperature; variation in seasonal integrated NEP was regulated by accumulated air temperature (degree-day) with a significant negative correlation, whereas the seasonal ratio of R E to GPP was correlated positively with accumulated air temperature. Because the deviation of seasonal NEP was also significantly correlated with seasonal R E /GPP, NEP was controlled by R E /GPP, depending on air temperature during the growing season. Seasonal R E in the defoliation and snow seasons was also important for evaluating the annual carbon balance, because the total number of days in the two seasons was quite large owing to a long snowy winter. In the defoliation and snow seasons, we found defoliation season length was a major factor determining seasonal integrated R E , illustrating the positive correlation between R E and defoliation season length. The major factors controlling interannual variations in forest carbon balance are discussed. Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0298-x Authors Yukio Yasuda, Tohoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 92-25 Nabeyashiki Shimokuriyagawa, Morioka, Iwate 020-0123, Japan Takeshi Saito, Tohoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 92-25 Nabeyashiki Shimokuriyagawa, Morioka, Iwate 020-0123, Japan Daisuke Hoshino, Tohoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 92-25 Nabeyashiki Shimokuriyagawa, Morioka, Iwate 020-0123, Japan Kenji Ono, Tohoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 92-25 Nabeyashiki Shimokuriyagawa, Morioka, Iwate 020-0123, Japan Yoshikazu Ohtani, Department of Meteorological Environment, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Japan Yasuko Mizoguchi, Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Sapparo, Japan Takeshi Morisawa, Tohoku Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 92-25 Nabeyashiki Shimokuriyagawa, Morioka, Iwate 020-0123, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We investigated the dynamics of litterfall and litter decomposition of Sasa dwarf bamboo ( Sasa senanensis ) and trees to clarify the characteristics of organic matter and nitrogen cycling between plant and soil in a natural cool-temperate mixed forest ecosystem dominated by an understory vegetation of Sasa. Mean annual Sasa litterfall over the 3-year study period was 164 g m −2  year −1 , which accounted for approximately 29% of total litterfall. Litter decomposition of Sasa leaf and Sasa culm was significantly slower than that of tree leaf during first and second years. The slow decomposition rates of both Sasa litter types were caused by a significantly higher silicate than in tree leaf. Nitrogen concentration in litter increased as decomposition progressed, especially in Sasa leaf and tree leaf. As a result of the slow decomposition of both Sasa litter types, 111 and 73% of nitrogen to the initial amounts were retained in Sasa leaf and Sasa culm after 3 years, respectively. The amounts of retained nitrogen in Sasa leaf, Sasa culm, and tree leaf after 3 years were 1.29, 0.47, and 3.92 g N m −2 , respectively, indicating that the differences of litter decomposition rates among the litter types influence on the nitrogen cycling in forest ecosystem through the differences of the nitrogen release from litter. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0330-1 Authors Tsunehiro Watanabe, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan Karibu Fukuzawa, Northern Forestry Research and Development Office, Forest Research Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, 250 Tokuda, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0071, Japan Hideaki Shibata, Northern Forestry Research and Development Office, Forest Research Station, Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University, 250 Tokuda, Nayoro, Hokkaido 096-0071, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Heterotrophic respiration strongly influences carbon cycles at the ecosystem and global scales. We used an automated chamber system to measure the heterotrophic respiration of coarse woody debris (CWD) and leaf litter in a secondary broadleaved forest in southern Kyoto Prefecture. This system, which targeted only organic matter, could detect heterotrophic respiration responses to changes in environmental factors, especially rainfall events. The temporal trends and responses of respiration to environmental factors differed dramatically between CWD and leaf litter. CWD respiration showed a clear diurnal change corresponding to changes in CWD temperature and a clear decrease during rainfall events. Leaf litter respiration did not change clearly but increased at the beginning of rain events and returned to pre-rain rates when soil water content declined. The temporal patterns of the residuals between the observed respiration and baseline respiration, developed from the temperature–response curves under pre-rain conditions, differed between CWD and leaf litter respiration. The typical trend in CWD respiration response to rainfall events was a clear decrease and then gradual increase in the residuals after the event. The response of leaf litter respiration to wetting was an increase in the residuals during rainfall events and then a gradual decrease during drying. The difference in the responses of these respirations to wetting and drying processes are likely caused by differences in the physical characteristics of the CWD and the leaf litter layer. Measurements targeting only organic matter using an automated chamber system could detect the responses of heterotrophic respiration to environmental factors. Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0320-3 Authors Mayuko Jomura, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0880, Japan Yuji Kominami, Kansai Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Kyoto, 612-0855 Japan Mioko Ataka, Laboratory of Forest Hydrology, Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    CO 2 concentrations and related environmental factors were measured in an Asian tropical rainforest located in a small valley in Xishuangbanna, SW China, with the aim of investigating the CO 2 pooling effect and its mechanism of formation. Pooling of CO 2 was observed during the evening (1600–2200 hours local time); the accumulated CO 2 subsequently flowed away after dusk. We consider that along-slope drainage flow, soil CO 2 efflux, and temperature inversion contribute to the development of CO 2 pooling. A new model is proposed to track the mechanism of the formation and dissipation of CO 2 pooling (e.g., drainage flow, compensatory mechanisms). Given its influence on the storage term, we suggest that CO 2 pooling and subsequent disappearance should be taken into account when calculating eddy covariance and other micrometeorological measurements of carbon flux for valley sites. Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0268-3 Authors Yugang Yao, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303 Menglun, People’s Republic of China Yiping Zhang, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303 Menglun, People’s Republic of China Naishen Liang, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, 305-8506 Japan Zhenghong Tan, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303 Menglun, People’s Republic of China Guirui Yu, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, People’s Republic of China Liqing Sha, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303 Menglun, People’s Republic of China Qinghai Song, Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 666303 Menglun, People’s Republic of China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Sika deer ( Cervus nippon ) cause serious damage to trees in Japanese forests. Browsing, bark stripping, and tree abrasion with antlers account for 50% of total wildlife damage over the past decade. The extent of forest damage depends on deer population density. We determined the spatial distribution of sika deer population density on Mt. Hiko (Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan). We also investigated changes in population density distribution over time. Determinants of population density were examined, with particular emphasis on the hunting cull. Deer densities in 1999 and 2004 were estimated by fecal pellet counts at 86 sites. We used kriging, a geostatistical technique that is a component of geographic information systems, to interpolate site-specific point data over large areas of landscape. Mapping procedures showed that high-density (≥30.0 deer km −2 ) and low-density sections of landscape (≤10.0 deer km −2 ) decreased in areal extent between 1999 and 2004. Contractions of high-density sections were attributable to intensive hunting. In low-density landscape sections, reduced hunting pressure allowed increased persistence of adult animals whose high fecundity led to population growth and higher deer densities. Landscape tracts with medium deer densities (10.0–30.0 deer km −2 ) expanded, adding further difficulties to the task of wildlife management. Given the scale of the problems caused by deer, it is clear that reliable estimates of population size across space and time are essential components of the wildlife manager’s toolbox. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0326-x Authors Hiroshi Kondoh, Kyushu Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Kurokami 4-11-16, Kumamoto, 860-0862 Japan Toru Koizumi, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, 305-8687 Japan Koichi Ikeda, Fukuoka Prefecture Forest Research and Technology Center, Toyota 1438-2, Yamamoto, Kurume, Fukuoka 839-0827, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Drawing on the example of community forestry in Myanmar’s Dry Zone area, this paper conceptualizes and empirically assesses key factors for obtaining the participation of user group members, with emphasis on the implementation stage. More specifically, the study clarifies the commonalities and differences in influential factors between two types of community forestry: agroforestry and natural forest types. Field data were collected by semi-structured interviews with 54 households in four selected user groups, by key informant interviews, by informal interviews, and by direct observations. Our analysis was conducted in accordance with a framework in which selected social/institutional, economic, and physical factors affect participation. The results show that social/institutional factors are the most influential factors in both types, while economic factors are directly related to participation of user groups in the agroforestry type alone. Results indicated that preconditions, such as selection of leaders, should be considered in accordance with the local context in which the people have a shared recognition of what confers legitimacy to leadership. We recommend collaboration of the Forest Department with user group members in providing information regarding the use and selling of forest products from agroforestry-type community forest, as well as frequent communication with user groups to provide incentives regarding property rights stability for future benefits to continue participation of user group members in managing the dry forest. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0328-8 Authors Ei Ei Swe Hlaing, Department of Global Agricultural Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 113-8657 Tokyo, Japan Makoto Inoue, Department of Global Agricultural Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 113-8657 Tokyo, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We attempted to evaluate the genetic diversity of long-distance transported pollen flowing over fragmented Pinus densiflora populations during a mating season. A P. densiflora clonal seed orchard, which was located in a rural area where many fragmented populations exist, was selected for pollen capture. Immigrant pollen captured by three clones having different flowering times was regarded as the pollen flowing over fragmented populations during a mating season. The genetic diversity ( H e ) values of the immigrant pollen captured by the three clones were high ( H e  〉 0.894). The correlation of paternity ( r p ) values of the seeds having immigrant parent generated from the three clones were calculated to be negative. From these parameters, the pollen cloud is considered to have maintained high genetic diversity during the mating season. The genetic composition of the pollen cloud showed slight variation. The pollen captured by different trees (i.e., clonal ramets of the three clones) was significantly different based on analysis of molecular variance. Especially, the pollen pools captured by trees planted in the western side of the orchard were significantly different from the gene pool of the surrounding populations. Factors affecting this differentiation could be that the donors of the pollen transported to the orchard vary with time, as well as nonuniform dispersal of the pollen. From these results, the pollen flowing over fragmented P. densiflora populations is considered to have high genetic diversity, compensating to some extent for fragmentation. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0322-1 Authors Hajime Ozawa, Fukushima Prefectural Forestry Research Centre, 1 Nishijimasaka, Narita, Asaka-machi, Koriyama, 963-0112 Japan Atsushi Watanabe, Forest Tree Breeding Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Ishi 3809-1, Juo, Hitachi, Ibaraki 319-1301, Japan Kentaro Uchiyama, Tree Genetics Laboratory, Department of Forest Genetics, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Yoko Saito, Laboratory of Forest Ecosystem Studies, Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan Yuji Ide, Laboratory of Forest Ecosystem Studies, Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Araucaria forest, named due to the high abundance of Araucaria angustifolia , occurs mainly in the southern Brazilian highlands, and the abundance of A. angustifolia in the forest is a current forest issue. The present study aimed at evaluating a potential allelopathic effect of A. angustifolia needle extracts that could mediate plant successional dynamics in the Araucaria forests. Senescent araucaria needles from A. angustifolia were evaluated for their allelopathic potential on Lactuca sativa through an in vitro study. The effect was evaluated by determining the germination of seeds, length of seedling and germination rate. The allelopathic potential of the A. angustifolia was confirmed for the highest doses tested (187.5 and 250 mg of the extracts). The potential allelochemical compounds identified were ent -kaurene and phyllocladene. In conclusion, A. angustifolia showed a potential allelophatic effect that may play an important role in successional dynamics of Araucaria forests. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0314-1 Authors Jessie Willian Braine, Embrapa Florestas, Estrada da Ribeira, km111, cx 319, Colombo, PR 88411 000, Brazil Gustavo Ribas Curcio, Embrapa Florestas, Estrada da Ribeira, km111, cx 319, Colombo, PR 88411 000, Brazil Cyntia Maria Wachowicz, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição, 1155 Prado Velho, Curitiba, PR 80215 901, Brazil Fabricio Augusto Hansel, Embrapa Florestas, Estrada da Ribeira, km111, cx 319, Colombo, PR 88411 000, Brazil Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Secondary evergreen broadleaved forests are precious remnants for biodiversity conservation and templates for sustainable management of natural forests in subtropical China. Floristic composition, size structure, and spatial pattern of dominant tree species have been investigated for a subtropical secondary evergreen broadleaved forest in the Huitong Yingzuijie National Forest Reserve, Hunan, China. The location of all trees greater than 4 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) were mapped within a 0.96-ha plot in which species, DBH, and total tree height were recorded. Ripley’s K ( t ) function was used to analyze spatial patterns and associations. The secondary forest consisted of 74 tree species and 1,596 stems per hectare. A reverse-J shaped DBH classes distribution was observed for all stems and trees of later seral species whereas trees of earlier successional species were distributed irregularly. Significant aggregated spatial patterns were observed for all trees within the forest and for conspecific trees of each dominant species. This result, and a repulsive spatial pattern for interspecific trees of Choerospondias axillaries and Cyclobalanopsis glauca against other dominant tree species, support segregation hypothesis. Contributions of seed dispersal, topographic heterogeneity, and competition to spatial patterns of conspecific trees vary depending on tree species. Attractive spatial pattern among interspecific trees of Liquidambar fortunei , Liquidambar formosana , and Pinus massoniana reflects stochastic colonization of pioneer tree species and a facilitation relationship. Although deciduous species are long-lived and persist over long successional processes, they will eventually be replaced by late seral evergreen species within the secondary forest if no disturbance events occur. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0329-7 Authors Wenhua Xiang, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004 Changsha, China Shaohui Liu, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004 Changsha, China Xiangdong Lei, Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, 100091 Beijing, China Shane C. Frank, Institute of Silviculture, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Tennenbacherstrasse 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany Dalun Tian, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004 Changsha, China Guangjun Wang, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004 Changsha, China Xiangwen Deng, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, 410004 Changsha, China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    To estimate cavity availability for species with diverse cavity requirements, we recorded cavities in eight deciduous hardwood forests in Hokkaido, Japan, and classified them into two categories based on their entrance width (small, 2.5–5 cm; large, ≥5 cm). In two of the forests, we inspected cavity interiors and classified cavities into three further categories based on their internal dimensions (shallow, moderate, and deep). We then estimated the occurrence probabilities of cavities of different sizes at the individual-tree level. Although the cumulative occurrence probabilities of small and large cavities increased with increasing diameter at breast height (DBH) for all tree species, the occurrence probabilities of large cavities were 〈0.08 at 40 cm DBH except for 0.20 in Acer mono and 0.22 in snags. Snags were more likely than live trees to have cavities especially at smaller DBH. The cumulative probabilities that cavities were classified as deep or moderate were positively correlated with DBH and cavity entrance width, and negatively correlated with height of cavity entrance above ground. The variation in occurrence probabilities among cavities of different sizes shows that the classification of cavities by both entrance width and internal dimensions contributes to reliable estimates of cavity availability for different cavity users. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0327-9 Authors Kensuke Onodera, Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Koshunai, Bibai, Hokkaido 079-0198, Japan Sawako Tokuda, Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Koshunai, Bibai, Hokkaido 079-0198, Japan Tomoyuki Abe, Donan Station, Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, 372-2 Kikyo, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan Akiko Nagasaka, Forestry Research Institute, Hokkaido Research Organization, Koshunai, Bibai, Hokkaido 079-0198, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Information about the uncertainties associated with eddy covariance observations of surface-atmosphere CO 2 exchange is of importance for model-data fusion in carbon cycling studies and the accurate evaluation of ecosystem carbon budgeting. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to investigate the influence of data processing procedures, focusing especially on the nocturnal data correction and three procedures in nonlinear regression method of gap filling [i.e., the selection of respiration model (REM), light-response model (LRM) and parameter optimization criteria (POC)], on the annual net ecosystem CO 2 exchange estimation at three forest ecosystems in ChinaFLUX with three yearly datasets for each site. The results showed that uncertainties caused from four methodological uncertainties were between 61 and 108 g C m −2  year −1 , with 61–93 g C m −2  year −1 (21–30%) in a temperate mixed forest, 80–107 g C m −2  year −1 (19–21%) in a subtropical evergreen coniferous plantation and 77–108 g C m −2  year −1 (16–19%) in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest. Factorial analysis indicated that the largest uncertainty was associated with the choice of POC in the regression method across all sites in all years, while the influences of the choice of models (i.e., REM and LRM) varied with climate conditions at the measurement station. Furthermore, the uncertainty caused by data processing procedures was of approximately the same magnitude as the interannual variability in the three sites. This result stressed the importance to understand the uncertainty caused by data processing to avoid the introduction of artificial between-year and between-site variability that hampers comparative analysis. Content Type Journal Article Category Special Feature: Original article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0323-0 Authors Min Liu, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Honglin He, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Guirui Yu, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Xiaomin Sun, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Li Zhang, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Shijie Han, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016 Liaoning, China Huiming Wang, Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Guoyi Zhou, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650 Guangdong, China Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We investigated soil organic matter in a forest of natural Hinoki cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa ) under perhumid weather conditions in north central Taiwan. Humic substances along the transect from the summit and footslope to lakeshore were characterized by use of solid-state cross-polarization, magic-angle-spinning 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (CP/MAS 13 C-NMR). The major components of soil organic carbon in whole soil and humic substances were alkyl-C, O -alkyl-C, and di- O -alkyl-C, ranging from 60.6% to 80.7%, then aromatic-C, 7.5% to 9.8%. The degree of humification of soil organic matter, both O -alkyl-C/alkyl-C ratio and aromaticity, decreased slightly from the summit to lakeshore. The content of functional groups of polar and acidic groups, including O -alkyl-C, di- O -alkyl-C, and carboxyl-C, corresponded with the topographical effect, increasing slightly from the summit to lakeshore. However, the relatively low degree of humification in soils of this perhumid forest and low aromaticity were due to high precipitation and acidity, which appeared to hinder organic matter decomposition with topography change. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0319-9 Authors Tay-Lung Chung, Biodiversity Research Center, Academic Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan Jenn-Shing Chen, Yung-Ta Institute of Technology and Commerce, Lienluo, Pingdong, 90942 Taiwan Chih-Yu Chiu, Biodiversity Research Center, Academic Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, 11529 Taiwan Guanglong Tian, Environmental Monitoring and Research Division, Monitoring and Research Department, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), Lue-Hing R&D Laboratory, 6001 W. Pershing Road, Cicero, IL 60804, USA Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Full-sib families are produced from artificially controlled pollination in tree breeding. This mating design is, however, very costly and logistically difficult as most tree species are large in size. With the development of molecular markers, known relationships among the offspring could be established from the maximum likelihood in paternity analysis. In this study, we successfully established full-sib families on the basis of paternity analysis of offspring derived from two Shorea platyclados seed parents from the natural forest. A total of 2,049 and 970 offspring were collected from two mother trees M01 and M06, respectively. Potential pollen donors surrounding the mother trees were sampled, specifically a total of 77 adult trees within the 10-ha plot for M01 and 28 adult trees within the 4-ha plot for M06. For mother tree M01, parentage was assigned to 45.4% of the offspring at the 95% confidence level with 59 full-sib families established. For mother tree M06, parentage was assigned to 19.9% of the offspring at the 95% confidence level with 19 full-sib families established. The establishment of full-sib families in S. platyclados enables breeding in dipterocarp tree species, once a decade-long proposition, to become more efficient in a cost-saving manner. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0318-x Authors Chin-Hong Ng, Genetic Laboratory, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia Soon-Leong Lee, Genetic Laboratory, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia Kevin Kit-Siong Ng, Genetic Laboratory, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia Chai-Ting Lee, Genetic Laboratory, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia Norwati Muhammad, Genetic Laboratory, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Natural forests offer numerous benefits to indigenous communities and society at large. Incomes from forest sources play an important role in rural households. In addition to this, environmental sources in the forests contribute significantly to rural households’ livelihoods and economic well-being. This paper examines the contributions of forests to the livelihoods of the Chakma tribe in Bangladesh. Using the data from 60 randomly sampled households from three villages, it measured forest-resource use with a monetary yardstick. As revealed through analyses, natural forest-sourced income occupies the second-largest share in total average household income next to shifting cultivation income in the study area. Forest products represent an important component in the local livelihoods, with a direct forest income of 11,256 tk year −1  household −1 (tk = taka, the national currency of Bangladesh; US$1 = tk70), or 11% of the total income, in addition to the households receiving monetary benefits of 18,951 tk year −1  household −1 , or 21% of the total income, through the consumption of forest products. The remaining income came from shifting cultivation practice. It was also observed that larger families with more people gathering forest products realized more forest income. This study will be relevant to forest and environmental policy-makers as well as indigenous community development practitioners. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0317-y Authors Md. Danesh Miah, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Sheeladitya Chakma, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, 4331 Bangladesh Masao Koike, Forest Policy Laboratory, Shinshu University, 8304 Minami-minowa, Kami-iina, Nagano, 399-4598 Japan Nur Muhammed, Institute of Forest Economics, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    We investigated the effects of disturbances on the dynamics of white birch-dominated forests at the southern boundary of the Mongolian forest-steppe. Dendroecological techniques were used to assess regeneration patterns and recent mortality trends in three stands with no evidence of recent anthropogenic disturbance (undisturbed) and four stands with evidence of cutting or fire (disturbed). In the undisturbed stands, only one distinct stem establishment was observed in the period between 1910 and 1950, and no establishment has been observed since then. In the disturbed stands, however, high establishment mainly by sprouting was observed in the period between 1960 and 1980. Percentages of standing dead stems were higher in the undisturbed stands than in the disturbed stands. Mean ages at death in the undisturbed stands were ≥70 years old. The high mortality was likely induced by the death of smaller stems due to light competition, whereas the mortality of larger stems was likely the result of tree senescence. In summary, the undisturbed stands seem to be in danger of decline due to a lack of regeneration during the last half of the previous century and recent high mortality rates of older stems, while the disturbed stands may be maintained for the next several decades by the younger cohort established between 1960 and 1980. White birch-dominated forests at the southern boundary of Mongolian forest-steppe have probably relied on relatively short disturbance intervals in the past because of the disturbance-dependent regeneration trait and relatively short longevity of Betula species. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0324-z Authors Takashi Otoda, Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan Keiji Sakamoto, Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan Muneto Hirobe, Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan Jamsran Undarmaa, Center for Ecosystem Study, Mongolian State University of Agriculture, Ulaarnbaator, 210153 Mongolia Ken Yoshikawa, Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental Science, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-Naka, Okayama, 700-8530 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    By use of tree-tower and canopy-crane systems we studied variations in the water use, including transpiration, stomatal conductance, and leaf water potential, of the uppermost sun-exposed canopy leaves of four emergent dipterocarp species in an aseasonal tropical rain forest in Sarawak, Malaysia. Midday depression in stomatal conductance and leaf water potential was observed in all the species studied. Interspecific differences were clearly observed in the maxima of transpiration rates and stomatal conductance and the minima of leaf water potential among the four dipterocarp species. These interspecific variations were closely related to wood density and to factors affecting ecological patterns of distribution. Specifically, Shorea parvifolia and S. smithiana , both of which have a relatively low wood density for Dipterocarpaceae and are found on clay-rich soil, had a high transpiration rate in the daytime but had a large midday depression and a low leaf water potential. In contrast, Dryobalanops aromatica , which has a high wood density and is found in sandy soil areas, consumed less water even during the daytime. Dipterocarpus pachyphyllus , which has a high wood density and is found on clay-rich soil, stood intermediate between Shorea and D. aromatica in leaf water use. The two Shorea species had higher mortality than the others during the severe drought associated with El Niño in 1998, so daily pattern of leaf water use in each dipterocarp species might be correlated with its susceptibility to unusual drought events. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0303-4 Authors Toru Hiromi, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8566 Japan Tomoaki Ichie, Faculty of Agriculture, Kochi University, B200, Monobe, Nankoku, 783-8502 Japan Tanaka Kenzo, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Tsukuba, 305-8687 Japan Ikuo Ninomiya, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8566 Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979

Description:    Conversion of natural forests to other land use results not only in a decrease of forest area but also in the degradation of remnant forests as a habitat for forest animals. Although such degradation due to an increase of forest edges has been studied most intensively, other factors such as forest shape may also contribute to the degradation. In this study, we compared bird abundance and species richness between irregular-shaped and relatively continuous forests in the breeding and migratory seasons. Since the forests were surrounded by tree plantations rather than open lands, the edge effect may have been weak at the study site. Our results suggested that the irregular forest shape negatively affected forest bird abundance and species richness in the breeding season, but not in the migratory season. The response of birds varied with bird traits: migrants avoided the irregular-shaped forest, but residents did not. Among the residents, small ones preferred or tolerate the irregular-shaped forest whereas large ones avoided it. This study indicates that careful consideration of various factors such as seasonality and bird traits is needed to understand the consequences of land use changes on forest birds. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s10310-011-0296-z Authors Shoji Naoe, Center for Ecological Research, Kyoto University, Hirano 2-509-3, Otsu, Shiga 520-2113, Japan Shoko Sakai, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Motoyama 457-4, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8047 Japan Takashi Masaki, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato 1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan Journal Journal of Forest Research Online ISSN 1610-7403 Print ISSN 1341-6979