ISSN:
1440-1703
Keywords:
Fagus crenata
;
mast year
;
nut production
;
seedling survival
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The nut productivity, density of fallen nuts, seedling appearance and seedling survival of a Japanese beech (Fagus crenata Blume) were investigated at three localities, Mt Gozaisho, Mt Hodaka and Mt Bandai, Japan, from 1976 to 1992. Two patterns of cycles, a short cycle and a long one, were confirmed in the beech nut productivity. Synchronization in the long cycle was recognized both on Mt Hodaka and Mt Bandai. On Mt Gozaisho, the beech nut productivity was quite low, and the seedlings disappeared within 1 year. The phenomenon on Mt Gozaisho seemed to be caused by the low matter production mainly due to erosion and poor soils. A large number of seedlings appeared in the next spring of heavy mast years on Mt Hodaka and Mt Bandai. The large beech nut productivity contributed to the large seedling supply, and this enhanced the survival probability of beech seedlings. This demonstrates the possibility that beech seedlings survived longer even under dense dwarf bamboos, particularly if the seedling supply was large.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02347938
Permalink
