The estimation of succession index for forest cover types in the natural forest of Jirisan

Abstract

The forest succession is changing process in the structure and function of a forest for a long period of time. The process might vary in different forest types which have undergone their own successional pathways. This study was conducted to understand the extent of successional progress by estimation of succession index for forest cover types in the natural forest of Jirisan. The vegetation data were collected by point-quarter sampling method. Five hundred sample points were subjected to cluster analysis to classify eight forest cover types. The succession index was developed through standardization of climax index and relative density of composed tree species plus species diversity index of the corresponding forest cover type. The results showed that Carpinus laxiflora cover type had the greatest succession index value of 219.7, followed by Mixed mesophytic cover type 218.3, Fraxinus mandshurica - Betula costata cover type 180.7, Quercus serrata cover type 171.3, Q. mongolica cover type 164.8 and Q. variabilis cover type 138.5. Pinus densiflora cover type had the smallest value of 101.9. It was presumed that the higher value of succession index in a certain forest cover type indicated the closer position to the climax stage in terms of sere spectrum. The author Carpinus laxiflora cover type and Mixed mesophytic cover type had made much greater succession progress toward climax than any other forest cover types. However, estimated succession index in the forest does not mean the absolute level of successional stage, but comparative assessment in the position of the seral stage among forest cover types. Based on the comparison of structural characteristics and approximation of successional pathways of classified forest cover types, it is assumed that, on the site of mid-slope and valley with loamy soils and good moisture condition in Jirisan, if no more disturbed, various forest types should make progress of succession toward the mixed mesophytic cover type.

Keywords: Forest cover type; Climax index; Succession index; Jirisan

ID: 3621636