Abstract:
Objective To study the succession trend, natural regeneration and biodiversity in Pinus massoniana plantation in center Hubei.
Method The light transmittance and tree regeneration in 4 age classes (9 years-old, 18 years-old, 28 years-old and 48 years-old) and 3 density levels (1 0882 644 trees per hectare) of P. massoniana plantation were investigated. The succession trend and the influence factors of diversity were analyzed.
Result The main succession species in P. massoniana plantation is Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl, Ilex chinensis Sims, Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook., Melia azedarach L. and Quercus glandulifera Bl. The biodiversity index of overstory layer and succession layer in P. massoniana plantation increased with the age class. The light transmittance had a significant influence on diversity in regeneration layer (P < 0.01) and succession layer (P < 0.05). The overstory density was correlated to density of seedlings and young trees (P < 0.05).
Conclusion The climax community will be I. chinensis Sims + Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl + Q. glandulifera Bl. mixed community. The natural regeneration ability in research area is weak. In some area the administrators could assist the natural regeneration by planting broadleaved tree seedlings.