Spatial patterns of young Pinus sylvestris var.mongolica saplings and their regeneration analysis in different stands of Inner Mongofia,northern China
Forest structure is an important factor on regeneration of natural Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forest and the spatial distribution of its saplings will determine the future forest structure. This study, conducted in natural P. sylvestris var. mongolica forest in Honghuaerji Natural Reserve in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of northern China, analyzes the spatial pattern and regeneration of its saplings in different forest stands using Ripley's K function and Hamill & Wright statistics. The results showed that all P. sylvestris var. mongolica adults were randomly distributed with the increase of scales in different forest stands, while P. sylvestris var. mongolica saplings were significantly clustered. The saplings grew within four meters from broadleaved trees and grew well in coniferous-broadleaved mixed forests. On the contrary, P. sylvestris var. mongolica saplings grew close to its adults in pure forest. Additionally, the average height of P. sylvestris var. mongolica saplings in pure forest was lower than that in coniferous-broadleaved mixed forests. Understanding the spatial pattern and regeneration rules of P. sylvestris var. mongolica saplings will help to understand its regeneration process and then make sound management decisions on the forest.
Pinus sylvestris var. mongolicaspatial distributionstand regenerationRipley's K functionHamill & Wright statistical methods