• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.531-537
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• 2006

We assessed the species composition and structure of the three representative forest stands(Pinus densiflora stand, Quercus variabilis stand, and Ouercus mongolica stand), dominated in the National Long-Term Ecological Research Sites of Mt. Worak, Korea and established a benchmark series of permanent plots and transects with which future changes in forest composition and structure could be monitored. Species richness of Q. mongolica stand was greater than other two stands, due in large part to the greater habitat heterogeneity. Number of trees and species are decreased with increasing DBH classes. The successional trends of the three study stands would be mostly changed as Q. mongolica forest, regardless of forest types. Mean density ratio between alive trees and dead trees of three forest stands appeared with Q. mongolica stand 75:25, Q. variabilis stand 94:6, and P. densiflora stand 86:14, Q. mongolica stand appeared most highly from in three stands. This may be due to interspecific or intraspecific competition that it follows in various successesional stages. One side, when it saw the tree status which shows the tree health, the three forest stands all standing alive type (AS) appeared most highly with 75% to 85% and fallen dead type (DF) did not appear entirely. Remeasurement of permanent plots at periodic intervals will provide useful information on the dynamics of the forest vegetation that can be used in the development of adaptive conservation plans.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.98 no.1
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• pp.94-105
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• 2009

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) stand is representative lowland exotic plantation with low ecological quality and arrested succession in South Korea. To facilitate succession and restore natural vegetation, small canopy gaps (${\sim}57m^2$), which can modify minimally structural variables and reduce restoration related disturbances on stand, was established in the black locust stand, and oak (Quercus serrata) seedlings were introduced in the gap. Two types of varying levels were introduced for gap creation; cutting (C) and girdling (G) on canopies. Understory removal (CU and GU) treatment was applied as subtypes of structural modification. Growth (diameter, height and leaf area) of target species and responses (species composition, diversity and coverage) of understory community were monitored during study years (2007~2008). Canopy openness was different significantly among treatments but not for light availability. Based on the result of logistic regression, growth of height and leaf area of seedlings were significant variables on seedling survival. Height and leaf area of seedlings were increased during study years, although radial growth was reduced. During study years, there were no significant differences in species composition and diversity, and total coverage increased about 20%. Increase of resources by gap creation and understory removal likely affect growth of target species. Small gap creation was effective to reduce understory responses in composition and diverstiy. Synthesized, growth of target species and responses of understory community to small canopy gap creation exhibited, in short term, possibility of utilization in alternative forest restoration and management option. Long-term monitoring is necessary to certificate effect of artificial gap creation on forest restoration.