Abstract
Site differences in microclimates and productivity due to slope aspect and elevation were assessed for the alpine dwarf pine (Pinus pumila Regel) scrub on Mt. Kinpu, central Japan. Leaf area index, aboveground biomass and annual production rates were larger for the pine stands on the south-facing slope than those on the north-facing slope. For each slope, these parameters increased with decreasing elevation. With respect to environmental factors, the daily photon flux density during the summer months was almost the same between the N- and S-facing slopes, but the temperature conditions differed due to slope aspect. especially soil-temperature, which was 2–4°C higher on the S-facing slope. The positive correlation between temperature and productivity indicated that stand development of P. pumila scrub could be enhanced under higher temperatures. The effects of recent global warming on the Japanese alpine/subalpine vegetation dynamics were discussed by focusing on habitat competition between P. pumila and other subalpine conifers.
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© 1996 Springer Japan
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Kajimoto, T., Kurachi, N., Chiba, Y., Utsugi, H., Ishizuka, M. (1996). Effects of External Factors on Growth and Structure of Pinus pumila Scrub in Mt. Kinpu, Central Japan. In: Climate Change and Plants in East Asia. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-66899-2_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-66899-2_11
Publisher Name: Springer, Tokyo
Print ISBN: 978-4-431-66901-2
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