Abstract
This paper discusses probable effects of global warming on the site dynamics of a subalpine forest from a point of view that changes in soil environments affect the distribution of vegetation established their community on the peculiar soil. The study area is located in the Akaishi Mountains from Sawarajima to Fujimitaira in Shizuoka Prefecture. Data were collected and measured on microclimates, stand structure and growth, composition of understory vegetation, litter decomposition rate, soil properties and tree regeneration at seven fixed plots. Air temperature in November decreased linearly with increasing elevation because of adiabatic expansion of air with its ascent. Soil temperature showed a clear decrease when elevation increased, except in the highest plot (el.2725 m). The pH values in the topsoil indicated a negative correlation with elevation in which the pH values decreased as elevation increased. The total carbon content in the topsoil tended to increase with elevation, except in the highest plot. The relationship between elevation and the decomposition rate did not show a clear negative correlation due to that it is affected by landform and vegetation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Berg, B., McClaugherty, C. and Johansson, M-B., 1993. Litter mass-loss rates in late stages of decomposition at some climatically and nutritionally different pine sites. Long-term decomposition in a Scots pine forest VIII. Can. J. Bot., 71, 680–692.
Conacher, A. and Dalrymple, J.B., 1977. The nine unit landsurface model: An approach to pedogeomorphic research. Geoderina, 18, 1–154.
Dalrymple, J.B., Blong, R.J. and Conacher, A.J., 1968. A hypothetical nine unit landsurface model. Z. Geomorphol. N. F, 12, 60–76.
EPA, IBAMA and USP (eds.), 1990. Tropical Forestry Response Options to Global Climate Change. IPCC, AFOS, 531 pp.
Forest Soil Division, 1976. Classification of forest soil in Japan (1975). Bull. Gov. Exp. Sta., 280, 1–28. (in Japanese with English summary).
Higuchi, M., 1990. Fluctuation of air and soil temperatures through freezing and thawing periods on the bare ground of the top slope of Mt. Hoo. Geogr. Rev. Jpn., 63, 154–165 (in Japanese).
Jansson, P.-E. and Berg, B., 1985. Temporal variation of litter decomposition in relation to simulated soil climate. Long-term decomposition in a Scots pine forest V. Can. J. Bot,. 63, 1008–1016.
Johnson, P.L. and Billings, W.D., 1962. The alpine vegetation of the Beartooth Plateau in relation to cryopedogenic processes and patterns. Ecol. Monogr., 32, 105–135.
Kobayashi, S., Morisada, K., Arimitsu, K. and Ohsumi, Y., 1984. Relationships between landforms and soil properties along to Norogawagoe-Toposequence. Nichirinron, 95, 199–202. (in Japanese).
Kobayashi, S., Morisada, K., Ohsumi, Y. and Arimitsu, K., 1987. Effects of understory vegetation, soil, and microlandform on natural regeneration of subalpine forest in Akaishi Mountains, Japan. Proceedings of Human Impacts and.11anagement of Mountain Forests, 373–385.
Maeda, T. and Miyakawa, K., 1970. Evaluation of Plantation Site using Understory Vegetation Type. Japanese Forestry Technical Association, Tokyo. 89 pp. (in Japanese).
Matsuoka, N., 1991. A whole year ground temperature measurement in an alpine environment of Akaishi range, Japan. Trans. Jpn. Geomorphol. Union, 12–1, 41–49. (in Japanese with English summary).
Nakata. M., Tanaka, H. and Yagi, H., 1994. Altitudinal changes in vegetation and soils on Mt. Dairoku, Central Hokkaido, Japan. Jpn. J. Ecol., 44, 33–47 (in Japanese with English summary).
Ohsumi, Y. and Kumada, K., 1971. The study of alpine soil (I). Soil Sci. Plant Nutr., 42, 45–51 (in Japanese).
Poster, J. and Post, W.M., 1986. Influence of climate, soil moisture, and succession on forest carbon and nitrogen cycles. Biogeochentistry, 2, 3–27.
Schirmer, F., 1982. Soil microbial activities and litter decomposition related to altitude. Plant Soil, 65, 87–94.
Schlesinger, W.H., Reynolds, J.F., Cunningham, G.L., Huenneke, L.F., Jarrell, W.M., Virginia, R.A. and Whitford, W.G., 1990. Biological feedbacks in global desertification. Science, 247, 1043–1048.
Sekine, K., Takeuchi, K., Kato, E. and Tazoe, Y., 1984. Annual and diurnal changes of soil temperature on the Mt. Tateyama and the Ontake volcanoes. Geogr. Rev. Jpn., 57, 663–675. (in Japanese with English summary).
Takahashi, M., 1995a. The Study of Nutrients Regime in Organic Matter and Its Management. Doctor thesis of Hokkaido University, 157pp.
Takahashi, N., 1995b. Distribution of the autumn ground temperature and its controlling factors in the alpine zone of the central Daisetsuzan mountains Geogr. Rev. Jpn. 68, 27–42. (in Japanese with English summary).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1996 Springer Japan
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kobayashi, S., Sakai, H., Tanaka, N., Fujimoto, K. (1996). Effects of Environmental Conditions on the Site Dynamics of a Subalpine Forest in the Akaishi Mountains, Japan. In: Climate Change and Plants in East Asia. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-66899-2_12
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-66899-2_12
Publisher Name: Springer, Tokyo
Print ISBN: 978-4-431-66901-2
Online ISBN: 978-4-431-66899-2
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive