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Response of Stand Spatial Structure to Nitrogen Addition in Deciduous Broad-Leaved Forest in Jigong Mountain

Author

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  • Liang Hong

    (Research Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China
    College of Mathematics and Statistics, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
    Henan Dabieshan National Field Observation & Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, Zhengzhou 450046, China
    Xinyang Academy of Ecological Research, Xinyang 464000, China)

  • Guangshuang Duan

    (College of Mathematics and Statistics, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang 464000, China
    Henan Dabieshan National Field Observation & Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, Zhengzhou 450046, China
    Xinyang Academy of Ecological Research, Xinyang 464000, China)

  • Shenglei Fu

    (Henan Dabieshan National Field Observation & Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, Zhengzhou 450046, China
    Xinyang Academy of Ecological Research, Xinyang 464000, China)

  • Liyong Fu

    (Research Institute of Forest Resource Information Techniques, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing 100091, China)

  • Lei Ma

    (Henan Dabieshan National Field Observation & Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, Zhengzhou 450046, China
    Xinyang Academy of Ecological Research, Xinyang 464000, China)

  • Xiaowei Li

    (Henan Dabieshan National Field Observation & Research Station of Forest Ecosystem, Zhengzhou 450046, China
    Xinyang Academy of Ecological Research, Xinyang 464000, China)

  • Juemin Fu

    (Jigongshan National Nature Reserve, Xinyang 464039, China)

Abstract

Significant influences on tree growth and forest functionality are attributed to nitrogen (N) addition. However, limited research has been conducted on the effects of N addition on forest spatial structure. In this study, we examined the effects of different N addition methods and concentrations on the stand spatial structure of a deciduous broad-leaved forest over the period 2012 to 2017. Five N addition treatments were implemented: CK (control group without N addition), CN25 (low N concentration added to the canopy), CN50 (high N concentration added to the canopy), UN25 (low N concentration added to the understory), and UN50 (high N concentration added to the understory). The results showed a moderate influence of N addition (CN25, CN50, UN25, UN50) on optimizing the stand spatial structure. CN25, CN50, and UN25 increased the mean values of the mingling degree (M) and neighborhood comparison (U), while decreasing the mean value of the uniform angle index (W), although these effects were not significant. Enhancements in the average value of the crowding degree (C) and comprehensive spatial structure index (CSSI) between 2012 and 2017 were found in all five treatments, demonstrating statistical significance. Assessing the distribution of the stand spatial structure index, CN25, CN50, and UN25 increased the proportion of M at an intensity (M = 0.75) and extreme intensity (M = 1), while decreasing the proportion at zero intensity (M = 0), weak intensity (M = 0.25), and moderate intensity (M = 0.5). A decrease in the proportion of trees was noted when U = 0 (excluding UN50), with no discernible pattern found in the frequency distribution of other values. CN50 and UN25 increased the proportion of W at a moderate level (W = 0.5), while CN25 and UN50 reduced it. No clear pattern was detected in the frequency distributions of other values. All five treatments increased the proportion of C at the maximum level (C = 1), while decreasing the proportions at levels of 0, 0.25, and 0.5 in 2017. Intriguingly, nitrogen addition treatments appeared to optimize the stand spatial structure to some extent and stimulated the growth of trees with larger diameters. Nevertheless, the short duration of the data collection period, spanning only five years, may have influenced the significance of the outcomes, underlining the requirement for extended studies. Conclusively, N deposition adjusted and enhanced the stand spatial structure to various degrees within the research region, providing valuable insights for further optimization of forest management.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang Hong & Guangshuang Duan & Shenglei Fu & Liyong Fu & Lei Ma & Xiaowei Li & Juemin Fu, 2024. "Response of Stand Spatial Structure to Nitrogen Addition in Deciduous Broad-Leaved Forest in Jigong Mountain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:12:p:5137-:d:1416238
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christopher M. Clark & David Tilman, 2008. "Loss of plant species after chronic low-level nitrogen deposition to prairie grasslands," Nature, Nature, vol. 451(7179), pages 712-715, February.
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