Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2008, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (4): 815-824.DOI: 10.3773/j.issn.1005-264x.2008.04.010

• Original article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

STRUCTURE AND SPECIES COMPOSITION OF GROUND BRYOPHYTE COMMUNITY OF HIGH-ALTITUDE YOUNG SILVICULTURAL CUTOVERS IN RANGTANG COUNTY, CHINA: EVALUATION ON EFFECTS OF CLEAR- CUTTING AND SILVICULTURAL MANAGEMENT

YAN Xiao-Li(), BAO Wei-Kai()   

  1. Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu 610041, China
  • Received:2007-11-19 Accepted:2008-01-31 Online:2008-11-19 Published:2008-07-30
  • Contact: BAO Wei-Kai

Abstract:

Aims Traditional forestry management influences biodiversity. Revealing effects of clear-cutting and silvicultural history on ground bryophyte communities is important for evaluating impacts of forest management on biodiversity.

Methods We selected four sites with similar physical conditions but different development phases in Rangtang County. We investigated bryophyte and vascular plant vegetation, including species composition and structural characteristics, in 30 plots in each site. ANOVA analysis was used to detect differences among bryophyte communities, and the relationship between vascular plant and bryophyte communities was examined by partial correlations.

Important findings Bryophyte composition changed significantly during developmental processes of young forests. Photophilic or pleurocarpous mosses were dominant species, while some hygrophilous mosses expanded their populations and become dominant species locally and drought-tolerant species occurred because of disturbance. Richness index (22-37) and diversity index (0.37-1.08) increased during the process of development, and the four young forestlands had differences in structural characteristics. There was a positive relationship between cover of tree and shrub layers and development of bryophytes. Shrub layer significantly promoted bryophyte richness, while pioneer grass with strong development and litter restrained bryophyte development. Characteristics of development in tree, shrub, litter layer and their interaction changed dynamically during the developmental process. Promoting development of tree and shrub layers has an important role on enhancing bryophytes.

Key words: bryophyte composition and structure, forest management, vascular plant, high-altitude young silvicultural cutovers