Examines how tree species composition affects Korean pine regeneration in old-growth forests, suggesting implications for conservation strategies.
Key Points
The aim is to explore the spatial patterns of Korean pine regeneration relative to tree species composition and its implications for conservation.
Examined Korean pine regeneration across four stages: younger seedlings, older seedlings, smaller saplings, and taller saplings.
Applied spatial point pattern analysis using crown-projected coordinates in five mixed forest stands.
Mapped regeneration response to varying proportions of Korean pine basal area (33%-77%).
Korean pine regeneration patterns were forest-type-specific, with ribbed birch-Korean pine forests being most favorable.
Younger seedlings showed dense aggregation that shifted to random distribution as they matured, particularly in stands with higher Korean pine proportions.
Associations between younger seedlings and parent trees changed from facilitative to repulsive at around 50% Korean pine density.