COMPARISONS BETWEEN PURE STANDS OF CHINESE FIR,FUKIENCYPRESS AND MIXED STANDS OF THESE TWO SPECIES IN GROWTH, STRUCTURE, BIOMASS AND ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Abstract:Successive cultivation of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) monoculture has resulted in site degradation, productivity decrease and widespread of diseases and pest in South China. Thus in 1977, we introduced a dozen of tree species to Zhuting, Hunan Province, in order to select the appropriate species for planting. This report is based on the research results from a part of the project. Data on growth, structure, biomass and ecological parameters of three stands were collected in 1989 and 1990. The results showed that Chinese fir interplanted with Fokienia hodginsii, (Fukien cypress) on poor sites helps maintain soil fertility and site productivity in long-term, promote its growth and establish a stable, man-made forest ecosystem, The total biomass of a 14-year-old mixed stand is 79.58t/ha, 22.9 percent higher than that of pure stand of Chinese fir. In the view of economics, ecology and aesthetics, the mixed stands have several advantages over the pure stands of either Chinese fir or of Fukien cypress.