Prapawadee Nutiprapun. Seedling regeneration dynamics along altitudinal gradients at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai province, Thailand. Master's Degree(Tropical Forestry). Kasetsart University. Office of the University Library. : Kasetsart University, 2018.
Seedling regeneration dynamics along altitudinal gradients at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai province, Thailand
Abstract:
This study focused on (1) seedling dynamics and (2) functional traits based on environmental factors along altitudinal gradients. A transect permanent plot was established (9001,040 m a.s.l.) where covered the deciduous dipterocarp forest (DDF), lower montane forest (LMF) and forest ecotone (FE). Subplots of 1 × 1 m with 10 m interval were set up, total 180 subplots. Seedling data was collected monthly from 2013 2017. Environmental factors including air temperature, light intensity and soil moisture content were monitored. Functional traits, 15 dominant tree species were selected and collected 3 individuals in 3 forest zonation, total 135 sample were measured specific leaf area (SLA), leaf matter dry content (LDMC), leaf thickness (Lth), leaf toughness (Lto) and wood density (WD). The results showed that 131 species, 93 genera, and 45 families were identified. The most abundant species was Quercus brandisiana (57.5%), followed by Litsea martabanica (9.5%). Massive recruitment occurred in July 2015. Massive mortality occurred in April 2016. Total 65 species died due to severe drought associated with 2016 El Niño event. The environmental factors were significantly different (P <0.001) between the three forests. FE environments supported the coexisted regenerations of deciduous and evergreen species. According to the functional traits of 15 tree species, There were significant correlations between the CWM4 of traits and altitudinal gradients, SLA and Lth, increased with increasing altitudinal gradients while traits of WD, decreased with increasing altitude. Moreover, SLA, Lth and WD varied along altitudinal gradients but only a small change was observed in LDMC and Lto. This indicates that the plant functional traits may be resilient to gradual altitudinal gradient changes.
Kasetsart University. Office of the University Library