JOURNAL OF NANJING FORESTRY UNIVERSITY ›› 2024, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (1): 47-58.doi: 10.12302/j.issn.1000-2006.202210029

Special Issue: 森林生态系统生物多样性研究专题

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Community classification, structures and species diversity characteristics of Pinus massoniana and P. hwangshanensis in the eastern China

FAN Mingyang(), HU Meng, YNAG Yuan, FANG Yanming()   

  1. College of Life Sciences, Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Key Laboratory of State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Subtropical Forest Biodiversity Conservation, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
  • Received:2022-10-23 Revised:2023-01-25 Online:2024-01-30 Published:2024-01-24
  • Contact: FANG Yanming E-mail:fanmingyang@njfu.edu.cn;jwu4@njfu.com.cn

Abstract:

【Objective】 Pinus massoniana is the main coniferous tree species in subtropical China and P. hwangshanensis is the main constructive species in subtropical mid-montane region of the eastern China. Both species coexist at horizontal level but exhibit distinct vertical distributions. The objective of this study is to investigate the distribution patterns of P. massoniana and P. hwangshanensis forests and provide a theoretical basis for the scientific management and conservation of these forest resources. 【Method】 The study was focused on eight typical distribution areas in the eastern subtropical region of China. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) and multivariate regression trees (MRT) were employed to explore the differences in community structure and the main influencing factors between the two pine forests. Additionally, a linear mixed-effects model was used to quantify the response of species diversity indices to abiotic factors. Based on the principles for compiling the Vegegraphy of China, a preliminary quantitative classification of P. massoniana and P. hwangshanensis forests was performed. 【Result】 Significant differences were observed in the community structures of P. massoniana and P. hwangshanensis forests, with elevation identified as the primary influencing factor. Mean annual temperature had a significant effect on species richness within both communities, while mean annual precipitation had the most pronounced impact on overall species richness. Elevation exerted a significant influence on the evenness of the two communities. The preliminary vegetation classification resulted in the identification of six associations for P. massoniana forest and five associations for P. hwangshanensis forest. 【Conclusion】 Altitude variations shape the differences in community structure between P. massoniana and P. hwangshanensis forests and directly or indirectly influence species diversity in these communities. The vegetation classification highlights the diversification of vegetation types in the two pine forests and provides a reference for future classification efforts.

Key words: Pinus massoniana forest, P. hwangshanensis forest, community structure, species diversity, vegetation classification, the eastern China

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