Fertilization Effects on Soil Properties, Understory Vegetation Structure and Growth of Pinus densiflora Seedlings Planted after Forest Fires

摘要

This study was to investigate the growth of planted red pine (Pinus densiflora S. et. Z.) seedling, soil properties and understory vegetation structure after fertilizer treatments [unfertilized plot (control), CF plot (Combination Fertilizer), UF plot(Urea Formaldehyde Fertilizer)] in a Pinus densiflora stand planted after the forest fires in Gosung, Gangwon province. The height growth rates of seedlings in four years were 264% in unfertilized, 404% in CF, and 388% in UF plots, respectively. The root collar diameters were increased 340% in unfertilized, 454% in CF, and 427% in UF plots, respectively. No significant changes occurred in soil total nitrogen and potassium ion (K~+) with the fertilization. However, available P_2O_5 content in the soil surface (0-15 cm) increased with the fertilizer application. Soil organic matter increased significantly with fertilizer treatments, while gradual decrease occurred in unfertilized plots. Sodium ion (Na~+) decreased in all sites. Soil pH, CEC, calcium ion(Ca~(2+)) and magnesium ion (Mg~(2+)) contents were not significantly different among treatments. Although Shannon's species diversity index and species richness in understory vegetation did not change with fertilizer treatments, vegetation cover ratesin forest floor increased significantly with the fertilization. These results suggest that the increase of pine seedling growth and vegetation cover rates with fertilization could enhance soil stabilization in forest fire areas.