Spatial distribution pattern of dominant tree species in different disturbance plots in the Changbai Mountain

The effects of disturbance on spatial patterns and species interactions provide critical information on community structure and species coexistence. Two standard plots of 1-ha were set, one of them was a sample plot with retrograde succession after disturbance, and the other one was undisturbed. Spatial indices and Spatial patterns statistics were used to analyze the spatial pattern and inter-specific correlation of main tree species in two plots. Our results showed that the diameter distributions of different species have reverse J-shape, unimodal and bimodal distribution in the disturbed plot, while bell-shaped curves were observed in the undisturbed plot. The distributions of tree species were mainly showed clustered patterns in almost all scales through univariate pair correlation function. Some similar results of the classification of Wiegand scheme of species association consistent with the consequences of the bivariate pair correlation. The mark variograms showed positive autocorrelation at a coarse scale. The current study may aid in efforts of forest management planning and ecosystem services. Meanwhile, different research methods of spatial distribution also help to improve the accuracy of spatial distribution and the interspecific association of tree species.

Automated summary

The effects of disturbance on spatial patterns and species interactions are important for understanding community structure and species coexistence. By analyzing the main tree species in two plots, we found that disturbance influenced the diameter distributions and clustering patterns of the species. The results of this study contribute to forest management planning and ecosystem services, as well as improving the accuracy of spatial distribution and inter-specific association of tree species.