Identifying Dendroecological Growth Releases in Old-growth Cryptomeria japonica Forest on Yakushima Island, Japan

Large-scale logging activities on Yakushima Island, Japan, significantly influenced the growth and regeneration of old-growth Cryptomeria japonica forests. Tree-ring analysis revealed that 500 to 600-year-old trees experienced substantial growth releases between the mid-1700s and early 1900s, with basal area increments (BAI) remaining high for approximately 150 years post-disturbance. Regenerated trees germinated between 1791 and 1835, aligning with historical logging records starting in 1642. The study confirms that large-scale disturbances were pivotal in both promoting the growth of ancient trees and facilitating regeneration, providing critical insights into the ecological impacts of historical logging on these unique forests.

Itaka, S., Yoshida, S., Mizoue, N., Ota, T., Takashima, A., & Kajisa, T. (2013). Identifying Dendroecological Growth Releases in Old-growth Cryptomeria japonica Forest on Yakushima Island, Japan. Journal of Forest Planning, 19(1), 9–16. https://doi.org/10.20659/jfp.19.1_9