Estimation of Growth Rates Based on Tree-ring Analysis of Cryptomeria japonica on Yakushima Island, Japan

Tree-ring analysis of Cryptomeria japonica on Yakushima Island reveals that growth rates were significantly higher 100–150 years ago compared to the last three decades, suggesting that historical logging activities may have positively influenced tree growth. The study examined 28 regenerated trees, finding that basal area increment (BAI) increased rapidly until around 30 cm diameter before plateauing, with growth patterns beyond 70 cm remaining undetermined due to limited samples. Unlike artificial forests, Yakushima's Cr. japonica showed prolonged rapid growth, lasting up to 110 years. These findings highlight the potential ecological impact of past logging on forest regeneration and long-term growth dynamics.

Itaka, S., Yoshida, S., Mizoue, N., Ota, T., Takashima, A., Kajisa, T., & Yasue, K. (2013). Estimation of Growth Rates Based on Tree-ring Analysis of Cryptomeria japonica on Yakushima Island, Japan. Journal of Forest Planning, 19(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.20659/jfp.19.1_1