Stability and Spatial Structure of Chinese Pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) Plantations in Loess Hilly Region: A Case Study from Huanglong Mountain

A study assessing the long-term ecological stability of Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) plantations in Huanglong Mountain reveals that 79.5% exhibit moderate stability while 20.5% show good stability. Using a novel unit circle method to evaluate biological, resistance, and functional stability across 44 plots, researchers found most plantations exhibit random distribution, moderate size differentiation, low species mixing, and high crowding. Correlations between stability and spatial structure parameters identified mingling as the strongest factor influencing stability, while crowding showed no significant impact. The study highlights specific spatial structures negatively linked to stability, offering targeted management insights for enhancing plantation resilience through strategic thinning. This methodology serves as a reference for similar ecosystems with comparable functions and conditions.

Wang, B., Zhou, C., Liu, D., Kang, L., Duan, G., He, D., Zhao, X., Zhao, P., & Li, W. (2023). Stability and Spatial Structure of Chinese Pine (Pinus tabuliformis Carr.) Plantations in Loess Hilly Region: A Case Study from Huanglong Mountain. Forests, 14(9), 1921. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14091921