The influence of mountain temperate forests on the hydrology in northeast China

Abstract

Presented is a review of results from long-term hydrological studies at the Mao-Er-Shan ecological station in northeast China. In comparison to harvested watersheds in northeast China, unlogged temperate forests reduced peak discharge and surface flows at all observed watershed scales (2m2 to < 10 000 ha). However, no consistent patterns on low flows and annual mean flows were observed. The reason for the inconsistency is unclear and may be due to the utilization of different methodologies applied at the various spatial scales. We also found that stemflow is an important mechanism for Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica Fisch) to adapt to nutrient-poor and dry soils. These results are important for developing forest management strategies and reforestation programs in northeast China.