The effects of site factors on herb species diversity in Kwangneung forest stands

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the herb species diversity associated with biotic and abiotic forest site factors in the Kwangneung Experimental Forest in South Korea. Vegetation data were collected from 109 sample plots in the study area and species diversity was measured in terms of species richness and Shannon's diversity index. Topographic site characteristics, soil depth, stand density and volume were also measured in the sample plots as site factors. A multiple regression model was developed to identify significant site factors influencing the herb species diversity in the study area. The results show that stand density, landform classes and the interaction between water availability and aspect are significant factors influencing herb species diversity (P < 0.05). This result suggests that light and water availability are important factors for the herb species diversity of forest stands. © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.