Tree-Ring Analysis for Understanding Growth of Larix kaempferi

Abstract

The present study conducted a stem analysis to trace growth information of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) and predict the future changes in growth volume. For this purpose, six L. kaempferi trees over 47 years old were cut at 1–2 m intervals from a height of 0.2 m, and circular plates of 5 cm thickness were collected for stem analysis. The analysis indicated that approximately 1–8 years are required to grow up to chest height. The annual height and diameter growth increased rapidly until the trees are 15 years old and gradually decreased after 20 years. The volume of 30-year-old trees in Oegam-ri forests, which were well-managed after artificial reforestation, was 0.4837 m3, whereas that in unmanaged Singi-ri forests was 0.1956 m3. Although the volume of individual trees differed greatly depending on the forest management status, it was found that the volume increased by 1.67–1.76, 2.49, and 3.49 times at 40, 50, and 60 years age, respectively, compared to the legal harvesting age 30. Therefore, factors such as the carbon dioxide reduction effect, forest management benefits, and the condition of trees at the site should be considered before harvesting trees.