From the individual scale to the plot scale: a better understanding of the ecological parameters of Moso bamboo forests

Abstract

Moso bamboo is the most widely distributed and economically important bamboo species in China, it provides essential resources for food and industrial applications while demonstrating significant carbon sequestration capacity. However, urbanization and increasing labor costs have led to the abandonment of Moso bamboo forests. Understanding the ecological parameters of Moso bamboo at both the individual plant scale and the plot scale is critical for promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and this species. This study investigated 98 Moso bamboo forest plots in southern China and collected data on the diameter at breast height (DBH), age, and height from 14,085 individual plants. Distribution patterns of individual Moso bamboo parameters were analyzed, with comparative assessments between on-year and off-year forests dynamics. On the basis of the differences in forest stands across the sample plots, the aboveground biomass was estimated, and the influencing factors were assessed, leading to the following conclusions: (1) The DBH of individual Moso bamboo is positively correlated with plant height until reaching a size threshold, beyond which both parameters stabilize. (2) Moso bamboo exhibits an on-year phenomenon at the plot scale, with dynamic changes primarily occurring in these on-year plots, including the growth of new bamboo and the selective logging of older bamboo. (3) With human intervention, the age distribution of Moso bamboo forests follows a regular pattern, with on-year plots exhibiting a ratio of 1:1:1 (indicating the proportion of bamboo in the 1st year, 3rd year and 5th year age classes), whereas off-year plots present a ratio of 1:1 (indicating the proportion of bamboo in the 2nd year and 4th year age classes). (4) The aboveground biomass dynamics in Moso bamboo forest plots are hierarchically governed by three key determinants: stand density(R²=0.78), the number of Moso bamboo of each age (R² from 0.17 to 0.35), and average DBH(R²=0.12). These findings provide empirical data to support carbon sequestration management and sustainable development of Moso bamboo ecosystems.