Investigating the relationship between the population of Pleioblastus amarus (Keng) Keng f. and its growing environment in Zhongtai, Hangzhou, China

Pleioblastus amarus is a type of woody bamboo with an average internode length of 27–29 cm and a medium diameter of approximately 2 cm, making it an excellent material for crafting flutes. This study investigated the influence of environmental factors on the quality of P. amarus for commercial flute production. We investigated the P. amarus forests in Zhongtai, Hangzhou, China, known for its flute production. The population density (PD) of studied plots varied from 7 to 16 individuals per square meter, and the diameter at breast height (DBH) of samples exhibited a range of 19.25–33.48 mm across the study area. Soil analysis revealed an organic carbon (OC) content ranging from 1.04 % to 3.63 %, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN) levels between 48.92 and 160.73 mg/kg, and available potassium (AK) content ranging from 43 to 110 mg/kg. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations (p < 0.05) between DBH and OC, as well as between DBH and AN levels. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship (p < 0.05) between PD and soil AK content. We examined the physical properties of the fourth, fifth, and sixth internodes, the ideal sections for crafting flutes, finding minimal variation and consistent structural integrity among these segments. The material properties were not affected by the environment. Our study provides preliminary information on the effects of the environment on the growth and reproduction of P. amarus. It should aid the appropriate management and cultivation of P. amarus forests, especially those employed as sources of raw materials for flute production.