Research Progress on Pinus densata Forest

Pinus densata forest is a unique forest type in southwest China, and it is an important carbon pool with high ecological conservation value. However, previous studies on community classification and structural characteristics, and ecosystem function of Pinus densata forest are scattered, and cannot provide systematic theoretical support for the protection, management and resource utilization of Pinus densata forest. We synthesized the community classification and structural characteristics, biomass and productivity, and water conservation capacity of Pinus densata forest based on relevant literature. Results showed that: （1） The forest could be classified into six formations, nine association groups and five associations; （2） The community biomass of mature forest was 81.24~318.79 t·hm⁻², of which arbor layer was 79.39~311.53 t·hm⁻², the carbon density of arbor layer was 49.543~103.24 t·hm⁻², and the annual productivity was 5.48~18.07 t·hm⁻²·a⁻¹, of which arbor layer was 4.29~14.23 t·hm⁻²; （3） The canopy interception rate of the forest was 24.32%~28.87%, and the maximum water-holding capacity of moss layer, litter layer and soil （0~30 cm） layer were 8.69 t·hm⁻², 117.27 t·hm⁻² and 380.98 t·hm⁻². And clarified the research contents that need further attention: （1） The current research cannot form a complete Pinus densata forest classification system, supplementary field investigations is needed to complete the relevant understanding of community characteristics; （2） Recent researches on biomass, carbon storage and productivity were concentrated in the arbor layer, and the research areas were concentrated in Linzhi City and Shangri-La County, data of other regions, understory vegetation and underground parts should be supplemented, and the variation laws and driving factors of biomass and productivity along various geographic gradients should be explored; （3） Recent researches on water conservation in mature forests were lacking, and the water-holding capacity of soil layer and moss layer should be focused.