The walnut-fruit forests （Juglans regia L.） in southern Kyrgyzstan are considered to be biodiversity hotspots and of considerable economic and ecological importance to local populations. The fruiting ability and sta...The walnut-fruit forests （Juglans regia L.） in southern Kyrgyzstan are considered to be biodiversity hotspots and of considerable economic and ecological importance to local populations. The fruiting ability and stability of these forests are, however, decreasing because of infrequent silvicultural interventions and non-existent natural regeneration. Continuous inventories and walnut harvest measurements were carded out on 18 trial and control plots over the course of i3 year. Results showed that i） thinning had a positive influence on diameter at breast height （dbh） increase, ii） dbh growth and crown area increases are strongly and positively correlated, iii） large crowns enhanced the production of fruits, and iv） temperature conditions had a major influence on the production of fruits. The above-mentioned points are particularly relevant for young plantations but are also valid for relatively old plantations （〉 50 years）. We conclude that regular thinning substantially improves diameter growth, fruit production and ability of trees to withstand wind and snow damage in both young stands and in older walnut-fruit forests.展开更多
基金the Swiss National Science Foundationthe Velux Foundation+1 种基金the Karl Popper Foundationthe Vontobel Foundation for their financial support
文摘The walnut-fruit forests （Juglans regia L.） in southern Kyrgyzstan are considered to be biodiversity hotspots and of considerable economic and ecological importance to local populations. The fruiting ability and stability of these forests are, however, decreasing because of infrequent silvicultural interventions and non-existent natural regeneration. Continuous inventories and walnut harvest measurements were carded out on 18 trial and control plots over the course of i3 year. Results showed that i） thinning had a positive influence on diameter at breast height （dbh） increase, ii） dbh growth and crown area increases are strongly and positively correlated, iii） large crowns enhanced the production of fruits, and iv） temperature conditions had a major influence on the production of fruits. The above-mentioned points are particularly relevant for young plantations but are also valid for relatively old plantations （〉 50 years）. We conclude that regular thinning substantially improves diameter growth, fruit production and ability of trees to withstand wind and snow damage in both young stands and in older walnut-fruit forests.
