神农架林区植被分布与地形的关系研究

神农架林区是我国物种多样性最为丰富的地区之一,地形地貌复杂,对植被分布影响巨大。本文利用该地区2007年数字高程数据、2007年植被分布图以及2017年野外实地调查数据,基于最大熵模型和空间分析理论,从植被类型和种群两个角度研究该地区不同尺度植被空间分布的地形特征,分别量化植被类型和种群空间分布的地形范围,得到植被类型与地形因子关系模型、植被种群与地形因子关系模型。结果表明:①神农架林区影响植被空间分布的地形因子不同,其中影响针叶林分布的最重要的地形因子是高程和高程变异系数,影响阔叶林分布的是高程和坡向,影响灌丛分布的是坡向变率和坡向,影响草丛分布的较为分散;②典型植被种群分布的地形范围和植被类型的基本一致,其中90%针叶林分布在高程1600~2600 m间,典型种群巴山冷杉和华山松主要分布在高程1700~3200 m和1700~2200 m;85%的阔叶林分布在高程1000~2000 m间,典型种群青冈类和鹅耳枥主要分布在高程1200~2200 m间;95%的灌丛分布在坡向变率0~40°间,典型种群杜鹃和蔷薇主要分布在坡向变率小于40°的范围,但相应的关系模型存在差异,植被类型与地形因子为高斯模型,典型种群与地形因子关系模型相对复杂,不同种群的分布模式不同;③虽然坡度常作为数字地形的重要因子,但本文研究发现该地区坡度对植被类型和种群分布的影响不明显。研究结果可为神农架林区植被保护和恢复,以及植被规划和管理提供基础参考。     

Effects of topographical and edaphic factors on the distribution of plant communities in two subtropical karst forests, southwestern China

Relationships between topography,soil properties and the distribution of plant communities on two different rocky hillsides are examined in two subtropical karst forests in the Maolan National Natural Reserve,southwestern China.Surveys of two 1-ha permanent plots at each forest,and measurements of four topographic and thirteen edaphic factors on the slopes were performed.Twoway Indicator Species Analysis(TWINSPAN) and Detrended Canonical Correspondence Analysis(DCCA) were used for the classification of plant communities and for vegetation ordination with environmental variables.One hundred 10m×10m quadrats in each plot were classified into four plant community types.A clear altitudinal gradient suggested that elevation was important in community differentiation.The topography and soil explained 51.06% and 54.69% of the variability of the distribution of plant species in the two forest plots,respectively,indicating both topographic factors(eg.elevation,slope and rock-bareness rate) and edaphic factors(e.g.total P,K and exchangeable Ca) were the important drivers of the distribution of woody plant species in subtropical karst forest.However,our results suggested that topographical factors were more important than edaphic ones in affecting local plant distribution on steep slopes with extensive rock outcrops,while edaphic factors were more influential on gentle slope and relatively thick soil over rock in subtropical karst forest.Understanding relationships between vegetation and environmental factors in karst forest ecosystems would enable us to apply these findings in vegetation management strategies and restoration of forest communities.     

Intermediate-scale analysis of landscape characteristics affecting edge formation in burned forests in Samcheok,Korea

Compared to burn interiors, edges exhibit distinct biotic and abiotic conditions that include microclimate, wind speed, sunlight levels, soil composition, moisture content, nutrient availability, population density, and species diversity. This study characterized the landscapes in which burned forest edges formed in Samcheok, Korea. Over the study area, 500-m2 grid cells were generated to capture landscape characteristics. Grid cells intersecting burn boundary lines were designated as edge, while cells without these lines were classified as the interior of burned areas. Topographic variables including slope, elevation, topographic wetness index, solar radiation index, and proportions of fuel and land use types within grid cells were computed in a geographical information system （GIS）. Correlation analysis with modified t-test and regression tree analysis were performed to explore the influences of landscape variables on edge formation with avoiding spatial autocorrelation problems. The results indicated that edges formed at low elevations with mild slopes, high topographic wetness, and low solar radiation. Edges were unlikely to form in areas dominated by Japanese red pines at low elevations. Moreover, heterogeneous land use/cover types contributed significantly to edge formation. Different forest management strategies for different landscape conditions can be more effective for enhancing resilience of forests to fire. Reducing susceptible fuel types might be effective at low elevations, while enhancing forest heterogeneity might be more effective at high elevations.     

Ectomycorrhiza of Larix sibirica Ledeb. along the gradients of main ecological factors and elevation at the Northern and Subpolar Urals

Siberian larch(Larix sibirica Ledeb.) forests cover the largest areas in the Eurasian boreal zone, but there are insufficient data on its root system including the structure and functional traits of ectomycorrhizas(EM). The aim of this research is to find out if the morphological parameters of Larix sibirica EMs responded to the changes in elevation and main ecological factors(soil humidity, soil richness, soil acidity and habitat illumination). Using light microscopy, we studied EM diameter, root diameter, mantle width, and mantle volume share, share of tannin cells layers, EM density and EM length of Larix sibirica in two main types of plant communities along the elevation gradient at the Northern and Subpolar Urals. Differences in the environment were traced using phytoindication approach and the Ellenberg ecological scales. All the studied traits depend on the elevation and studied ecological factors. The diversity of fungal mantles is low, and the proportion of unstructured and pseudoparenchymatous mantles is high in response to the deterioration of the humidity, soil nitrogen content and acidity at higher-altitude habitats. Results of EM quantitative parameters measurements confirmed this pattern. We found a decline in the EM linear dimensions accompanied by a compensatory growth of the EM density with the raised elevation and the deterioration of environmental conditions.     

Vegetation-environment relationship in conifer dominating forests of the mountainous range of Indus Kohistan in northern Pakistan

Environmental variables play a crucial role in shaping vegetation structure,mainly in mountainous ecosystems.Different studies have attempted to identify the environment-vegetation relationship of Conifer Dominating Forests(CDF) worldwide.However,due to differences in local climate and soil composition,different environmental drivers can be found.By applying multivariate analysis techniques,this study investigated the vegetation-environment relationship of CDF of Indus Kohistan in northern Pakistan.Our results showed that CDF of Indus Kohistan are distributed in five distinct ecological groups,which are dominated by different trees and understory species.A total of 7 trees and 71 understory species were recorded from the sampling sites.Cedrus deodara was the leading species among four groups,having the highest importance value(IV),density and basal area.Group I was dominated by Pinus wallichiana with the second highest importance value,density and basal area.In addition,elevation,slope,maximum water holding capacity(MWHC),soil moisture(SM),total organic matter(TOM),sodium,phosphorus and nickel showed highly significant influence on composition and distribution pattern of Indus Kohistan vegetation.Therefore,this study shows a new evidence of vegetation-environment relationship,pointing out specific drivers of vegetation structure in CDF of Indus Kohistan region in northern Pakistan.     

高黎贡山北段羚牛生境DTM数据分析与评价应用

为分析高黎贡山羚牛生境质量状况,探讨其生境保护策略。本文建立高黎贡山自然保护区北段范围的数字地形模型,并将其应用在濒危珍稀动物--羚牛的生境评价研究中。通过羚牛活动区的海拔高度、坡度及植被类型等数据的叠置分析,获得了羚牛的潜在生境区,同时再综合考虑人类活动对其影响,便得到羚牛的实际生境。结合羚牛的生态习性与实地调查资料,选择海拔高度、坡度、植被因子、人类活动影响因子四个指标对其生境的适宜性进行了划分和评价。结果表明:(1)无人类活动影响下,羚牛可在研究区内大部分地区生存。从1974、1989、1999、2004年几个时相的图像分析,适宜羚牛生存的生境面积逐年减少,而不适宜的面积逐年增加。(2)人类活动影响下,适宜羚牛生存的生境大面积消失,生境丧失比例逐年增加。     

DTM在高黎贡山羚牛潜在生境研究中的应用

本文建立了高黎贡山自然保护区北段范围的数字地形模型,并将其应用在濒危珍稀动物——羚牛潜在生境评价研究中。通过叠加羚牛活动区的海拔高度、坡度及植被类型,获得了羚牛的潜在生境区,结合羚牛的生态习性与实地调查资料,选择海拔高度、坡度、植被因子3个指标对其潜在生境的适宜性进行了划分和评价。结果表明:在没有人类活动的影响下,羚牛可在研究区内大部分地区生存。从1974￣2004年,适宜羚牛生存的各等级生境面积逐年减少,而不适宜生境的面积逐年增加。     

Composition,diversity and distribution of tree species in response to changing soil properties with increasing distance from water source – a case study of Gobind Sagar Reservoir in India

Construction of big dams on rivers develops artificial lakes or water reservoirs which conceive alterations in soil properties of the upstream catchment area. An undulating topography and freckly soil properties cause ups and downs in tree diversity, composition and distribution. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Gobind Sagar reservoir on soil properties relative to the distance from it and assess its effect on tree diversity, evenness and their distribution in tropical and subtropical forests. Based on data analysis it was found that the soil moisture and organic carbon decreased along with increasing distance from the reservoir. It played a significant role in varying tree diversity. The sites distributed within0-2 km showed significantly higher α and β-diversity indices. Tree species richness and diversity indices showed a strong correlation(p 0.05) with soil moisture and organic carbon content. Simpson's and Mc Intosh evenness indices showed a strong negative correlation with soil bulk density. Indirect Detrended Correspondence Analysis(DCA) identified soil moisture and soil organic carbon as two major environmental gradients that influenced tree diversity and their distribution in five tropical and four subtropical forests in an upstream catchment of the reservoir. Mixed forests inhabited moist sites andAcacia-Pinus forests showed an inclination to dry areas. Canonical Correspondence Analysis(CCA)revealed that the tree species in tropical forests were mainly affected by driving forces such as soil moisture,organic carbon and bulk density whereas, in subtropical forest tree species were influenced by elevation, soil p H, EC and clay content.     

Ectomycorrhiza of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix sibirica</Emphasis> Ledeb. along the gradients of main ecological factors and elevation at the Northern and Subpolar Urals

Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) forests cover the largest areas in the Eurasian boreal zone, but there are insufficient data on its root system including the structure and functional traits of ectomycorrhizas (EM). The aim of this research is to find out if the morphological parameters of Larix sibirica EMs responded to the changes in elevation and main ecological factors (soil humidity, soil richness, soil acidity and habitat illumination). Using light microscopy, we studied EM diameter, root diameter, mantle width, and mantle volume share, share of tannin cells layers, EM density and EM length of Larix sibirica in two main types of plant communities along the elevation gradient at the Northern and Subpolar Urals. Differences in the environment were traced using phytoindication approach and the Ellenberg ecological scales. All the studied traits depend on the elevation and studied ecological factors. The diversity of fungal mantles is low, and the proportion of unstructured and pseudoparenchymatous mantles is high in response to the deterioration of the humidity, soil nitrogen content and acidity at higher-altitude habitats. Results of EM quantitative parameters measurements confirmed this pattern. We found a decline in the EM linear dimensions accompanied by a compensatory growth of the EM density with the raised elevation and the deterioration of environmental conditions.     

大柳塔采煤塌陷区土壤含水量的空间变异特征分析

通过研究采煤塌陷区土壤水空间分布及动态变化特征,查明了采煤塌陷对土壤含水量的影响,这对矿区生态环境保护、塌陷区土地复垦等具有重要指导意义。以大柳塔双沟采煤塌陷区为试验区,利用传统统计学和地统计学方法分析了采煤塌陷条件下的包气带土壤水空间变异特征。研究结果表明:由于采煤塌陷造成塌陷区土壤层位在垂向上倒置、重组,引起土壤粒度、容重、孔隙度等土壤物理特性的改变,使塌陷区土壤含水量比非塌陷区显著降低,在不同深度层（0~60 cm）分别减少14.2%~21.9%;在垂向分布上塌陷区土壤水分也表现出较强的变异性,其离散系数在不同深度（0~60 cm）与非塌陷区的差值在19.2%~50%之间。根据试验区0 cm、20 cm、40 cm、60 cm四个层面土壤含水量的Kriging插值等值线图显示,土壤含水量低值区均位于塌陷区内的塌陷坑部位,证明地表的地裂缝、塌陷坑、塌陷洞等塌陷形态对土壤持水能力的影响颇为显著。采煤塌陷区土壤含水量降低、空间变异性增强直接导致了地表植被生存环境的恶化,地表景观被严重破坏。     

基于地理探测器的大熊猫生境适宜度评价模型及验证

动物生境适宜度评价对于野生动物生境保护十分重要。基于物种活动点来建模的生态位模型是目前应用最广泛的动物生境评价方法,但该方法不能直接表达生境适宜度与环境因子间具有生态学意义的数量关系。本文以雅安地区为例,提出一种新的大熊猫（Ailuropoda melanoleuca）生境适宜度评价方法,选取海拔、坡度、坡向、地形指数、距水源距离、植被类型、主食竹及距公路距离8个环境因子,引入地理探测器,在分别基于MAXENT模型和层次分析法（The Analytic Hierarchy Process,AHP）所构建生境适宜度模型的基础上,通过4个地理探测器（风险探测器、因子探测器、生态探测器和交互作用探测器）探寻大熊猫生境与各环境因子间的关系以及环境因子对大熊猫生境的影响机理,并将其预测结果与单一MAXENT模型和AHP法进行对比。结果表明：（1）AHP、AHP-Geogdetector、MAXENT和MAXENT-Geogdetector模型总体评价精度分别为85.6%、86.5%、91.3%和94.2%,kappa系数分别为0.699、0.718、0.821和0.882,AUC值分别为0.902、0.928、0.949和0.966,模型所预测的适宜和较适宜区与实际分布区重叠比分别为63.66%、61.30%、76.70%和90.10%,说明AHP-Geogdetector和MAXENT-Geogdetector模型精度均比相应的单一模型有所提高,且MAXENT-Geogdetector模型精度最高;（2）基于地理探测器的大熊猫生境适宜度评价模型能以“生境适宜度和环境因子间具有生态学意义的数量关系”的形式直接体现环境因子对动物生境利用的生态学作用,具有较好的生态学可解释性。因此,用地理探测器进行大熊猫生境适宜度评价具有较好的可行性。     

The influence of environmental variables on distribution patterns of Irano-Turanian forests in Alborz Mountains,Iran

Topographic and edaphic variables are the main ecological factor determining species spatial variability on mountainous forests. A field study was performed in central Alborz to investigate how the edaphic and topographic parameters can affect the tree and shrub communities. Initially, 27 forest stands were identified and the homogeneous units were separated regarding physiognomy. In each single homogeneous unit, one random sample plot (1000 m2) and totally 43 plots were established. In each plot, the presence and abundance of all trees and shrubs were recorded and four soil samples were taken from depths of 0-5 and 5-20 cm. Concerning classification results, eight different forest communities were identified. The lowest and highest soil pH values were observed in Malus orientalis and pistacia-Amygdalus communities, respectively. The water saturation percent of pure- and mixed Juniperus excelsa and Rhus coriaria was the highest amongst communities. The clay content was the highest in pure J. excelsa. The 0-5 organic matter and Nitrogen content in mixed J. excelsa were significantly higher than pure J. excelsa and other communities. The CCA (Canonical Correspondence Analysis) results indicated that the altitude, precipitation, pH, EC, SP, clay and CaCO₃ are the most important factors determine the distribution of trees and shrub in central Alborz     

Identifying suitable habitats of three ungulates in Arjinshan National Nature Reserve,China

Arjinshan National Nature Reserve (ANNR) is one of 3 refuges of the endemic ungulates Tibetan wild ass (Equus kiang), Chiru (Pantholops hodgsonii) and wild yak (Bos mutus) that are endangered by natural and anthropogenic factors in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). Identifying habitat suitability is critical for species protection management. We used a GIS-based niche model to delimit and classify habitat suitability using an integrated assessment system, which included 9 biotic and abiotic factors. We divided the research area into 4 habitat types for these ungulates: (1) high suitability habitat; (2) moderate suitability habitat; (3) low suitability habitat; and (4) unsuitable area. Results suggested that chiru have the most areas of high and moderate suitability habitats while Tibetan wild ass had the largest areas of low suitability habitat and unsuitable area. Wild yak had the largest area of moderate and low suitability habitat, but high suitability habitats for wild yak were smaller than those of other 2 ungulates. There was overlap of high-quality habitat for the three kinds of ungulates in the vicinity of Kardun inspection station, which could be regarded as the core area for the coexistence and conservation of these endangered ungulate populations.     

Selecting suitable sites for mountain ginseng(Panax ginseng) cultivation by using geographically weighted logistic regression

With the well-being trends to pursue a healthy life, mountain ginseng(Panax ginseng) is rising as one of the most profitable forest products in South Korea. This study was aimed at evaluating a new methodology for identifying suitable sites for mountain ginseng cultivation in the country. Forest vegetation data were collected from 46 sites and the spatial distribution of all sites was analyzed using GIS data for topographic position, landform, solar radiation, and topographic wetness. The physical and chemical properties of the soil samples, including moisture content, p H, organic matter, total nitrogen, exchangeable cations, available phosphorous, and soil texture, were analyzed. The cultivation suitability at each site was assessed based on the environmental conditions using logistic regression(LR) and geographically weighted logistic regression(GWLR) and the results of both methods were compared. The results show that the areas with northern aspect and higher levels of solar radiation, moisture content, total nitrogen, and sand ratio are more likely to be identified as suitable sites for ginseng cultivation. In contrast to the LR, the spatial modeling with the GWLR results in an increase in the model fitness and indicates that a significant portion of spatialautocorrelation in the data decreases. A higher value of the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve presents a better prediction accuracy of site suitability by the GWLR. The geographically weighted coefficient estimates of the model are nonstationary, and reveal that different site suitability is associated with the geographical location of the forest stands. The GWLR increases the accuracy of selecting suitable sites by considering the geographical variations in the characteristics of the cultivation sites.     

Quantitative simulation on soil moisture contents of two typical vegetation communities in Sanjiang Plain,China

Different types of vegetation occupy different geomorphology and water gradient environments in the San-jiang Plain,indicating that the soil moisture dynamics and water balance patterns of the different vegetation communi-ties might differ from each other.In this paper,a lowland system,perpendicular to the Nongjiang River in the Honghe National Nature Reserve(HNNR),was selected as the study area.The area was occupied by the non-wetland plant forest and the typical wetland plant meadow.The Microsoft Windows-based finite element analysis software package for simulating water,heat,and solute transport in variably saturated porous media(HYDRUS),which can quantita-tively simulate water,heat,and/or solute movement in variably-saturated porous media,was used to simulate soil moisture dynamics in the root zone(20-40 cm) of those two plant communities during the growing season in 2005.The simulation results for soil moisture were in a good agreement with measured data,with the coefficient of determi-nation(R2) of 0.44-0.69 and root mean square error(RMSE) ranging between 0.0291 cm3/cm3 and 0.0457 cm3/cm3,and index of agreement(d) being from 0.612 to 0.968.During the study period,the volumetric soil moisture content of meadow increased with the depth and its coefficient of variation decreased with the depth(from 20 cm to 40 cm),while under the forest the soil moisture content at different depths varied irregularly.The calculated result of water budget showed that the water budget deficit of the meadow was higher than that of the forest,suggesting that the meadow is more likely to suffer from water stress than the forest.The quantitative simulation by HYDRUS in this study did not take surface runoff and plant growth processes into account.Improved root water uptake and surface runoff models will be needed for higher accuracy in further researches.     

Spatial distribution of land cover and vegetation activity along topographic gradient in an arid river valley, SW China

Anthropogenic activities have become more and more important in characterizing the landscape, but their impacts are still restricted by natural environments. This paper discusses the interactions of anthropogenic activity, vegetation activity and topography through describing the spatial distribution of land cover and vegetation activity （represented by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI） along topographic gradient in a mountainous area of southwestern China. Our results indicate that the existing landscape pattern is controlled by anthropogenic activities as well as topographic factors. Intensive anthropogenic activities mainly occur in areas with relatively low elevation, gentle and concave slopes, as these areas are easy and convenient to attain for human. Because of the destruction by human, some land cover types （mainly grassland and shrub） are only found in relatively harsher environments. This study also finds that topographic wetness index （W） used in other places only reflects runoff generation capacity, but not indicate the real spatial pattern of soil water content in this area. The relationships between NDVI and W, and NDVI and length slope factor （LSF） show that runoff and erosion have complex effects on vegetation activity. Greater values of W and LSF will lead to stronger capacity to produce runoff and transport sediment, and thereby increase soil water content and soil deposition, whereas beyond a certain threshold runoff and erosion are so strong that they would destruct vegetation growth. This study provides information needed to successfully restore native vegetation, improve land management, and promote sustainable development in mountainous areas, especially for developing regions.     

Vertical patterns in plant diversity and their relations with environmental factors on the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (middle section) in Xinjiang (China)

The investigation of distribution patterns of species diversity is significant for successful biodiversity conservation. The spatial patterns of vegetation and different life-forms species diversity along an elevation gradient in the middle section of the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China were explored, using the detrended canonical correspondence analysis(DCCA) and the generalized additive model(GAM) methods based on a field survey of 53 sampling plots. In this work 158 species of seed plants were recorded, including 141 herbaceous, 14 shrub, and 2 tree species, in which the woody plants are very limited. 53 sampling plots were classified into 9 major plant communities. The results indicate that the herb communities were the most sensitive to changes in elevation gradient. The diversity indices of the community as a whole presented bimodal patterns. The peak values for the species diversities were found in the transition region between mountain steppe desert and mountain desert steppe(2,200–2,300m), and in the alpine grassland region(2,900–3,100m), while maximum species diversities were in the areas of intermediate environmental gradient. The main environmental factors on the distribution patterns in plant diversity were the elevation, soil water, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, organic matter, and total salt. The response tendency of the four diversity indices for the whole community to the soil environment was the same as that of the herb layers.     

Spatial variability and its main controlling factors of the permafrost soil-moisture on the northern-slope of Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The soil moisture movement is an important carrier of material cycle and energy flow among the various geo-spheres in the cold regions. Thus, this research takes the north slope of Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as a case study. The present study firstly investigates the change of permafrost moisture in different slope positions and depths. Based on this investigation, this article attempts to investigate the spatial variability of permafrost moisture and identifies the key influence factors in different terrain conditions. The method of classification and regression tree (CART) is adopted to identify the main controlling factors influencing the soil moisture movement. The relationships between soil moisture and environmental factors are revealed by the use of the method of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The results show that: 1) Due to the terrain slope and the freezing-thawing process, the horizontal flow weakens in the freezing period. The vertical migration of the soil moisture movement strengthens. It will lead to that the soil-moisture content in the up-slope is higher than that in the down-slope. The conclusion is contrary during the melting period. 2) Elevation, soil texture, soil temperature and vegetation coverage are the main environmental factors which affect the slope-permafrost soil-moisture. 3) Slope, elevation and vegetation coverage are the main factors that affect the slope-permafrost soil-moisture at the shallow depth of 0-20 cm. It is complex at the middle and lower depth.     

Decreasing nutrient concentrations in soils and trees with increasing elevation across a treeline ecotone in Rolwaling Himal,Nepal

At a global scale, tree growth in alpine treeline ecotones is limited by low temperatures. At a local scale, however, tree growth at its upper limit depends on multiple interactions of influencing factors and mechanisms. The aim of our research was to understand local scale effects of soil properties and nutrient cycling on tree growth limitation, and their interactions with other abiotic and biotic factors in a near-natural Himalayan treeline ecotone. Soil samples of different soil horizons, litter, decomposition layers, and foliage samples of standing biomass were collected in four altitudinal zones along three slopes, and were analysed for exchangeable cations and nutrient concentrations, respectively. Additionally, soil and air temperature, soil moisture, precipitation, and tree physiognomy patterns were evaluated. Both soil nutrients and foliar macronutrient concentrations of nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and foliar phosphorus (P) decrease significantly with elevation. Foliar manganese (Mn) concentrations, by contrast, are extraordinarily high at high elevation sites. Potential constraining factors on tree growth were identified using multivariate statistical approaches. We propose that tree growth, treeline position and vegetation composition are affected by nutrient limitation, which in turn, is governed by low soil temperatures and influenced by soil moisture conditions.     

Selecting suitable sites for mountain ginseng (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Panax ginseng</Emphasis>) cultivation by using geographically weighted logistic regression

With the well-being trends to pursue a healthy life, mountain ginseng (Panax ginseng) is rising as one of the most profitable forest products in South Korea. This study was aimed at evaluating a new methodology for identifying suitable sites for mountain ginseng cultivation in the country. Forest vegetation data were collected from 46 sites and the spatial distribution of all sites was analyzed using GIS data for topographic position, landform, solar radiation, and topographic wetness. The physical and chemical properties of the soil samples, including moisture content, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, exchangeable cations, available phosphorous, and soil texture, were analyzed. The cultivation suitability at each site was assessed based on the environmental conditions using logistic regression (LR) and geographically weighted logistic regression (GWLR) and the results of both methods were compared. The results show that the areas with northern aspect and higher levels of solar radiation, moisture content, total nitrogen, and sand ratio are more likely to be identified as suitable sites for ginseng cultivation. In contrast to the LR, the spatial modeling with the GWLR results in an increase in the model fitness and indicates that a significant portion of spatial autocorrelation in the data decreases. A higher value of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve presents a better prediction accuracy of site suitability by the GWLR. The geographically weighted coefficient estimates of the model are non-stationary, and reveal that different site suitability is associated with the geographical location of the forest stands. The GWLR increases the accuracy of selecting suitable sites by considering the geographical variations in the characteristics of the cultivation sites.