Successional development from stands ofMiscanthus sinensis to stands ofPinus densiflora and elements of microclimates: The seed germination and seedling establishment conditions ofP. densiflora

Summary The succession mechanism from stands ofMiscanthus sinensis to stands ofPinus densiflora was studied in relation to elements of microclimates within those plant communities. Laboratory experiments indicated that the seed germination ofP. densiflora occurred at cumulative soil temperature between 75 °C day and 200 °C day. It is assumed from field research that establishment ofP. densiflora seedlings is impossible if the effective cumulative air temperature at a height of 6 cm is less than 2,000 °C day, and the cumulative solar radiation figure totals less than 633 MJ/m². The seedlings thrived in aM. sinensis stand growing on gently convex topography, which fulfills the requisites mentioned above. The seedlings in aM. sinensis stand growing on gently concave topography and in aP. densiflora stand died completely by October.With 4 Figures