[Grey correlation and cluster analysis on relationship between Cercidiphyllum japonicum community and its...

The relationship between 10 years old C. japonicum plantation forest community and its environmental conditions was studied by grey correlation method and cluster analysis. The results showed that there existed closer relations among soil organic matter, available Ca, Fe, Mg and N. Except for N and Mn, all soil available elements tested had no direct impact on the absorption and accumulation of corresponding elements by the community. The tree species in different habitats was found to absorb soil elements selectively to some extent. The factors affecting the basal diameter, DBH, height and biomass of C. japonicum could be lined as soil chemical characteristics > soil physical properties > climate factors, in which, available P had little impact on the growth of C. japonicum. It is suggested that C. japonicum could be restored in the area with higher air moisture and with fertile porous soil between elevation of 2200-2700 m.