[Seedling establishment of Fagus engleriana, a dominant in mountain deciduous forests]

The survival and growth of Fagus engleriana seedlings in three light levels, and with and without supplying additional fertilizer (F1 and F0, respectively) for each light level were studied. The three light levels were to simulate the light regimes in the understorey, small gaps and clearings (L1, L2 and L3 about 1%, 18% and 100% of full sunlight, respectively). The seedling development in L1 was severely inhibited by low light intensity. Seedling mortality was remarkably higher in L1 than in L2 and L3, and in F1 than in F0. The death of the seedlings seemed to result from attack of fungal pathogens. Although seedling survival and growth were significantly improved as light intensities increased from L1 to L2, seedlings in L3 developed similarly as those in L2. It is suggested that the young seedlings could not tolerate the shade of closed forest canopy, and fertile patches on the forest floor might not improve seedling establishment. Successful regeneration of the species in the forests needs better light conditions such as those in gaps than those under the closed forest canopy, at least during the phase of seedling establishment.