Understanding Secondary Forests: From Definitions to Regional Case Studies in China

Yuyang Su

2024

Abstract

Forests are essential for maintaining environmental health and supporting human well-being. However, human activities and natural disturbances have greatly altered primary forests, forming secondary forests. This study examines the distribution and types of secondary forests in China, analyses the causes of their degradation, and discusses measures for their restoration. Secondary forests in China can be classified according to four criteria: age, location, natural characteristics and management measures. These classifications help to develop effective management strategies for secondary forests. The degradation of secondary forests in northeastern China is mainly caused by anthropogenic activities such as logging and natural disturbances. In addition, the total nitrogen and phosphorus contents of the surface soil of secondary forests were significantly reduced. Degraded secondary forests can be restored through natural succession and managed restoration practices. Natural succession, including secondary forest succession, refers to the gradual recovery and re-establishment of primary forests after disturbance. However, this process is slow and often requires human intervention to be effective. Managed restoration practices include dynamic management, conserving valuable tree seedlings, introducing ecologically critical species, and establishing mixed and multi-layered natural forests. Active human interventions, such as engineering and biological methods, are recommended for severely degraded forests to rapidly restore the natural landscape of secondary forests. Therefore, effective management and restoration practices that are tailored to the degree of degradation and successional processes are essential for the sustainability of these important ecosystems.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Su Y. (2024). Understanding Secondary Forests: From Definitions to Regional Case Studies in China. In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Innovations in Applied Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy - Volume 1: IAMPA; ISBN 978-989-758-722-1, SciTePress, pages 145-150. DOI: 10.5220/0013001900004601

in Bibtex Style

@conference{iampa24,
author={Yuyang Su},
title={Understanding Secondary Forests: From Definitions to Regional Case Studies in China},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Innovations in Applied Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy - Volume 1: IAMPA},
year={2024},
pages={145-150},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013001900004601},
isbn={978-989-758-722-1},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Innovations in Applied Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy - Volume 1: IAMPA
TI - Understanding Secondary Forests: From Definitions to Regional Case Studies in China
SN - 978-989-758-722-1
AU - Su Y.
PY - 2024
SP - 145
EP - 150
DO - 10.5220/0013001900004601
PB - SciTePress