https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8294-4184
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Abstract
The forest distribution in relation to mountain slope position and the relationships between forest canopy area and soil physical and chemical properties in Mongolia attract the attention of scientists. In this study, we aimed to determine (1) how the slope aspect affects the forest soil physical and chemical properties, (2) how the soil variables correlate with projected canopy area. For comparative study, we established a total of 18 (20 × 25 m2 sized) sample plots in upper forest edge (UFE), upper slope of the forest (USF), lower slope of the forest (LSF), lower forest edge (LFE), sparse forest (SF), and degraded forest area (DFA) stand types with three replications. We measured the tree height, diameter and crown projection area of each growing tree in the sample plots, and collected soil samples for further soil physical and chemical analyses in the laboratory. Our results showed a high variation in growing stock (p < 0.0001), stand density and projected canopy area (p < 0.0001) in relation to mountain slope position and land-use management. We found that the slight changes in stand canopy area projection cause a high variation in soil physical and chemical properties. Among studied stand types higher means of soil temperature and bulk density and lower moisture content were observed on SF and DFA stand types. Contrary, relatively higher content of soil moisture and nutrient elements were recorded in USF, LSF, LFE. We conclude that tree canopy area becomes key determinant factor that positively influences forest soil moisture and fertility by increasing organic matter content in Mongolia.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the Ministry of Science and Technology in South Korea through the International Environmental Research Institute (IERI) of Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) for providing us with the funds in 2020 that facilitated the delivery of the program. We also thank the Administration of the Khustai National Park and the students who participated in field data collection and laboratory measurements.
Author contributions
Otgontuya Tsogbadrakh was responsible for research design and conceptualization of the study. Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg and Kyoung-Woong Kim were responsible for funding acquisition and project administration. Otgontuya Tsogbadrakh, Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg, Gerelbaatar Sukhbaatar, Burmaa Batchuluun, Delgermaa Altanjin, and Kah Yee Seah collected and processed the data. Otgontuya Tsogbadrakh, Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg, and Gerelbaatar Sukhbaatar drafted the manuscript.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.