The Impact of Natural Regeneration of Phoebe bournei in Anfu County, Jiangxi Province, on Community Diversity and Soil Nutrient Characteristics

Abstract

The ecological process of natural regeneration in forests is achieved by altering the relationship between community diversity and abiotic factors, thereby influencing the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Phoebe bournei is a unique and endangered tree species in China, and due to the rarity of P. bournei (Phoebe bournei) populations, there is limited research on the interaction between plant community diversity and soil environment during its natural regeneration process. Jiangxi Mingyue Mountain Forest Farm is one of the few locations where the natural regeneration of P. bournei communities occurs. From 2018 to 2021, the DBH (diameter at breast height) method was employed to define the stages of P. bournei regeneration. Community tree diversity, productivity, soil nutrients, and microbial diversity were investigated. The results showed the following: (1) P. bournei exhibits a competitive advantage compared to other tree species during natural regeneration, and it becomes the main contributor to community biomass and productivity in the later stages of regeneration. (2) The regeneration process of P. bournei has significant effects on community tree diversity and soil environment. Community diversity and biomass show a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. Soil moisture content, available phosphorus, and bacterial diversity significantly increase. P. bournei’s competitive advantage is likely derived from its regulation of soil nutrients and microorganisms. (3) Correlation analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between soil microbial diversity and community productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the composition and diversity of underground soil microorganisms in studies aimed at improving the quality of P. bournei forests. In summary, the natural regeneration of P. bournei involves the gradual removal of the original dominant evergreen species in the community by increasing its own competitive advantage and productivity, while continuously regulating community diversity, soil nutrients, and microbial diversity to facilitate the growth and development of P. bournei, ultimately establishing it as the dominant species in the forest community.