Kanumazawa Riparian Research Forest - Japan

A 4.71-ha site in a beech-dominated landscape, with montane creek stand (2.48 ha) as well as adjacent terrace stand (1.08 ha) and steep slope connecting between them. Deciduous species-mixed stand, without evidence for logging, under temperate climate with heavy snow (max. depth: 1.8 m) in winter. Characterized by canopy breakage and fluvial transport of sedimentation, as well as bumpy ground surface with a mixture of boulders and deep soils. As a result, a diverse array of tree species coexist, with rich ground layer vegetation, in the riparian stand, whereas beech is the dominant species in the terrace stand. Intensive monitoring for seedfall and tree community dynamics since 1990's.