Shibecha/Shiranuka

Hokkaido Forest Research Station, Shibecha/Shiranuka

Organization

Hokkaido Forest Research Station, Field Science Education and Research Center,
Kyoto University

Site Outline

Hokkaido forest research station, Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University is composed of two branches, Shibecha (1,447ha) and Shiranuka (880ha), which founded in 1949 and 1950, respectively. Shibecha Branch is located on N43°19′, E144°37′, Shibecha town, Kakawami-gun, Hokkaido prefecture, Japan and Shiranuka branch is located on N43°01′, E143°57′, Shiranuka town, Shiranuka-gun, Hokkaido prefecture, Japan.

Research Theme

This station has conducted the long-term observation such as weather, acid deposition, forest dynamics, and tree phenology. The forest has been used by other institutes as well as the researchers of Kyoto University.

1.Research on stand structure and regeneration/maintenance mechanism of natural forests
To clarify the mechanism of the regeneration of natural forests, we continue to conduct long-term forest dynamics surveys and analyze them.

2. Ecosystem response to climate change
The Pacific Ocean side of eastern Hokkaido is an area with little snowfall and seasonally frozen soil. How the ecosystems response to winter climate change such as changes in snowfall? To answer this question, we conducted large-scale field snow removal experiments to clarify the responses of plant communities, soil microbial communities and soil chemistry.

3. Forest management and material circulation
Human acitivity on forests, such as deforestation and reforestation, can drastically alter ecosystem functions. We are conducting research to clarify the differences in material circulation patterns and soil characteristics between natural forests and planted forests.

4. Long-term dynamics of ecosystems for atmospheric nitrogen deposition
Long-term monitoring of rainwater and stream water quality is being carried out to clarify the dynamics of atmospheric nitrogen deposition and stream water quality. We are also conducting process research on the water quality formation mechanism of stream water and research on nitrogen saturation.

5. Others
Long-term monitoring of Ezo deer and wireworm populations, long-term monitoring of standing timber volume by surveying fixed standard sites, surveys of biota in forests and rivers, and research on plant reproduction are being conducted.

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