During the growing seasons of 2002 and 2003, biomass productivity and diversity were examined along an altitudinal transect on the south-western slope of Beishan Mountain, Maqin County (33°43′–35°16′N, 98°48′–100°55′E), Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Six altitudes were selected, between 3840 and 4435 m. Soil organic matter, soil available N and P and environmental factors significantly affected plant-species diversity and productivity of the alpine meadows. Aboveground biomass declined significantly with increasing altitude (P < 0.05) and it was positively and linearly related to late summer soil-surface temperature. Belowground biomass (0–10-cm depth) was significantly greater at the lowest and highest altitudes than at intermediate locations, associated with water and nutrient availabilities. At each site, the maximum belowground biomass values occurred at the beginning and the end of the growing seasons (P < 0.05). Soil organic matter content, and available N and P were negatively and closely related to plant diversity (species richness, Shannon–Wiener diversity index, and Pielou evenness index).
Short-term effects of whole-tree harvesting on understory plant species diversity and cover in two Norway spruce sites in southern Norway
