We followed the standard protocol of Forest Global Earth Observatory (forestGEO) and established a 1-ha forest dynamics plot near the saddle between Mt. Lalashan and Mt. Tamanshan in northern Taiwan. We subdivided the plot into 100 10 m × 10 m subplots.

• Elevation
• Slope
• Aspect
• Convexity
• Windwardness

• Acidity (pH)
• Soil texture
• Carbon and Nitrogen content
• Exchangeable K, Ca, Mg
• Available Fe, Cu, Zn
• Decomposition rate (teabag methods)

• Fisheye photographs

In each 10 m × 10 m subplots, all woody species individual with a diameter at breast height (DBH) larger than 1 cm were species determined and location mapped. In addition, we set 2 m × 2 m quadrat inside the subplot and used the nine-degree Braun-Blanquet method to record coverage of woody species individual with DBH less than 1 cm, herb, and liana species.

We selected 25 subplots and collected leaves of woody species individuals to study the trait-environment relations. In addition to interspecific trait variationWe, we also investigated the importance of the intraspecific trait variation.

• leaf area (LA)
• specific leaf area (SLA)
• leaf thickness
• leaf dry matter content (LDMC)
• leaf chlorophyll content
• succulence

Learn more about the plot, welcome to watch our Virtual Excursion to the Lalashan Forest Dynamics Plot below!