ISSN : 1229-3857(Print)
ISSN : 2288-131X(Online)
ISSN : 2288-131X(Online)
Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology Vol.39 No.5 pp.485-496
DOI : https://doi.org/10.13047/KJEE.2025.39.5.485
DOI : https://doi.org/10.13047/KJEE.2025.39.5.485
A Study on the Site Characteristics and Vegetation Structure of Quercus spp. Communities in Busan Metropolitan City
Abstract
This study was conducted to analyze the vegetation structure and distribution of deciduous Quercus spp. species in Busan Metropolitan City and determine the ecological characteristics of each community. The study subjects were five Quercus species - Q. variabilis, Q. acutissima, Q. serrata, Q. mongolica, and Q. dentata - excluding Q. aliena, which has a weak distribution in Busan Metropolitan City. A total of 100 survey plots (20 per forest type) were established for vegetation surveys. Site conditions such as elevation, slope, aspect, relative dominance, and species diversity were analyzed. The Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was performed to explore forest distribution patterns and environmental relationships. The results showed that the five forest types were clearly separated by site conditions and exhibited distinct vegetation structures and ecological characteristics. Q. acutissima forests were mainly found on gentle south-facing slopes wirh well-developed understory vegetation. Q. serrata forests showed frequent co-occurrence with Pinus thunbergii and abundant regeneration of Carpinus laxiflora, suggesting a possible successional shift. Q. mongolica forests were distributed along north-facing ridgelines and were often accompanied by species. Q. dentata forests occurred mostly on steep slopes along the coast and ridges. The Q. acutissima community was located in low-land areas near urban zones and frequently with planted tree species, while the development of understory vegetation was relatively poor. The deciduous Quercus spp. Communities distributed in Busan Metropolitan City exhibited distinct vegetation characteristics by community type due to adaptation to different topographic and environmental characteristics.






