Differences in growth responses between Cryptomeria japonica and Chamaecyparis obtusa planted in group selection openings in Kyushu, southern Japan

We quantified the differences in growth responses between Cryptomeria japonica and Chamaecyparis obtusa trees in approximately 0.1-ha group selection openings in southern Japan. We measured the position, height (H), and diameter at ground level (D) of 6- and 13-year-old C. japonica and C. obtusa trees that were planted in two respective openings. The annual H and D growth of C. japonica increased until trees were 10 and 8 m, respectively, distant from the nearest edge of the opening. For C. obtusa, the annual H and D growth increased slightly until the trees were 6 m distant from the nearest edge, but they did not significantly differ between 6 and 18 m distant from the nearest edge. While the shortest distance from the edge explained 63% and 50% of the variationsal H and D growth, respectively, of C. obtusa. Our result demonstrates that C. obtusa is less sensitive to edge effects than C. japonica. We conclude that C. obtusa is likely to be more suitable than C. japonica for planting within 0.1-ha...