Light interception and use strategies of coexisting tree species in a forest on Yakushima Island, Japan

Abstract

Light is a critical factor for plant growth. Taller plants can pre-empt light energy and suppress growth of shorter plants, which is understood via one-sided competition. Yet, many species coexist along the vertical gradient of light in forests. Different plants employ different strategies to acquire and use the available light. Such differences influence not only the structure of the plant themselves but also of the species composition of the forest.

For this study, we aimed to quantify the differences in how plants efficiently intercept and use light in relation to aboveground growth. To do so, we used a new technique to measure leaf area density of the canopy and calculate canopy light interception in a non-destructive way.