Analysis of tree mortality characteristics in a dynamic northern tropical karst seasonal rainforest in Nonggang, Guangxi, southern China

We conducted two surveys (in 2011 and 2016) of a 15 hm² dynamic monitoring plot in a tropical karst seasonal rainforest in northern Nonggang, China, and analyzed the number, diameter structure, and spatial pattern characteristics of tree mortality in the plot over time. Results showed that from 2011 to 2016, 86.5% of the tree species in the plot had individual deaths, accounting for 14.4% of the total number of individuals. The diameter class of dead trees showed an inverted "J" shaped distribution, consistent with the diameter class structure of standing trees. Competition was the main factor affecting tree death. In summary, tree death in the northern tropical karst seasonal rainforest was not a completely random process, but due to the combined effects of tree characteristics and biological and non-biological environments.