Analysis of Distribution and Association Structure on the Sawtooth Oak (Quercus acutissima) Forest in Korea

This study has targeted Quercus acutissima forests in Korea and has classified the association between Quercus acutissima forests by using the phytosociological method. In addition, the correlation between each association, distribution, potential natural vegetation, and aspect of Quercus acutissima forest according to location have been analyzed to examine the characteristics of the Korean Quercus acutissima forests. Through factor analysis of DECORANA, it was revealed that Quercetum serrato-acutissimae forms in the basal zones of mountains, Quercetum mongolico-acutissimae is formed in the highlands, in the relatively high mountain area, and Carpino-Quercetum acutissimae is mainly distributed in valleys. However, this phenomenon is not very obvious, as each association structure is often mixed up. This result is caused by inhomogeneity of the Quercus acutissima forests, and most of it is distributed in basal zones or around farmlands where there are severe disturbance factors. The proposed potential natural vegetation of the Quercus acutissima forests in Korea is as follows; Quercetum serrato-acutissimaeQuercus aliena-Quercus serrata communityQuercus serrata community, Quercetum mongolico-acutissimaeQuercus aliena-Quercus mongolica communityQuercus mongolica community, Carpino-Quercetum acutissimaeQuercus aliena-Carpinus laxiflora communityCarpinus laxiflora community.