CPSDv0: A forest stand structure database for plantation forests over China

Forest stand structure is not only a crucial factor for regulating forest functioning, but also an important indicator for sustainable forest management and ecosystem services. Although there exist a few national/global structure databases for natural forests, a country-wide synthetic structure database for plantation forests over China, the world’s largest player in plantation forests, has been not achieved. In this study, we built a country-wide synthetic structure database by surveying more than 600 peer-reviewed literatures. The database covers tree species, mean stand age, mean tree height, stand density, canopy coverage, diameter at breast height, as well as the associated ancillary in-situ topographical and soil properties. Totally 594 published studies concerning diverse forest structure parameters were compiled for 46 tree species. This first synthesis for forest structure of plantation forests over China supports studies on evolution/health of plantation forests in response to rapid climate change and intensified disturbances, and benefits country-wide sustainable forest management and future afforestation or reforestation planning. Potential users include those studying forest community dynamics, regional tree growth, ecosystem stability and health, as well as those working with conservation and sustainable management.