[Microclimate edge effects of evergreen broad-leaved forest fragments in Jinyun Mountain: a preliminary study]

Abstract

This paper studied the microclimate of continuous and fragmental evergreen broad-leaved forests in Jinyun Mountain by determining the horizontal gradient distribution of microclimate elements near forest edges. The results showed that there existed clear edge effects of microclimate in every edge of fragmental forests. The distinctions of maximum and minimum air temperature, photosynthetic active radiation, and minimum relative humidity between edge forest and interior forest were higher or greater, while that of maximum ground surface temperature was lower or smaller in dry season than in rain season. The edge effect was the smallest in the biggest fragmental patch, but the greatest in the smallest fragmental patch in interior forest.