Abstract: We analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of the near-surface temperature in cutting gaps of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forest in different slope directions near the Yong’an Bamboo Forest Ecological Positioning Observation and Research Station in Fujian Province. Nine observation locations were set up in the center of the forest gap and in the four directions of the south, north, east, and west through the center. The Kestrel 3000 portable weather monitor was used to measure surface temperature and air temperature at a height of 1.5 m at each site. The results showed that the spatial distribution of temperature in cutting gaps of different slope directions was significantly different, showing asymmetry in the spatial distribution of temperature. The hightemperature areas in the gaps of two slope directions were distributed on one side of the gap, while the distribution directions of hightemperature areas of two slope directions were also different. The difference between surface temperature and temperature at 1.5 m height promoted heat transfer in forest gaps. The daily variation of temperature in gaps of the two slope directions was singlepeak type, with the highest temperature at noon. The average temperature in gaps of the two slope directions was significantly different (P<0.01), with temperature on the west slope being higher than that on the north slope. Our results indicated that surface temperature and temperature at 1.5 m height within gaps varied with slope directions, positions within gaps and time. Heat transfer in the gaps enhanced environmental heterogeneity, thus affecting bamboo shoot emergence in the gaps. Our results provide evidence for understanding the recovery of logged moso bamboo forest.

Key words: Phyllostachys edulis, logging, forest gap, temperature, spatial distribution.