Abstract: To examine the variations of stand spatial structure and species diversity and their relationship in masson pine plantations of different stages along the succession sequence, we set up 18 plots, including 6 plots of pure masson stand, 6 plots of mixed stand, and 6 plots of deciduous broadleaved stand. We analyzed the spatial structure and species diversity of trees, shrubs, and herbs using the quantitative indicators and the relationship between stand structure and species diversity using the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results showed that: (1) the degree of isolation for tree species was mainly affected by stand succession stage, which increased along succession sequence; (2) species diversity differed across succession stages, which was highest in the deciduous broadleaf stand, confirming the climax succession hypothesis; (3) species diversity was positively related by the degree of species mixing. These results indicate that successional stages determine the degrees of species isolation and species diversity within the community. Using deciduous broadleaved forest as the template of the study area, management practices such as tending and replanting can increase the degree of tree species isolation and species diversity, thus improving ecological services of masson pine plantations.

Key words: plantation forest, succession, stand spatial structure, species diversity, correlation.