Bamboo
is associated strongly with China because it has been broadly used in China
since prehistoric times. Although it grows in many parts of the world, bamboo
is deeply entwined with Chinese culture (Zhou 1998). In some places of China,
some varieties (e.g. giant bamboo) can grow > 1 m each day. The rapid growth
rate of bamboo allows for its widespread sustainable use. Bamboo has a higher
tensile strength and is a popular building material. It is also used for
producing furniture, charcoal, fiber, and clothes. Bamboo forest management has a long tradition and is
important in the local economy in China, such as restoring fragile ecosystems,
providing benefits to local communities, alleviating rural poverty, and easing
timber shortages (Chen et al. 2009). Due to the
special biological characteristics of bamboo, it can be continually
re-harvested with little damage to the surrounding environment. Once a new
shoot emerges from the ground, the new cane will reach its full height in just
8–10 weeks. Each cane reaches maturity in 3–5 years. Regular harvesting is
actually of benefit to the health of the plant. Some studies have shown that
felling of canes leads to vigorous re-growth and an increase in the amount of
biomass the next year (Zhou 1998). Yields of bamboo of up to 60 tons per
hectare greatly exceed the yield of most trees (around 20 tons) and cotton (1-2
tons). After one-time planting of bamboo and little care and maintenance are
needed for several years. There has been great interest in US and the world
about bamboo research because its high rate of biomass production in recent
years (World Bamboo Organization 2009). In a time when land use is under
enormous pressure, bamboo’s high yield per hectare becomes is a desirable
aspect. Thus, it is interesting to study the ecology of bamboo forest to ensure
adequate future production.
The objectives of this study include (i)
analyzing spatial and temporal production distribution in bamboo forests at
different locations around Nanjing area; (ii) identifying the relationships
between bamboo production and in situ environment; and (iii) determining and
ameliorating possible problems associated with sustained bamboo forest
productivity both in US and China. REU students will participate data
collection through site surveys (soil depth, nutrient content, moisture
retention attributes such as organic matter content), and other information
from literature and previous records. Spatial statistical techniques will be
applied to understand the shoot distribution in bamboo forest (Chen et al.
2005). This study will identify (i) patterns of spatial and temporal
distribution of production in bamboo forests; (ii) possible driving forces
related to changes in production; and (iii) analyzing the possible technologies
for sustainable production in US and China.