11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
[HGG01-07] Dialogue between Natural Sciences and Social Science based on the Environments in a Large Old-Growth Japanese Horse-Chestnut Forest
Keywords:large old-growth tree, mountainous riparian forest, forest use, Satoyama, Forest for gathering
The Japanese horse-chestnut (Aesculus turbinata) is a deciduous tree widely distributed in the cool-temperate zone of Japan. The seeds of Japanese horse-chestnut have long been an important food source in many parts of Japan, especially in mountainous areas. Therefore, it is thought that the forests where Japanese horse-chestnut grows as a gathering place for nuts exist in various regions in close relation with the gathering activities. In the Kutsuki area of Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, a "Large Old-Growth Japanese Horse-Chestnut Forest" has been observed, in which trees often grow to a diameter of more than 1 m and grow densely together.
In recent years, it has also been reported that these forests of giant horse-chestnut trees exist in many parts of Japan. The Japanese horse-chestnut is a tree that is closely related to people living in mountain villages, not only in the collection of nuts, but also in the use of its wood.
This study aims to clarify the location environment and characteristics of Japanese horse-chestnut forests based on the results of surveys in several areas, and to consider bridging the gap between natural science and humanities and social sciences.
The results of the field survey suggest that environmental factors such as topographic stability show several patterns in the establishment of giant Japanese horse-chestnut forests. On the other hand, the use of natural resources by local residents, such as selective conservation of horse chestnut and regular disturbance of other tree species, were found to influence the establishment of giant Japanese horse-chestnut forests in all areas. The vegetation of these giant Japanese horse-chestnut forests has been formed by the use of natural resources, and it is necessary to integrate the findings of both the natural and the humanities and social sciences in order to examine these forests.
In recent years, it has also been reported that these forests of giant horse-chestnut trees exist in many parts of Japan. The Japanese horse-chestnut is a tree that is closely related to people living in mountain villages, not only in the collection of nuts, but also in the use of its wood.
This study aims to clarify the location environment and characteristics of Japanese horse-chestnut forests based on the results of surveys in several areas, and to consider bridging the gap between natural science and humanities and social sciences.
The results of the field survey suggest that environmental factors such as topographic stability show several patterns in the establishment of giant Japanese horse-chestnut forests. On the other hand, the use of natural resources by local residents, such as selective conservation of horse chestnut and regular disturbance of other tree species, were found to influence the establishment of giant Japanese horse-chestnut forests in all areas. The vegetation of these giant Japanese horse-chestnut forests has been formed by the use of natural resources, and it is necessary to integrate the findings of both the natural and the humanities and social sciences in order to examine these forests.