Ecological research site of Fujinitayama - Japan

Fujinitayama site is in the Nasu Research station of NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland science. This experiment started at 1974. In this site which was an abandoned pasture, M. sinensis had occupied at the start of this experiment. This site was divided into three plots, heavy grazing plot (144 head day ha–1 year–1), light grazing plot (73 head day ha-1 year-1), and control plot (non-treatment). In each plot, 20 quadrats were arranged and the coverage and height of all species were measured in every September. M. sinensis grassland which was adapted for mowing changed in Z. japonica grassland was adapted for grazing in both treatment plots. In addition, the dominant speed of Z. japonica in heavy grazing plot was higher than that of light grazing plot. However, Pinus densiflora invaded into all plots including a control plot. When P. densiflora was not cut down by man, it increased every year. So, it is difficult to maintain Z. japonica grassland only by cattle grazing.