To investigate the density response characteristics and driving mechanisms of plant diversity and biomass in typical forest stands of the Loess Plateau, this study focused on Robinia pseudoacacia and Pinus tabuliformis plantations, establishing five density gradients for each (The density gradient Ⅰ of Robinia pseudoacacia forests was 1 200-1 500 stems/hm², density gradient Ⅱ was 1 500-1 800 stems/hm², density gradient Ⅲ was 1 800-2 100 stems/hm², density gradient Ⅳ was 2 100-2 400 stems/hm², and density gradient Ⅴ was 2 400-2 700 stems/hm². The density gradient I of Pinus tabuliformis forests was 1 000-1 500 stems/hm², density gradient Ⅱ was 1 500-2 000 stems/hm², density gradient Ⅲ was 2 000-2 500 stems/hm², density gradient Ⅳ was 2 500-3 000 stems/hm², and density gradient Ⅴ was 3 000- 3 500 stems/hm²). Through field surveys, diversity index calculations, and biomass measurements, we employed one-way ANOVA, two-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis to identify influencing factors. The results showed, (1) Forest type significantly affected plant diversity and biomass, with shrub diversity and tree biomass significantly higher in Pinus tabuliformis stands, while herbaceous diversity was greater in Robinia pseudoacacia stands. (2) In Robinia pseudoacacia stands, shrub and herb diversity indices exhibited bimodal curves with density, peaking at 1 500- 1 800 stems/hm², whereas in Pinus tabuliformis stands, shrub diversity peaked at 1 500-2 000 stems/hm², and herb diversity was significantly higher at low densities (1 000-1 500 stems/hm²). Aboveground and total biomass of Robinia pseudoacacia reached maxima at 1 800-2 100 stems/hm², while Pinus tabuliformis biomass showed weaker density dependence. (3) Correlation analysis revealed that shrub diversity indices in Robinia pseudoacacia stands were negatively correlated with tree height, and herb evenness indices were negatively correlated with slope. For Pinus tabuliformis stands, diversity indices of shrubs and herbs were significantly correlated with crown width, and positively correlated with diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height. (4) Pinus tabuliformis demonstrated greater competitive advantages in Loess Plateau ecological restoration. Moderate densities (Robinia pseudoacacia: 1 800-2 100 stems/hm²; Pinus tabuliformis: 1 500-2 000 stems/hm²) synergistically enhanced plant diversity and biomass, with DBH, crown width, and topographic factors identified as key regulators. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing stand density and improving ecological functions in the Grain for Green Project on the Loess Plateau.
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