Biomass allocation of eight early-spring herbs in broadleaf-Pinus koraiensis mixed forest

To investigate whether early-spring herbs (ESHs) have a similar life-spancy pattern, we observed seasonal dynamics and inter-specific differences of biomass for eight common ESHs in plots of broadleaf-Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) mixed forests, located in the experimental forests of Jiaohe Forestry Administration, northeastern China. The measurements were conducted 4 times in a year with the full harvest method, and phenology was observed every 2 days. Linear regression models between biomass and plant height were fitted. The results showed the course of flowering and fruiting among the eight ESHs were much different, ranging from 34 to 48 days. The biomass of various organs among the eight ESHs differed significantly. In addition, total biomass varied between 0.1 and 4 g, and plant height between 7 and 23 cm. ESHs presented a similar trend in the change of biomass and height. The root-top ratio as well as reproductive allocation ratio by the same date among the eight ESHs were significantly different, the root-top ratio as well as the reproductive allocation ratio by different dates among the same ESHs were also significantly different, with the overall reproductive allocation remained less than 13%. The proportion of the underground biomass was significantly increased throughout the growing season. We fitted five linear regression equations of total biomass to plant height for the eight ESHs. The results indicated that Eranthis stellata had the best fitting. Although the RMA of other seven ESHs was large, but it was still consistent with the modeling standards. So it is concluded that ESHs have the same life strategy in biomass allocation.