[Skewness and inequality of height distribution of young Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica stands introduced on sandy soil with lower limited precipitation for tree survival and normal growth].

Based on the investigation of a transect (20 m wide and 80 m long) along a gradient (bottom, middle, and top) of a dune, whose height was about 5-10 m, the population dynamics in young Pinus sylvestis var. mongolica stands was studied. The results showed that both skewness and height inequality declined before the self-thinning process occurred. Age, initial growth status, density of the population, and neighborhood competition were the main factors affected height inequality. The location at sand dune was also an important factor, and its effect was more obvious than that of density.