Succession

A succession is a phenomenon in which a phytocoenosis gradually changes over time. A phytocoenosis, if not modified by human beings, takes several centuries to transform from a barren land into herbaceous plants, then into intolerant trees, then into shade bearing trees, which is also called a climax forest. Succession has 2 categories: The first is called a temporary transition, in which a forest is formed in an area with no soil including lava; the other is called a secondary transition, in which a forest is formed from seeds and/or plants remaining underground after a deforestation, a forest fire, or wind or flood damage destroys a forest (thus the area has soil).

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Translated from Journal of Japan Sabo Association, Sabou to Chisui, Vol.173, pp.122, 2006