Conifer seedling distribution in relation to microsite conditions in a central New York forested minerotrophic peatland

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Abstract
This study addressed how microsite conditions may affect tree regeneration in a forested minerotrophic peatland in central New York. The objectives were to (i) determine the microsite associations, especially the bryophyte component, of Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill., Thujaoccidentalis L., Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carr., and Pinusstrobus L. seedlings and (ii) determine if different bryophyte substrates affect germination of A. balsamea, Thujaoccidentalis, and P. strobus, and first-year survival of A. balsamea and P. strobus. Principal components analysis revealed that seedling groups overlap in habitat, but separate from random sites based on a second axis related to microtopography. Germination experiments indicate that A. balsamea and P. strobus germinate better on Hypnumimponens than on Hylocomiumsplendens and Sphagnumgirgensohnii in the field, but not in the greenhouse. First-year survival differed little on the different mosses.

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