Effects of soil organic layer removal on regeneration after clear-cutting a northern hardwood stand in New Brunswick

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Our objective was to determine the effects of clear-cutting and removal of the soil organic layer and residual vegetation on regeneration of woody species from seed. Germination, survival, and height growth of woody seedlings were followed over a 4-year period after clear-cutting in plots with and without the organic layer and vegetation removed. After 4 years, Betulaalleghaniensis Britton and Rubusidaeus L. predominated on the disturbed plots. On the undisturbed plots, Rubus, Acersaccharum Marsh. (mostly advance regeneration), and Acerpensylvanicum L. (new germinants and advance regeneration) were most abundant. Germination (all species combined) was 1.2–1.5 times higher on the disturbed plots in the first 2 years. Seedling survival was 19–33% higher on the disturbed plots in years 1 and 2 because of the lower occurrence of lethal surface temperatures (>42 °C). Little recruitment of most species occurred after year 2 except for A. saccharum, which increased in density over time on both treatments. Acerpensylvanicum occurred only on the undisturbed plots and decreased steadily in density over time. Differences among species in regeneration patterns were related to seed availability, seedbed characteristics, and regeneration strategies. Betula was the tallest species on 40% of the disturbed plots in spite of higher Rubus densities. Advance regeneration dominated 57% of the undisturbed plots. The relative heights, densities, and growth rates of species indicate that Rubus provides less competition than advance regeneration for Betula crop trees.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: