Relationships among soil microsite, ectomycorrhizae, and natural conifer regeneration of old-growth forests in western Montana

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Abstract
Successful establishment, root distribution, growth, and ectomycorrhizal development of conifer regeneration in three old-growth forests in western Montana showed site-specific associations with soil microsites containing organic matter. A positive association between decayed wood in the soil and establishment of seedlings occurred on the two drier sites. In general, organic soil components supported most of the root system and ectomycorrhizae on all three sites. Associations between soil organic components and occurrence (establishment) and between organic components and performance (growth) were site specific. No observable evidence of feeder root mortality attributable to soil-inhabiting pathogens was present in any soil component. Roots of competing understory species were notably absent in decayed soil wood.