Enrichment planting of Picea glauca in boreal mixedwoods: can localized site preparation enhance early seedling survival and growth?

New Forests ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 533-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson Thiffault ◽  
Daniel Chalifour ◽  
Louis Bélanger
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Enrichment Planting ◽  
Early Seedling ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Boreal Mixedwoods

Survival and growth response of white spruce stock types to site preparation in Alaska

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 793-809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Youngblood ◽  
Elizabeth Cole ◽  
Michael Newton
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Herbicide Application ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Vegetation Control ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Stock Types ◽  
Bare Root

To identify suitable methods for reforestation, we evaluated the interacting effects of past disturbance, stock types, and site preparation treatments on white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedling survival and growth across a range of sites in Alaska. Replicated experiments were established in five regions. At each site, two complete installations differed in time since disturbance: “new” units were harvested immediately before spring planting and “old” units were harvested at least 3 years before planting. We compared mechanical scarification before planting, broadcast herbicide application during the fall before planting, and no site preparation with 1-year-old container-grown seedlings from two sources, 2-year-old bare-root transplants from two sources, and 3-year-old bare-root transplants. Seedlings were followed for 11 years on most sites. Based on meta-analyses, seedling survival increased 10% with herbicide application and 15% with mechanical scarification compared with no site preparation. Scarification and herbicide application increased seedling height by about 28% and 35%, respectively, and increased seedling volume by about 86% and 195%, respectively, compared with no site preparation. Soil temperature did not differ among site preparation methods after the first 7 years. Results suggest that white spruce stands may be successfully restored through a combination of vegetation control and use of quality planting stock.

scholarly journals White spruce enrichment planting in boreal mixedwoods as influenced by localized site preparation: 11-year update

2020 ◽  
Vol 96 (01) ◽  
pp. 27-35
Author(s):  
Myriam Delmaire ◽  
Nelson Thiffault ◽  
Evelyne Thiffault ◽  
Julie Bouliane
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Ecosystem Based Management ◽  
Enrichment Planting

Ecosystem-based management aims to maintain the natural proportion of native species over a given landscape. White spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) is a species sensitive to environmental conditions; it is especially demanding in terms of nutrients and its regeneration is negatively affected by clearcut harvesting. Its proportion is now significantly lower than what it was in the preindustrial forests of Québec (Canada). As a native species in boreal Québec, efforts to maintain its proportion in the landscape are undertaken for white spruce, but little is known about the best practices to maximize establishment success of seedlings planted in the balsam fir (Abies balsamea)–white birch (Betula papyrifera) bioclimatic domain. Our general objective was to identify planting practices as related to microsite treatment that favour white spruce sapling survival and size after 11 growing seasons following enrichment planting of sites harvested by mechanized careful logging in an ecosystem-based management context. We also aimed at comparing white spruce performance with that of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP), a native species that is less sensitive to abiotic stress. Finally, we wanted to assess stand composition at this juvenile stage, as a function of microsite treatment and planted species. Localized site preparation did not significantly affect growth or survival for white spruce compared to control conditions. Furthermore, localized site preparation did not increase the proportion of white and black spruce, as evaluated by basal area. Our results suggest that white spruce can be successfully established in enrichment planting in fir-dominated boreal forests, without site preparation.

scholarly journals Hexazinone site preparation improves black spruce seedling survival and growth

1995 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 426-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Roden ◽  
Phillip E. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Rubus Idaeus ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
One Year ◽  
Observation Period

Granular (PRONONE 10G and 5G) and liquid (VELPAR L) hexazinone (1 to 4 kg ai ha−1) were applied to a northern New Brunswick clearcut (loams, silt loams, and clay loams) to reduce raspberry [Rubus idaeus L. var. strigosus (Michx.) Maxim] competition. Treatment, using skidder-mounted herbicide application equipment, was completed in May and September 1986, with planting of 2+2, bareroot, black spruce seedlings [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.] in June 1986 and in June 1987. Seedling survival and growth were measured yearly for five growing seasons after planting. By August 1991, raspberry cover for three treatments remained less than that for controls. Survival of seedlings planted approximately one month after spring treatment was less than controls, but seedling height and stem diameter were greater than that of control seedlings for most treatments. Survival and growth of seedlings planted approximately one year after spring treatment or nine months after fall treatment were greater than that of control seedlings for most treatments. Fifth-year height and stem diameter of seedlings planted nine months after fall treatment were negatively correlated with raspberry height (r2 = 0.729, height and 0.745, diameter), decreasing as raspberry height increased. Over the five-year observation period, hexazinone formulation did not affect raspberry control, but did affect seedling survival and growth. Spring treatment with PRONONE 10G (2 kg ai ha−1), with planting delayed by one year, provided the best treatment to achieve both optimal seedling survival and growth during plantation establishment. Key words: liquid hexazinone, granular hexazinone, site preparation, black spruce, growth parameters, seedling survival, raspberry competition

White spruce (Picea glauca) restoration in temperate mixedwood stands using patch cuts and enrichment planting

2013 ◽  
Vol 89 (03) ◽  
pp. 392-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Hébert ◽  
Vincent Roy ◽  
Isabelle Auger ◽  
Martin-Michel Gauthier
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Mixedwood Forests ◽  
Canopy Opening ◽  
Enrichment Planting ◽  
Mixedwood Stands

The use of gap-based silviculture and enrichment planting was tested in temperate mixedwood forests in eastern Canada. Four different sizes of canopy opening or patch cuts were applied to six stands in the maple–birch domain of Quebec. We evaluated the influence of opening size, cardinal quadrant within the opening, and distance from the forest edge of openings on white spruce height and ground-level diameter (GLD) five years after enrichment planting. At ≥5 m from the edge, initial canopy transmittance was generally >60% in all four canopy treatments. White spruce seedling height and GLD were lower within 10 m from the edge, and generally increased where understory light levels were higher. Seedling survival, height, and GLD in the smallest opening (0.05 ha) were comparable or higher than those found in relatively larger openings. The 0.05-ha opening that more closely emulates natural canopy gaps of temperate mixedwood forests provided satisfactory seedling development, and is therefore compatible with a gap-based stand dynamics approach to management of mixedwood stands in Quebec.

Growth of Multipot Black Spruce Seedlings Planted After Site Preparation with Liquid and Dry-Flowable Hexazinone

1995 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip E. Reynolds ◽  
Michael J. Roden
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Herbicide Treatment ◽  
Survival And Growth

Abstract Liquid (VELPAR L) and dry-flowable (VELPAR ULW) hexazinone (2 kg ai/ha) were aerially applied to a northern New Brunswick clearcut to reduce raspberry competition. Treatments were applied in June 1987; planting with containerized (multipot) black spruce was conducted 2 and 14 months after treatment in August 1987 and August 1988, respectively. Seedling survival and growth were measured yearly through August 1991. Five growing seasons after treatment, raspberry competition was generally less in treated plots than in controls. Hexazinone formulation did not affect raspberry control, seedling survival, or growth. Seedlings planted 14 months after hexazinone treatment grew poorly compared with those planted 2 months after herbicide treatment. Both height and stem diameter of seedlings planted 2 months after hexazinone treatment remained greater than that of control seedlings through 1991. Diameter of treated seedlings exceeded that of control seedlings in the first growing season after planting; height of treated seedlings exceeded control seedlings 3 growing seasons after planting. Fourth-year stem diameter of seedlings planted 2 months after hexazinone treatment was correlated with raspberry cover (r² = 0.383) and with raspberry height (r² = 0.379). As raspberry competition increased, black spruce growth decreased. North. J. Appl. For. 12(2):75-79.

Site preparation with sulfonylurea herbicides improves black spruce seedling growth

1996 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Roden ◽  
Phillip E. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Rubus Idaeus ◽  
Stem Diameter ◽  
Silty Clay ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
One Year ◽  
Survival Of Seedlings

Metsulfuron (ALLY or ESCORT), 36 and 72 g ai ha−1, and sulfometuron (OUST), 150 to 450 g ai ha−1, were applied to a northern New Brunswick clearcut (silty clay loams and silty clays) to reduce raspberry [Rubus idaeus L. var. strigosus (Michx.) Maxim.] competition. Treatment, using skidder-mounted herbicide application equipment, occurred in May and August 1986, with planting of 2+2, bareroot, black spruce seedlings [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.] in June 1986 and in June 1987. Seedling survival and growth were measured yearly for five growing seasons after planting. By August 1991, raspberry height was less in many treatments than in controls. Survival of seedlings planted one month after spring treatment was less than controls, and no significant height or stem diameter increases were observed. Growth and survival of seedlings planted approximately one year after spring treatment were greater than that of control seedlings. Fifth-year stem diameter of these seedlings, planted after site preparation with sulfometuron, was negatively correlated (r2 = 0.715) with raspberry height, decreasing as raspberry height increased. Survival of seedlings planted after some summer treatments was also less than controls, and no significant growth increases were noted for seedlings planted after site preparation with sulfometuron. Summer treatment with metsulfuron was more efficacious and resulted in greater seedling growth than spring treatment; however, greater seedling survival occurred after spring treatment. We conclude that spring treatment with sulfometuron (300 g ai ha−1), with planting delayed by one year, provided the optimal treatment to achieve maximal seedling survival and growth during plantation establishment. Black spruce seedlings appear to benefit (i.e. enhanced survival or growth) from site preparation with these herbicides only when planting is delayed by several months following their use. Key words: metsulfuron, sulfometuron, site preparation, black spruce, growth parameters, seedling survival, raspberry competitition

Twenty year responses of white spruce to mechanical site preparation and early chemical release in the boreal region of northeastern British Columbia

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 2386-2399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob O Boateng ◽  
Jean L Heineman ◽  
John McClarnon ◽  
Lorne Bedford
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Chemical Release ◽  
Early Results ◽  
Stock Type ◽  
Survival And Growth

The effects of six mechanical site preparation treatments, two stock-type treatments, and early chemical release on survival and growth of planted white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) were studied in the BWBSmw1 biogeoclimatic zone of northeastern British Columbia. After 20 years, spruce height and diameter were larger in all mounding treatments than in the control. Early results suggested better spruce performance on large than small mounds, but after 20 years, growth was equally good on small mounds as on mounds with 20 cm mineral capping. Spruce planted on hinge positions in the Bräcke patch and blade scarification treatments did not survive or grow well. Early chemical release improved spruce growth equally as well as the mounding treatments. Twenty year spruce survival averaged 71% in the 14 and 20 cm mound treatments, 60% in the early chemical release treatment, and ≤35% in the Bräcke patch and blade scarification treatments. A large stock type was also planted in untreated ground and, after 20 years, had similar survival and growth as the standard stock type. Differences in survival had a large effect on basal area at age 20 years. Trend analysis showed that treatments diverged into two distinct groups with regard to spruce size during the 20 year span of the study.

scholarly journals Effects of substrate availability and competing vegetation on natural regeneration of white spruce on logged boreal mixedwood sites

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola A. Kokkonen ◽  
S. Ellen Macdonald ◽  
Ian Curran ◽  
Simon M. Landhäusser ◽  
Victor J. Lieffers
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Solid Wood ◽  
Seedling Mortality ◽  
Competing Vegetation ◽  
Survival And Growth

Given a seed source, the quality of available substrates is a key factor in determining the success of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) natural regeneration. We examined the influence of substrate and competing vegetation on survival and growth of natural regeneration of white spruce up to 4 years following harvesting in deciduous-dominated upland boreal mixedwood sites. Feather moss, thick soil surface organic layers, litter, and solid wood were poor substrates for establishment. Early successional mosses establishing on mineral soil, thin organics, and rotten wood were generally favourable microsites but were not highly available on postharvest sites. Mineral soil substrates were not as suitable as expected, likely because on a postlogged site, they are associated with unfavourable environmental characteristics (e.g., low nutrient availability, exposure). There was some evidence that survival and growth of seedlings were improved by surrounding vegetation in the first years, but heavy competing vegetation had a negative impact on older seedlings. Burial by aspen litter greatly increased seedling mortality, especially when combined with a brief period of submergence due to heavy spring snowmelt. The results provide insight into conditions under which natural regeneration could be an option for establishing white spruce following harvesting of deciduous-dominated boreal mixedwood forests.

Growth, morphology, and gas exchange in white spruce (Picea glauca) seedlings acclimated to different humidity conditions

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1038-1045 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica J Roberts ◽  
Janusz J Zwiazek
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Picea Glauca ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Physiological Characteristics ◽  
Growth Morphology ◽  
Early Seedling Growth ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Early Seedling ◽  
Net Assimilation

The study examined the effects of different relative humidity conditions at germination, early growth, and following cold storage on morphological and physiological characteristics of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedlings. Seedlings that were grown for 18 weeks following seed germination at the lower, 30% RH (RHinitial) treatments were shorter and had smaller stem diameters, shorter needles with more epicuticular wax, and a greater density of needles per centimetre stem, compared with the 80% RHinitial seedlings. After 18 weeks of growth under 30, 50, and 80% RH, the seedlings were hardened off, stored for 8 weeks at 3°C and planted in pots in growth chambers under 42 and 74% relative humidity (RHsubsequent). Under 74% RHsubsequent conditions, the lower RHinitial seedlings flushed sooner and had higher growth rates compared with the higher RHinitial seedlings. When the higher RHinitial seedlings were placed under 42% RHsubsequent conditions, their bud flush was delayed, and subsequent growth rates were lower compared with the lower RHinitial seedlings. When measured at 40% RH, seedlings subjected to lower RHinitial had higher net assimilation rates and stomatal conductance compared with the seedlings acclimated to higher RHinitial humidity. It was concluded that the humidity conditions present during early seedling growth following germination significantly affect their morphological and physiological characteristics during the second growth season.

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