The recurring role of site challenges assumptions about regeneration under selection systems in northern hardwoods

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Premer ◽  
Robert E. Froese
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Catchment Area ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
Northern Hardwoods ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Tree Communities ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Regeneration Systems

In naturally regenerated managed forests, silvicultural methods leverage timing and intensity of harvesting activities to align with species-specific reproduction mechanisms. With contemporary emphasis on complex stand structure and diverse composition, there is uncertainty in the continued use of timber-oriented management practices in meeting evolving objectives. In the northern hardwood region of North America, selection regeneration systems are assumed to result in homogenization of structure and composition through increasing dominance of Acer saccharum Marsh. Given the coupling of soils and vegetation in northern hardwoods, trends in site conditions that may be more resilient/facilitative to community diversity may be of value to silviculturists. Remote sensing products and inventory records were integrated to assess tree communities across site variables in northern Michigan, USA. Results reveal that composition is stabilized by local landforms and diversity increases with hydrologic catchment area. Time since treatment (0-54 years) appeared negatively correlated with catchment area, suggesting lowlands with high diversity are not managed or harvested infrequently, reflecting equipment access and operational logistics. Broad interpretations of selection regeneration systems may be invalidated by the influence of site conditions not previously accounted for, and results highlight a novel technique to capture the effect of topography on species assemblages.

The role of advanced regeneration at time of partial harvest on tolerant hardwood stands development

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 1410-1417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Danyagri ◽  
Sharad Kumar Baral ◽  
Monique Girouard ◽  
Hector Guy Adégbidi ◽  
Gaëtan Pelletier
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Betula Alleghaniensis ◽  
Yellow Birch ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
Advanced Regeneration ◽  
Partial Harvest

In tolerant hardwood forests of eastern North America, multiple-aged silvicultural systems rely on advanced regeneration to restock the forests. Evaluation of the long-term influence of advanced regeneration on the mature stand is critical for improving management practices. We used a retrospective approach to evaluate the influence of advanced regeneration present at the time of harvest on the current (2012) stand structure and the quality of the growing stock. The study was carried out in partially harvested stands in northwestern New Brunswick, Canada. Trees were sampled from stands with varying degrees of harvest intensities, times since harvest, and site characteristics. Pre-existing advanced regeneration contributed the bulk of trees in the 10–19 cm diameter class across the stands. In stands with low-intensity harvest, the overstory was dominated by sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) that originated as advanced regeneration. In stands with high-intensity harvest, however, yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.) pre-existing advanced regeneration dominated the overstory. The probability of sugar maple and yellow birch being acceptable growing stock peaked at a diameter at breast height (DBH) of about 30–40 cm, while other species combined peaked at a DBH of around 20–25 cm. Our results suggest that harvest intensities based on the dominant advanced regeneration composition and harvesting systems that minimize the risk of physical damage to advanced regeneration are required to achieve partial harvesting objectives.

Tekstura drzewostanów naturalnych w polskich parkach narodowych na tle teorii dynamiki lasu

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leszek Bartkowicz ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Site Conditions ◽  
Gap Dynamics ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Mosaic Pattern ◽  
Spruce Forests ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Patch Mosaic

The aim of the study was to compare a patch-mosaic pattern in the old-growth forest stands developed in various climate and soil conditions occurring in different regions of Poland. Based on the assumption, that the patch-mosaic pattern in the forest reflect the dynamic processes taking place in it, and that each type of forest ecosystem is characterized by a specific regime of natural disturbances, the following hypotheses were formulated: (i) the patches with a complex structure in stands composed of latesuccessional, shade-tolerant tree species are more common than those composed of early-successional, light-demanding ones, (ii) the patch-mosaic pattern is more heterogeneous in optimal forest site conditions than in extreme ones, (iii) in similar site conditions differentiation of the stand structure in distinguished patches is determined by the successional status of the tree species forming a given patch, (iv) the successional trends leading to changes of species composition foster diversification of the patch structure, (v) differentiation of the stand structure is negatively related to their local basal area, especially in patches with a high level of its accumulation. Among the best-preserved old-growth forest remaining under strict protection in the Polish national parks, nineteen research plots of around 10 ha each were selected. In each plot, a grid (50 × 50 m) of circular sample subplots (with radius 12,62 m) was established. In the sample subplots, species and diameter at breast height of living trees (dbh ≥ 7 cm) were determined. Subsequently, for each sample subplot, several numerical indices were calculated: local basal area (G), dbh structure differentiation index (STR), climax index (CL) and successional index (MS). Statistical tests of Kruskal- Wallis, Levene and Generalized Additive Models (GAM) were used to verify the hypotheses. All examined forests were characterized by a large diversity of stand structure. A particularly high frequency of highly differentiated patches (STR > 0,6) was recorded in the alder swamp forest. The patch mosaic in the examined plots was different – apart from the stands with a strongly pronounced mosaic character (especially subalpine spruce forests), there were also stands with high spatial homogeneity (mainly fir forests). The stand structure in the distinguished patches was generally poorly related to the other studied features. Consequently, all hypotheses were rejected. These results indicate a very complex, mixed pattern of forest natural dynamics regardless of site conditions. In beech forests and lowland multi-species deciduous forests, small-scale disturbances of the gap dynamics type dominate, which are overlapped with less frequent medium-scale disturbances. In more difficult site conditions, large-scale catastrophic disturbances, which occasionally appear in communities formed under the influence of gap dynamics (mainly spruce forests) or cohort dynamics (mainly pine forests), gain importance.

Comment on “Long-term decline of sugar maple following forest harvest, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire”

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 861-862
Author(s):  
Scott W. Bailey ◽  
Robert P. Long ◽  
Stephen B. Horsley
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Hubbard Brook ◽  
Whole Tree

Cleavitt et al. (2018, Can. J. For. Res. 48(1): 23–31, doi: 10.1139/cjfr-2017-0233 ) report a lack of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) regeneration in Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), Watershed 5 (W5), following whole-tree clearcut harvesting and purport that harvesting-induced soil calcium depletion contributed to regeneration failure of this species. In New England, clearcutting is a silvicultural strategy used to promote less tolerant species, especially birch (Betula spp.; Marquis (1969), Birch Symposium Proceedings, USDA Forest Service; Leak et al. (2014), doi: 10.2737/NRS-GTR-132 ), which is just the outcome that the authors report. While this study reports an impressive, long-term data set, given broad interest in sugar maple and sustainability of forest management practices, we feel that it is critical to more fully explore the role of nutrition on sugar maple dynamics, both prior to and during the experiment, and to more fully review the scientific record on the role of whole-tree clearcutting in nutrient-induced sugar maple dynamics.

Long-term impact of liming on growth and vigor of northern hardwoods

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 1295-1307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert P. Long ◽  
Stephen B. Horsley ◽  
Thomas J. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Fagus Grandifolia ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Crown Health ◽  
Lime Application ◽  
Species Specific

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) is a keystone species in the northern hardwood forest, and decline episodes have negatively affected the growth and health of sugar maple in portions of its range over the past 50+ years. Crown health, growth, survival, and flower and seed production of sugar maple were negatively affected by a widespread decline event in the mid-1980s on the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau in northern Pennsylvania. A long-term liming study was initiated in 1985 to evaluate responses to a one-time application of 22.4 Mg·ha–1 of dolomitic limestone in four northern hardwood stands. Over the 23-year period ending in 2008, sugar maple basal area increment (BAINC) increased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in limed plots from 1995 through 2008, whereas American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) BAINC was unaffected. For black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), the third principal overstory species, BAINC and survival were reduced in limed plots compared with unlimed plots. Foliar Ca and Mg remained significantly higher in sugar maple foliage sampled 21 years after lime application, showing persistence of the lime effect. These results show long-term species-specific responses to lime application.

scholarly journals 31P-NMR Metabolomics Revealed Species-Specific Use of Phosphorous in Trees of a French Guiana Rainforest

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (17) ◽  
pp. 3960
Author(s):  
Albert Gargallo-Garriga ◽  
Jordi Sardans ◽  
Joan Llusià ◽  
Guille Peguero ◽  
Dolores Asensio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
French Guiana ◽  
31P Nmr ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
N:P Ratios ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Total P

Productivity of tropical lowland moist forests is often limited by availability and functional allocation of phosphorus (P) that drives competition among tree species and becomes a key factor in determining forestall community diversity. We used non-target 31P-NMR metabolic profiling to study the foliar P-metabolism of trees of a French Guiana rainforest. The objective was to test the hypotheses that P-use is species-specific, and that species diversity relates to species P-use and concentrations of P-containing compounds, including inorganic phosphates, orthophosphate monoesters and diesters, phosphonates and organic polyphosphates. We found that tree species explained the 59% of variance in 31P-NMR metabolite profiling of leaves. A principal component analysis showed that tree species were separated along PC 1 and PC 2 of detected P-containing compounds, which represented a continuum going from high concentrations of metabolites related to non-active P and P-storage, low total P concentrations and high N:P ratios, to high concentrations of P-containing metabolites related to energy and anabolic metabolism, high total P concentrations and low N:P ratios. These results highlight the species-specific use of P and the existence of species-specific P-use niches that are driven by the distinct species-specific position in a continuum in the P-allocation from P-storage compounds to P-containing molecules related to energy and anabolic metabolism.

scholarly journals The Effects of Forestry Site Preparation on Mountain Beaver Demographics and Associated Damage to Tree Seedlings

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-135
Author(s):  
Wendy Arjo
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Animal Damage ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Mountain Beaver ◽  
Aplodontia Rufa ◽  
Species Specific

Abstract Timber resources are a vital part of the economy in the Pacific Northwest, yet reforestation efforts are often hampered by animal damage. Understanding the factors that influence seedling damage can assist managers in implementing appropriate techniques to reduce species-specific damage. I radio-collared and monitored mountain beavers (Aplodontia rufa) from preharvest to seedling planting to determine the impacts of forest management practices on demographics. In addition, I monitored Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings on 28 plots on two harvest units (Vesta and Schoolhouse) to determine the effects of chemical site preparation on mountain beaver foraging and subsequent seedling damage. Mountain beaver densities differed between silvicultural treatments (F3,39 = 3.58, P < 0.02), although reproductive success did not (χ2 = 0.14, df = 1, P = 0.70). Larger mountain beaver home ranges were documented in the mature timber compared with those following harvest. Home ranges were also larger in the chemical site preparation portion of the unit (mean = 3.37 ± 0.9 ha) than in the nontreated portion of the unit (mean = 0.82 ± 0.17 ha) on Vesta. Herbicide treatment did not promote seedling damage on either unit. Vegetation does not appear to be the only factor influencing mountain beaver movements and seedling damage. Availability of water is very important for mountain beavers and may also influence their foraging choice, as well as contributing to their increased movements in mature timber (reduced groundwater) versus clearcut areas. Understanding the effects of vegetation on population demographics and subsequent seedling damage may allow for initiating a nonlethal management method using alternative forage.

scholarly journals The effect of stand structure on the grain quality of spring barley

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 205-210
Author(s):  
Jan Křen ◽  
Martin Houšť ◽  
Ludvík Tvarůžek ◽  
Zdeněk Jergl
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Spring Barley ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Malting Quality ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
High Level

The results of 81 different crop management practices in spring barley grown in small-plot field trials on fertile soils in central Moravia were assessed during 2014–2016 with the aim to achieve the highest gross margin (GM – calculated as the difference between revenues and direct costs). GM was most affected by protein content in the grain below 12% corresponding to malting quality. Analyses identified greater determination level of non-linear relationships between stand structure elements and the content of nitrogen substances in the grain. This indicates that the probability of obtaining high quality malting barley is increased when a high level of sinks (number of grains/m<sup>2</sup>) corresponding to availability of sources, mainly water, is formed by optimal plant density (300–400/m<sup>2</sup>) and balanced combination of both structural elements of crop stand, i.e. – number of spikes per plant (2–4) and number of grains per spike (18–26). In case that the high level of sinks will be formed predominantly by one element, the risk of higher protein content in grain increases. This constitutes the requirement of early sowing and uniform, synchronized tillering and efficient use of nitrogen fertilizers.

Forty years of alternative management practices in second-growth, pole-size northern hardwoods. I. Tree quality deveSopment

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1173-1179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry F. Strong ◽  
Gayne G. Erdmann ◽  
Jeffrey N. Niese
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Heavy Medium ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Tree Quality ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Medium Selection

The effects of six cutting methods on tree quality were observed for 20 years in a northern hardwood stand in Wisconsin. Cutting treatments included an uncut control, three levels of individual tree selection (heavy, medium, and light), crop tree release, and diameter limit. Average annual diameter growth was least in the control treatment (0.13 in./year, 0.33 cm/year) and greatest in the heavy individual tree selection and diameter-limit cuts (0.18 in./year, 0.46 cm/year). Cull in trees in 1992 was significantly higher in the control and diameter-limit treatments. Changes in merchantable height (number of 16-ft (4.9-m) logs) over the period were not significantly different among treatments, but average merchantable heights were significantly greater in the individual tree selection treatments in 1992. Average tree grade increases were significantly better in the medium selection plots than in all other treatments except the crop tree release. Nearly a third of the sawlog-size trees in both the control and diameter-limit treatments were below sawlog grade, significantly more than in the other treatments. Only 2% of the trees in the heavy selection plots were below grade. Tree quality improved the most overall in the medium selection plots. Stand structure in this treatment also most closely matched that recommended by guides developed to sustain yield over long periods of cutting under uneven-aged management.

Changing management in Scottish birch woodlands: a potential threat to local invertebrate biodiversity

2003 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.A. Woodcock ◽  
S.R. Leather ◽  
A.D. Watt
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Community Diversity ◽  
Timber Production ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
North East ◽  
Invertebrate Biodiversity ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe silvicultural management of Scottish birch woodlands for timber production is replacing traditional low intensity management practices, such as domesticated livestock grazing. These new management practices involve thinning of existing woodlands to prescribed densities to maximize biomass and timber quality. Although presently infrequent, the wide scale adoption of this practice could affect invertebrate community diversity. The impact of these changes in management on Staphylinidae and Carabidae (Coleoptera) in 19 woodlands in Aberdeenshire, north-east Scotland was investigated. Grazing and logging practices were important determinants of beetle community structure. Woodland area had no effect on any measure of beetle community structure, although isolation did influence the abundance of one carabid species. Changes towards timber production forestry will influence the structure of invertebrate communities, although the scale at which this occurs will determine its effect.

Growth following single-tree selection cutting in Québec northern hardwoods

2003 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 898-905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Bédard ◽  
Zoran Majcen
Keyword(s):  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Northern Hardwoods ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Selection Cutting ◽  
Single Tree ◽  
Basal Area Growth ◽  
Area Growth ◽  
Single Tree Selection

Eight experimental blocks were established in the southern part of Québec to determine the growth response of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) dominated stands after single tree selection cutting. Each block contained eight control plots (no cut) and eight cut plots. The intensity of removal varied between 21% and 32% and residual basal area was between 18.2 and 21 m2/ha. Ten year net annual basal area growth rates in cut plots (0.35 ± 0.04 m2/ha) were significantly higher (p = 0.0022) than in control plots (0.14 ± 0.06 m2/ha). The treatment particularly favoured diameter growth of stems between 10 and 30 cm in dbh, whose crowns were released by removing neighbouring trees. These results show that if the same net growth rate is maintained in the next decade most of the cut plots will reach their pre-cut basal area in about 20 years after cutting. Key words: northern hardwoods, selection cutting, uneven aged silviculture, basal area growth, diameter growth

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