Ecological benefits and risks arising from liming sugar maple dominated forests in northeastern North America

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-David Moore ◽  
Rock Ouimet ◽  
Robert P. Long ◽  
Paul. A. Bukaveckas
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
The United States ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Ecological Benefits ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northeastern North America ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Carbonate Materials

Liming, the application of carbonate materials (e.g., CaCO3, CaMg(CO3)2) to soils and surface waters, has been used extensively in Europe, and to a lesser extent in Canada and the United States, to mitigate the effects of acid deposition on forest and aquatic ecosystems. This literature review was conducted to assess the effects of liming on ecologically and economically important sugar maple dominated ecosystems of northeastern North America, where it is increasingly used to treat sugar maple dieback. Potential direct and indirect effects were considered to determine whether the use of liming to revitalize these forests could negatively affect other ecological parameters, including those in adjacent aquatic habitats. Based on current scientific literature, it is not anticipated that liming at rates of 1–3 t ha−1 would have major detrimental effects on these ecosystems. However, liming could have negative effects on northern hardwood forests with regard to earthworm invasions. The choice of liming as a mitigation tool should be made not only after weighing the potentially negative effects against the benefits of restoring sugar maple dominated stands in poorly buffered soils, but also after considering ecological components that could be lost or never recovered if an acidified forest ecosystem is not limed.

scholarly journals Interference to Hardwood Regeneration in Northeastern North America: Assessing and Countering Ferns in Northern Hardwood Forests

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 166-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather M. Engelman ◽  
Ralph D. Nyland
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Control Methods ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northeastern North America ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Light Levels ◽  
Survival And Development ◽  
Further Development

Abstract The extremely dense shade cast by spreading ferns, particularly hayscented, New York, and bracken ferns, interferes with the survival and development of tree seedlings in northern hardwood forests. Excessive bracken frond litter and hayscented fern root mats can also prevent adequate germination and seedling development. In addition, the herbaceous cover may harbor detrimental small herbivores, while large ones often preferentially browse seedlings that grow through this layer. Increased understory light levels after an overstory disturbance, abundant soil moisture, fire, and herbivory promote ferns, whereas excessive and repeated cold or drought deter fern development and propagation. The most promising control methods repress ferns until seedlings cast adequate shade to inhibit further development of the fern layer. When ferns cover more than 30% of the understory, well-timed applications of either glyphosate or sulfometuron methyl have successfully controlled hayscented, New York, and bracken ferns. Two carefully timed mowings annually for at least 2 years have also provided long-lasting control on level, accessible sites. Deer populations must be reduced where browsing prevents development of desirable plants.

Base cation reservoirs in soil control the buffering capacity of lakes in forested catchments

2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Houle ◽  
Rock Ouimet ◽  
Suzanne Couture ◽  
Christian Gagnon
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
North America ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Base Cations ◽  
Base Cation ◽  
Acid Neutralizing Capacity ◽  
Forested Catchments ◽  
Northeastern North America ◽  
Poor Recovery ◽  
Neutralizing Capacity

The acidification of forest soils and surface waters and their relatively poor recovery record following reductions in atmospheric sulphur emissions is a major ongoing environmental problem, particularly in northeastern North America. The slow recovery of surface water is widely hypothesized to result from depletion of reservoirs of base cations in soil. This is concordant with the theory that the acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) of lakes is likely proportional to the size of the exchangeable base cation reservoirs present in surrounding watershed soils. However, data describing these linkages are still nonexistent in the literature. Here we show that lake ANC is highly predictable (r2 = 0.75) based on the size of the exchangeable Ca2+ reservoir in soil in 21 catchments representative of soil and lake conditions encountered in northeastern North America. This finding indirectly supports the hypothesis that the poor recovery of surface water from acidification is governed by the size of base cation reservoirs present in catchment soils. The size of the base cation reservoir in soil is thus a strong indicator of the acid–base status of both soils and surface waters.

scholarly journals Interference to Hardwood Regeneration in Northeastern North America: The Effects of Raspberries (Rubus spp.) Following Clearcutting and Shelterwood Methods

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 288-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo J. Donoso ◽  
Ralph D. Nyland
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
Rubus Idaeus ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Northeastern North America ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Hardwood Species ◽  
Closed Canopy ◽  
Shallow Soils ◽  
A Site

Abstract Rubus often becomes the most prominent vegetation within 2–3 years following heavy overstory disturbances at mesic sites within temperate forests of northeastern North America. This review draws together available literature about its dynamics and effects, focusing primarilyon raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis Porter). It covers some key ecologic functions of raspberries related to nutrient leaching, microclimate near the ground, and organic matter decomposition. It also summarizes published information about the potentialinterference with desirable tree regeneration at northern hardwood sites within the region. The review concentrates on raspberry (Rubus spp.) dynamics and effects following clearcutting, shelterwood method, and other heavy overstory disturbances. Findings indicate that raspberries commonlydevelop into a dense cover after cutting and other overstory disturbances reduce the stocking of northern hardwood stands by 40% or more. Ecologically, they shade the ground, intercept and transpire water, and reduce the rate of litter decomposition and nutrient cycling, all of whichreduce leaching from a site. On poorly drained, droughty, and shallow soils, raspberries have reportedly delayed the development of hardwood regeneration. However, by 5–7 years, rapidly developing hardwood species have normally grown through the Rubus at most other sites, andthe emerging tree community has formed a closed canopy by 10–15 years. The presence of abundant, well-developed, and well-distributed advance tree regeneration ensures prompt restocking of new hardwoods, seems to minimize the potential for interference by raspberries, and precludes anyneed to release the tree seedlings from a raspberry cover. North. J. Appl. For. 23(4):288 –296.

Beech bark disease: spatial patterns of thicket formation and disease spread in an aftermath forest in the northeastern United States

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (9) ◽  
pp. 1042-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Giencke ◽  
Martin Dovčiak ◽  
Giorgos Mountrakis ◽  
Jonathan A. Cale ◽  
Myron J. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Point Pattern Analysis ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Point Pattern ◽  
Beech Bark Disease ◽  
Northern Hardwood

Beech bark disease (BBD) has affected the composition, structure, and function of forests containing a significant proportion of American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) across North America. BBD spread has been investigated at landscape and regional scales, but few studies have examined spatial patterns of disease severity and spread within stands where forest management mitigation measures can be implemented. We analyzed changes in forest composition between 1985 and 2009 and fine-scale spatial patterns of BBD between 2000 and 2009 in a ∼2 ha northern hardwood stand in the Adirondack Mountains of New York using location and disease severity of beech trees. A bivariate point pattern analysis was implemented to examine spatial patterns of beech thicket formation and BBD spread to beech saplings. Abundance of beech saplings increased near highly diseased canopy beech trees and around dead beech and sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.). Disease severity of beech saplings was highest in close proximity to highly cankered canopy beech trees. Thus, BBD leads to the formation of beech thickets, and thickets are often located where saplings are most likely to become infected, increasing the likelihood that secondary killing fronts will develop and lead to heavy BBD-induced mortality in aftermath northern hardwood forests of North America.

scholarly journals Combining genetic and distributional approaches to sourcing introduced species: a case study on the Nile monitor ( Varanus niloticus ) in Florida

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 150619
Author(s):  
Stephanie A. Dowell ◽  
Jared P. Wood ◽  
Todd S. Campbell ◽  
Sergios-Orestis Kolokotronis ◽  
Evon R. Hekkala
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
Species Range ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Ecological Niche Models ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Full Species ◽  
Introduced Populations

Three separate breeding populations of the Nile monitor ( Varanus niloticus ) have been identified in Florida, USA, located in Cape Coral, West Palm Beach and Homestead Air Reserve Base. This large, predatory lizard could have negative effects on Florida's native wildlife. Here, we infer the source of the introduced populations using genetic and statistical approaches, as well as estimate the potential non-native distribution of V. niloticus in North America. We collected genetic data from 25 Florida individuals as well as utilized genetic datasets from reference individuals spanning the full native distribution throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Using occurrence data from the inferred source population and the full species range, we built ecological niche models (ENMs) and projected them onto North America to determine regions with suitable climate. Our results indicated that the introduced populations resulted from three separate introduction events, and all originated from the southern coastal region of West Africa. The ENM built from the West African source population predicted only the southernmost portions of North America to be suitable. Conversely, the model derived from the full species’ range predicted suitable climates across a large portion of the United States. This information can be used to focus management and eradication efforts.

scholarly journals Decaying Logs as Germination Sites in Northern Hardwood Forests

1997 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory G. McGee ◽  
John P. Birmingham
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Tree Regeneration ◽  
Red Spruce ◽  
Yellow Birch ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Soil Scarification

Abstract While several authors have noted tree regeneration on decaying logs, the role that "nurse logs" play in maintaining tree diversity in eastern North American forests has remained unquantified. We sampled small seedling (≤ 5 cm high) densities of seven tree species on and directly adjacent to logs in two northern hardwood stands in the Adirondack mountains of New York. Polar ordination of 42 microsite plots revealed distinctly different small seedling communities on logs vs. forest floor. Yellow birch and red spruce densities were 24 times and 5 times greater on logs than forest floor, while those of sugar maple and striped maple were 8 times and 4 times greater on the forest floor. Maintaining a natural level (~5% ground cover) of well distributed logs can supplement site preparation techniques such as soil scarification to provide regeneration sites for yellow birch and red spruce, particularly in heavily stocked northern hardwood stands. North. J. Appl. For. 14(4):178-182.

A simple system for classifying sugar maple vigour and quality

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 900-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm J.L. Cecil-Cockwell ◽  
John P. Caspersen
Keyword(s):  
Classification System ◽  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Classification Systems ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Northern Hardwood Forests ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Commercial Logging

In northern hardwood forests, treemarkers are responsible for selecting the trees to be harvested during commercial logging operations. They often select trees based on the presence and severity of defects, information that is used to assign trees to two or more vigour classes (reflecting the risk of dying or declining in growth) and two or more quality classes (reflecting the potential for recovering valuable sawlogs). Using these classes can simplify the tree selection process, but some classification systems may include superfluous classes beyond what is required to explain the variation in tree value. In this paper, we present a parsimonious classification system for sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) trees using formal classification analyses of empirical product recovery data. We also calculated the net value of trees in each class and assessed which defects affect tree value. Our results show that relatively few defects affect tree value, indicating that treemarkers should use a simpler classification system to describe the vigour and quality of trees. Specifically, we found that the best system contains just three classes: high vigour-high quality, low vigour-high quality, and low vigour-low quality. The use of this simple, easily implemented system would improve the ability of treemarkers to recognize the value of sugar maple trees when selecting the trees to be harvested during commercial logging operations.

The Eastern Larch Beetle, Another Threat to our Forests (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

1989 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 276-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Langor ◽  
Arthur G. Raske
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
North America ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Bark Beetle ◽  
The United States ◽  
Host Material ◽  
Larix Laricina ◽  
Northeastern North America ◽  
Dendroctonus Simplex ◽  
Damage Estimates

Isolated infestations of the eastern larch beetle, Dendroctonus simplex LeConte, have been reported in North America for over 100 years. Historically, this species has been considered a secondary pest of tamarack, Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch, infesting only weakened or recently felled host material. However, recent widespread outbreaks of this bark beetle in northeastern North America and Alaska suggest that the species can be a primary killer of trees. More than 1.4 million m3 of tamarack was killed in the Atlantic provinces of Canada from 1976 to 1986. No damage estimates are available for Quebec and the United States. Fire, flooding, drought and defoliation by insects are often important agents predisposing tamarack to beetle attack and fostering localized build-up of D. simplex populations which then spread to healthy stands resulting in a widespread outbreak. Key Words: Dendroctonus simplex, bark beetle, outbreaks, damage appraisal, predisposing agents, tamarack.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document