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

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2093-2100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R. Roberts ◽  
Hongyun Dong
Keyword(s):  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Seed Availability ◽  
Soil Organic Layer ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Over Time

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.

Ten-year results of strip clear-cutting in Quebec black spruce stands

2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pothier
Keyword(s):  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Harvesting Method ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
One Year ◽  
Cutting System

Regeneration of first-cut strips in a two-cut system of strip clear-cutting was compared to that of large clear-cutting in four different areas representative of the black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) stands of the boreal forest of Quebec. Seedlings were more evenly distributed in clearcut strips than in large clearcuts. Differences of about 10 000 black spruce seedlings per hectare and 20% of stocking were observed in favour of clearcut strips compared to large clearcuts. Black spruce stocking was about 14% larger on lowland than on upland sites but height growth was better on upland sites. A regeneration problem similar to that of large clearcuts was observed when the second strips were cut. One year after cutting these second strips, winter harvesting resulted in a 23% gain in black spruce stocking as compared to summer harvesting. Even if black spruce stocking marginally increased during the years following winter harvesting, the height advantage of the preserved advance growth justifies the application of this harvesting method. The strip clear-cutting system effectively improved the stocking of former black spruce stands but if the stocking level of advance growth is adequate, careful harvesting to preserve advance regeneration should be the preferred method since it would be more cost-efficient.

scholarly journals Height Development of Upper-Canopy Trees Within Even-Aged Adirondack Northern Hardwood Stands

2004 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph D. Nyland ◽  
David G. Ray ◽  
Ruth D. Yanai
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Fagus Grandifolia ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Betula Alleghaniensis ◽  
Yellow Birch ◽  
Northern Hardwood ◽  
White Ash ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Canopy Trees

Abstract Knowledge of the relative rates of height growth among species is necessary for predicting developmental patterns in even-aged northern hardwood stands. To quantify these relationships, we used stem analysis to reconstruct early height growth patterns of dominant and codominant sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britton), white ash (Fraxinus americana L.), and America beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) trees. We used three stands (aged 19, 24, and 29 years) established by shelterwood method cutting preceded by an understory herbicide treatment. We analyzed 10 trees of each species per stand. Height growth was similar across stands, allowing us to develop a single equation for each species. Our data show that yellow birch had the most rapid height growth up to approximately age 10. Both sugar maple and white ash grew more rapidly than yellow birch beyond that point. Beech consistently grew the slowest. White ash had a linear rate of height growth over the 29-year period, while the other species declined in their growth rates. By age 29, the heights of main canopy trees ranged from 38 ft for beech to 51 ft for white ash. Both yellow birch and sugar maple averaged 46 ft tall at that time. By age 29, the base of the live crown had reached 17, 20, 21, and 26 ft for beech, sugar maple, yellow birch, and white ash, respectively. Live–crown ratios of upper-canopy trees did not differ appreciably among species and remained at approximately 40% for the ages evaluated. These results suggest that eliminating advance regeneration changes the outcome of competition to favor species other than beech. North. J. Appl. For. 21(3):117–122.

Patterns of above- and below-ground response of understory conifer release 6 years after partial cutting

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel D Kneeshaw ◽  
Harry Williams ◽  
Eero Nikinmaa ◽  
Christian Messier
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Stem Growth ◽  
Radial Increment ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Advance Regeneration

An increased pressure to use silvicultural techniques not based on clear-cutting followed by planting has led to an interest in systems that take advantage of existing understory seedlings (advance regeneration). Earlier studies have suggested that following harvesting, understory seedlings may experience growth reductions before responding with growth increases. We hypothesize that this "growth shock" following release results because seedlings are ill adjusted to the new growing conditions and that this can be investigated through a comparison of growth in different parts of the tree over a 6-year period. This study compares the growth response of three size classes of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings to a partial overstory removal in relatively dry conifer forests of central British Columbia. Growth was evaluated in four parts of the studied trees: radial increment in roots, in the base of the stem, and in branches, as well as leader height growth extension. Our findings show that following release from the overstory, early growth increases were largest in the roots and stems irrespective of the species or the size class. Differences between the species were observed in greater absolute height growth for pine, whereas Douglas-fir invested in greater stem growth, especially in the larger individuals. Important differences also occurred temporally. Both species (and all size classes) responded with an immediate increase in root growth followed, after a 1-year delay, by an increase in stem growth. Branch radial increment (for pine) and leader height growth (both species), however, experienced 2 to 3 year growth reductions before responding. It is therefore suggested that individuals restore the root–shoot balance by greater initial investments to root growth to offset the increased transpiration losses associated with the greater light and higher temperature conditions and the relative changes in the photosynthetic versus nutrient uptake capacity following the canopy opening. Foresters may therefore be able to manipulate tree growth responses by using an appropriate degree of overstory removal or opening size.

Aboveground growth responses of understory Abies lasiocarpa saplings to different release cuts

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 1593-1601 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek J Krasowski ◽  
Jian R Wang
Keyword(s):  
Radial Growth ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Abies Lasiocarpa ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
White Birch ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Growth Increments ◽  
Advance Regeneration ◽  
Large Trees

A white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) overstory of a 30+ year old stand was thinned or completely removed, releasing an advance regeneration of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.). The overstory was clear-cut (T0), thinned to 600 (T600) or to 1200 (T1200) stems/ha, or left uncut (control). Three years after release, understory responses were best demonstrated by decreasing specific leaf area with increasing release level and by changes to height and radial growth increments. Clear-cutting the overstory stalled the height growth in fir for two seasons and radial growth at the tree base for one season. Compared with the control, the 3-year height increment was proportionally greatest in intermediate trees of T600, and this treatment produced the overall best response in height growth. Complete birch removal produced the best radial growth response despite the initial growth check. However, no release treatment significantly affected the whole tree variables (aboveground biomass, height, diameter at breast height (DBH), live crown ratio) within the studied time frame. Shoot silhouette ratios were lowest in the completely released understory trees, while they were similar to those of the controls in all partial-release treatments. Tree sturdiness (height/DBH ratio) was 80–90 in most treatments except T0, where it declined to below 80. Despite this improvement, large trees in T0 have been damaged by wind and snow.

Soil acidification: comparison of acid deposition from the atmosphere with inputs from the litter/soil organic layer

Geoderma ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 66 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 85-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Gower ◽  
D.L. Rowell ◽  
S. Nortcliff ◽  
A. Wild
Keyword(s):  
Acid Deposition ◽  
Soil Acidification ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Soil Organic Layer

Development patterns in two hemlock–hardwood stands in southern New England

1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 885-891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Kelty
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Canopy Structure ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Northern Red Oak ◽  
Red Maple ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Southern New England ◽  
Hardwood Species ◽  
Constant Rate

Two forest stands, composed primarily of northern red oak (Quercusrubra L.), red maple (Acerrubrum L.), and eastern hemlock (Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carr.), were studied by stand-reconstruction techniques to determine the pattern of development of canopy structure. One stand had originated following clear-cutting 87 years ago; the other, following catastrophic windthrow 44 years ago. Juvenile height growth of the hardwood species was much greater than that of hemlock and a stratified canopy developed by age 30 years, with hardwoods forming an overstory canopy above hemlock. Hemlocks maintained overstory positions only if they were 3 m or more in height immediately following canopy disturbance. In the older stand, hardwood height growth was about twice that of the tallest understory hemlocks during the first 30 years. The hardwood overstory slowed after that and grew at the same rate as the tallest understory hemlocks, which maintained a constant rate of height growth, and a constant to accelerating rate of basal area growth for much of the 87-year measurement period. The height growth of the tallest understory hemlocks was apparently limited in part by breakage of terminal shoots, caused by abrasion against branches of overstory hardwood crowns.

scholarly journals Natural Regeneration of the Tree Stand in the Bilberry Spruce Forest—Clear-Cutting Ecotone Complex in the First Post-Logging Decade

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1542
Author(s):  
Nadezhda V. Genikova ◽  
Viktor N. Mamontov ◽  
Alexander M. Kryshen ◽  
Vladimir A. Kharitonov ◽  
Sergey A. Moshnikov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Clear Cutting

Bilberry spruce forests are the most widespread forest type in the European boreal zone. Limiting the clear-cuttings size leads to fragmentation of forest cover and the appearance of large areas of ecotone complexes, composed of forest (F), a transition from forest to the cut-over site under tree canopy (FE), a transition from forest to the cut-over site beyond tree canopy (CE), and the actual clear-cut site (C). Natural regeneration of woody species (spruce, birch, rowan) in the bilberry spruce stand—clear-cut ecotone complex was studied during the first decade after logging. The effects produced by the time since cutting, forest edge aspect, and the ground cover on the emergence and growth of trees and shrubs under forest canopy and openly in the clear-cut were investigated. Estimating the amount and size of different species in the regeneration showed FE and CE width to be 8 m—roughly half the height of first-story trees. Typical forest conditions (F) feature a relatively small amount of regenerating spruce and birch. The most favorable conditions for natural regeneration of spruce in the clear-cut—mature bilberry spruce stand ecotone are at the forest edge in areas of transition both towards the forest and towards the clear-cut (FE and CE). Clear-cut areas farther from the forest edge (C) offer an advantage to regenerating birch, which grows densely and actively in this area.

Measuring unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K(ψm)) of the F and H soil organic layers at small matric potential (ψm)

2011 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 965-968
Author(s):  
B. Wilske ◽  
E. A. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Matric Potential ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Organic Layers ◽  
Soil Organic Layer ◽  
Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Constant Head

Wilske, B. and Johnson, E. A. 2011. Measuring unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K(ψm)) of the F and H soil organic layers at small matric potential (ψm). Can. J. Soil Sci. 91: 965–968. K(ψm) of the soil organic layers is a key parameter to assess water redistribution in cold-climate forests. This study tested the twin suction disc apparatus (TSD) as a new method to measure K(ψm) of the F and H layers directly. We compared the results to two studies. One represents a large data base, the other used similar sample locations; but both derived K(ψm) from combining two methods, i.e., pressure plate measurements combined with the instantaneous profile technique or the constant head approach. The TSD data are consistent with previous results considering the large variability in K(ψm) from the combined methods. This suggests that the TSD method represents an alternative to determine K(ψm) of the soil organic layer.

Towards a better understanding of river dynamics in semi-urbanised areas: a machine learning analysis on time-series satellite images

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Cislaghi ◽  
Paolo Fogliata ◽  
Emanuele Morlotti ◽  
Gian Battista Bischetti
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Satellite Images ◽  
River Management ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Flood Events ◽  
River Dynamics ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Over Time

<p>River channels and floodplains have been highly modified over the last 70 years to mitigate flood risk and to gain lands for agricultural activities, settlements and soft infrastructures (e.g., cycle paths). River engineering measures simplified the geomorphologic complexity of river system, usually from braided or wandering channels to highly-confined single-thread channel. Meanwhile, rivers naturally adjust and self-organise the geomorphologic function as response of all the disturbances (e.g., flood events, river-bed degradation, narrowing, control works) altering sediment and water transfer, exacerbating bank erosion processes and streambank failures, and exposing bare sediment that can be subsequently colonized by pioneer species. In this context, river management has to address river dynamics planning sustainable practices with the aim to combine hydraulic safety, river functionality, and ecological/environmental quality. These actions require the detection of river processes by monitoring the geomorphological changes over time, both over the active riverbank and the close floodplains. Thus, remote sensing technology combined with machine learning algorithms offers a viable decision-making instrument (Piégay et al., 2020).</p><p>This study proposes a procedure that consists in applying image segmentation and classification algorithms (i.e., Random Forest and dendrogram-based method) over time-series high resolution RGB-NIR satellite-images, to identify the fluvial forms (bars and islands), the vegetation patches and the active riverbed. The study focuses on three different reaches of Oglio River (Valcamonica, North Italy), representative of the most common geomorphic changes in Alpine rivers.</p><p>The results clearly show the temporal evolution/dynamics of vegetated and non-vegetated bars and islands, as consequence of human and natural disturbances (flood events, riparian vegetation clear-cutting, and bank-protection works). Moreover, the procedure allows to distinguish two stages of riparian vegetation (i.e., pioneer and mature vegetated areas) and to quantify the timing of colonization and growth. Finally, the study proposes a practical application of the described methodology for river managers indicating which river management activity (including timing, intensity and economic costs) is more appropriate and sustainable for each studied reach.</p><p> </p><p>References: Piégay, H., Arnaud, F., Belletti, B., Bertrand, M., Bizzi, S., Carbonneau, P., Dufour, S., Liébault, F., Ruiz‐Villanueva, V. and Slater, L.: Remotely sensed rivers in the Anthropocene: state of the art and prospects, Earth Surf. Process. Landf., 45(1), 157–188, https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4787, 2020.</p>

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