scholarly journals Four-year-performance of oak and pine seedlings following mechanical site preparation with lightweight excavators

Silva Fennica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noé Dumas ◽  
Mathieu Dassot ◽  
Jonathan Pitaud ◽  
Jérôme Piat ◽  
Lucie Arnaudet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Untreated Control ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Pinus Nigra ◽  
Quercus Petraea ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Pteridium Aquilinum ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Basal Diameter ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation

Mechanical site preparation methods that used tools mounted on lightweight excavators and that provided localised intensive preparation were tested in eight experimental sites across France where the vegetation was dominated either by (L.) Moench or (L.) Kuhn. Two lightweight tools (Deep Scarifier: DS; Deep Scarifier followed by Multifunction Subsoiler: DS+MS) were tested in pine ( L., var. (Loudon) Hyl. or Aiton) and oak ( (Matt.) Liebl. or  L.) plantations. Regional methods commonly used locally (herbicide, disk harrow, mouldboard plow) and experimental methods (repeated herbicide application; untreated control) were used as references in the experiments. Neighbouring vegetation cover, seedling survival, height and basal diameter were assessed over three to five years after plantation. For pines growing in , seedling diameter after four years was 37% and 98% greater in DS and DS+MS, respectively, than in the untreated control. For pines growing in , it was 62% and 107% greater in the same treatments. For oak, diameter was only 4% and 15% greater in , and 13% and 25% greater in , in the same treatments. For pines, the survival rate after four years was 26% and 32% higher in and 64% and 70% higher in , in the same treatments. For oak, it was 3% and 29% higher in and 37% and 31% higher in . Herbicide, when applied for three or four years after planting, provided the best growth performances for pines growing in and and for oaks growing in . For these species and site combinations, DS+MS and DS treatments reduced the neighbouring vegetation cover for one to four years following site preparation.Molinia caeruleaPteridium aquilinumPinus sylvestrisPinus nigracorsicanaPinus pinasterQuercus petraeaQuercus roburM. caeruleaP. aquilinumM. caeruleaP. aquilinumM. caeruleaP. aquilinumM. caeruleaP. aquilinumM. caerulea P. aquilinumP. aquilinum

scholarly journals Effects of Site Preparation Methods on the Establishment and Natural-Regeneration Traits of Scots Pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Northeastern Poland

Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Aleksandrowicz-Trzcińska ◽  
Stanisław Drozdowski ◽  
Marcin Studnicki ◽  
Henryk Żybura
Keyword(s):  
Bulk Density ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Base Cations ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
High Precipitation ◽  
Aridity Indices ◽  
Moisture Conditions

While some tree species can regenerate naturally without mechanical site preparation (MSP), Scots pine has been shown to benefit from this process. We compared three methods: using a double-mouldboard forest plough (FP), an active single-disc plough (AP), and a forest mill (FM), as well as a no-MSP control, in terms of growth, survival and density of occurrence of pines during the first 4 years of natural regeneration. Moisture conditions were expressed via calculated de Martonne aridity indices, while the microhabitats generated via different MSP methods were further characterised by the total contents of N and C, and the C/N ratio, P2O5, and base cations, as well as bulk density and actual moisture. The trials showed inferior regeneration without MSP in terms of the density and cover of young pines. Any of the studied treatments influenced survival, though the best growth was achieved by seedlings using the FP and AP methods, while the best density and evenness results were obtained using AP. The factors most influencing regeneration features were high precipitation during the first growing season after sowing and reduced competition with other vegetation in the cleared area. This impact seems far more important than the capacity of different MSPs to produce differentiation in soil microhabitats in terms of nutrient status or bulk density.

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 Effects of spot mounding and inverting on growth of conifers, exposed mineral soil and natural birch regeneration

Silva Fennica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiina Laine ◽  
Ville Kankaanhuhta ◽  
Juho Rantala ◽  
Timo Saksa
Keyword(s):  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Seedling Mortality ◽  
Moderate Amount ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Downy Birch

In Nordic forests, consistent evidence about better seedling survival rate and increased growth due to site preparation have been obtained in numerous studies. Proper site preparation method can reduce costs of the whole regeneration chain through its effects on survival of planted seedlings, abundance of natural regeneration and competition in early stand development. This study compared the natural regeneration of birches (silver birch ( Roth) and downy birch ( Ehrh.)), amount of exposed mineral soil, and growth of planted seedlings between spot mounding and inverting site preparation methods. Present study was conducted in eight forest stands established in 2012 or 2015. Even though difference was not statistically significant, inverting exposed less mineral soil than spot mounding and thus reduced the natural regeneration of birch seedlings by 6135 seedlings ha compared to spot mounding. However, the variation between regeneration areas was remarkable. There was no difference in seedling mortality or growth between the site preparation methods. In order to achieve high growth of conifers, moderate amount of exposed mineral soil and thus less naturally regenerated birch, inverting should be favored over spot mounding.Betula pendulaB. pubescens–1

The effect of mechanical site preparation on ectomycorrhizae of planted white spruce seedlings in conifer-dominated boreal mixedwood forest

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 2072-2079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lance W. Lazaruk ◽  
S. Ellen Macdonald ◽  
Gavin Kernaghan
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Untreated Control ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Root Tips ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Mixed Treatment ◽  
Boreal Mixedwood Forest

We characterized the ectomycorrhizae (ECM) of planted white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) seedlings as affected by mechanical site preparation (MSP) of clear-cut conifer-dominated boreal mixedwood forest. Relative abundance, richness, and composition of the ECM community were compared among untreated control, mixed, mounded, and scalped site preparation treatments. On >11 000 root tips, we observed 16 ECM morphotypes. Those common to the nursery in which the seedlings were raised were most abundant ( Thelephora americana , Wilcoxina -like (E-strain), Amphinema byssoides , Phialocephala -like (MRA)). Seedlings in the untreated controls had lower abundances of these, but higher abundances of other ECM, which were not present in the nursery of origin but were indigenous to these forest stands. In terms of ECM composition, the “mixed” treatment was most similar to the untreated control, while the “scalped” and “mound” treatments showed significantly different ECM communities than the controls. Our results suggest that MSP may facilitate continued dominance by ECM that establish on seedlings in the nursery while slowing the natural succession towards the natural forest ECM. MSP treatments that leave some surface organic matter relatively intact may impact ECM less than those that remove or bury the organic layer.

scholarly journals White spruce establishment in two boreal Ontario mixedwoods: 13-year results

2003 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-131
Author(s):  
R F Sutton ◽  
T P Weldon
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Untreated Control ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Treatment Performance ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Control Growth ◽  
Herbicide Treatments

An experiment to investigate techniques for establishing white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) in boreal Ontario mixedwood was begun in 1985 in Oates Twp. Eight 25-tree plots were established in each of nine treatments: three mechanical site preparation treatments (none, disk- trenching, and toothed-blading) in combination with three kinds of chemical weed control (none, Velpar L® at the time of planting, and Vision® during the second growing season). The experiment was repeated the following year in the adjacent township of Oswald. The mechanical treatments were applied as planned, but the herbicide treatments deviated somewhat from the plan. Fifth-year results were reported in this journal in 1995. In the eighth growing season, a ground-spray release treatment with Vision® was applied to four randomly selected 25-tree plots in each original treatment. Performance of white spruce after 13 growing seasons was significantly influenced by site preparation: survival averaged 65 and 79% without release in the blading and trenching treatments, respectively, and 22% in the untreated control; with release, survival averaged 74 and 80% in the blading and trenching treatments, respectively, and 24% in the untreated control. Growth was greatest in the bladed treatment, poorest by far in the untreated control. The ineffectiveness of herbicides in these experiments is surprising in view of successes elsewhere. The modest response to release was significant for 13th -year increment. Key words: site preparation, toothed blading, trenching, release

Effects of mechanical site preparation and slash removal on long-term productivity of conifer plantations in Sweden

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 1311-1319
Author(s):  
Karin Hjelm ◽  
Urban Nilsson ◽  
Ulf Johansson ◽  
Per Nordin
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Individual Trees

Mechanical site preparation is commonly used to increase survival and early growth of newly planted seedlings. Ideally, any early positive effects of site preparation should persist for a long time, but concerns have been raised as to whether intensive site preparation might have a negative effect on the long-term productivity of a stand. The present study was therefore designed to investigate the long-term effects of different site-preparation methods on productivity and determine any possible interactions with tree species and site fertility. In the 1980s, a randomized block experiment was established at sites throughout Sweden. Four site-preparation methods of various intensities were performed on different sites: (i) an untreated control, (ii) disc trenching, (iii) mounding, and (iv) ploughing. As a complementary treatment, slash was either retained or removed from some plots. Depending on soil moisture class, geographical position, and site index, Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), or lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon) were planted in pure stands. Growth variables such as height and diameter were measured during the first years after establishment. After about 30 years, these variables were remeasured at the level of individual trees. Overall, an increased production of the planted trees after site preparation was found. Neither intensive site preparation (such as ploughing) nor slash removal had any negative effect on the long-term productivity of these experimental stands.

Chemical and mechanical site preparation: effects on Pinus contorta growth, physiology, and microsite quality on grassy, steep forest sites in British Columbia

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1495-1515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne W Simard ◽  
Melanie D Jones ◽  
Daniel M Durall ◽  
Graeme D Hope ◽  
Robert J Stathers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Aggregate Stability ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Growth Physiology ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Soil Temperatures

Site preparation alleviates the effects of pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens Buckl.) interference on conifers in British Columbia, but little is known about interference mechanisms and appropriate site preparation methods for steep slopes. In this study, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) was planted in pinegrass controls and small (90 × 90 cm) and large (180 × 90 cm) patches where (i) only pinegrass was removed using glyphosate or (ii) both pinegrass and the forest floor were removed using an excavator. Treatments were replicated three times in east- and west-facing clearcuts and effects were followed for 9 years. Two-year pine survival was 78% in the control and >97% in large patches. All patch treatments improved pine growth, but it was greatest in large chemical patches during the initial 6 years and in both large patch treatments thereafter. Removal of the forest floor reduced foliar and soil nutrients, increased bulk density and soil water availability, decreased porosity and aggregate stability, and reduced ectomycorrhizal diversity and richness. These changes were not observed in chemical patches. All patch treatments increased soil temperatures and reduced frost relative to controls, but more so in large patches. Pinegrass can suppress early pine performance, and large chemical patches that retain the forest floor are best for relieving the multiple environmental stressors.

White spruce artificial regeneration options on river floodplains in interior Alaska

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew P. Youngblood ◽  
John C. Zasada
Keyword(s):  
White Spruce ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Artificial Regeneration ◽  
Basal Diameter ◽  
Cutting Method ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
River Floodplains ◽  
Interior Alaska

Reforestation options for artificial regeneration of white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) were tested on three floodplain sites near Fairbanks, Alaska. Survival of containerized seedlings after outplanting was above 96%, regardless of harvest cutting method or mechanical site preparation, and declined little between the third and fifth growing seasons. Establishment and survival after direct seeding on seed spots was more variable and differed by harvest cutting method, by type of site preparation, and by the use of plastic seed shelters for seedling protection. Maximum terminal leader growth, seedling total height, and basal diameter were found on planted seedlings in clear-cut units on the better site. In clear-cut units prepared by blading on one site, basal diameter of seedlings five seasons after outplanting was almost 50% more than on similar surfaces in shelterwood units. Planted seedlings on unscarified surfaces and in small scalped patches generally had similar basal diameters. Results suggested that similar interior Alaska floodplain forests of white spruce can be successfully regenerated by using the clear-cutting harvest method and planting nursery-reared seedlings without mechanical site preparation.

Field performance of outplanted Norway spruce: effects of organic matter amendments and site preparation

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1356-1367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goran Hallsby
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Preparation Methods ◽  
Terminal Bud

Norway spruce (Piceaabies (L.) Karst.) seedling survival and growth response to site preparation methods involving different utilization of humus (forest floor material from the F- and H-layers) and chipped slash were studied on a recently clear-felled spruce site in northern Sweden. Five mounding treatments (pure mineral soil, mineral mound covered by or mixed with either of the two types of organic matter) and two unscarified treatments (with or without a chipped slash mulch) were applied in a randomized block design. Half of the blocks were planted in the year of clear-felling (1990) and the remaining blocks in 1991. Containerized (1/0) seedlings mechanically protected against Hylobiusabietis L. were used. For both planting occasions, seedling survival after 3 years exceeded 90% in most treatments and the occurrence of injuries was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by soil treatments only in the 1990 plantation. In general, the largest seedlings (height, dry weight, needle weight, needle length, leading shoot terminal bud diameter) developed in mounds containing humus, and mounds containing chipped slash produced the smallest seedlings. Mixing chipped slash with mineral soil appeared to suppress seedling growth. The results also indicate that planting delay should be avoided to permit Norway spruce seedlings to benefit fully from the growth-stimulating potential of humus. Successful planting without site preparation might depend on the avoidance of planting delay.

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