Ecological factors affecting abundance of advanced growth in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) stands of the boreal forest of northwestern Quebec

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 561-568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Béland ◽  
Yves Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Moisture Regime ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
Pine Regeneration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pine Stands

Natural regeneration in jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) stands in Quebec is only sufficient 4% of the time and up to only 33% of the time in mixed stands. This study evaluates the usefulness of forest ecological types as defined by the Quebec Ministry of Forests in predicting abundance of advanced growth in pure and mixed jack pine stands of the Abitibi region, in north-western Quebec. Trees above 1.3 m in height and up to 5 cm DBH were tallied in 102 quadrats of 20 × 20 metres to evaluate advanced growth densities. No significant difference in advanced growth densities was observed between the two main types of surficial geological deposit in the region, lacustrine clays and glacial tills. Only shallow till and organic deposits over bedrock and fluvio-glacial sands showed significantly higher advanced growth densities. Prediction can be improved by using ecological variables such as soil texture, moisture regime, distance from a seed source and stand composition. Abundance of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) regeneration is positively associated with the proportion of sand in the soil profile and with drier sites; advanced growth of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss.) is weakly associated with the distance to a fire-preserved zone containing seed trees. Abundance of pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica L.f.), probably associated with canopy openings, is positively linked with abundance of balsam fir and white spruce advanced growth. Jack pine regeneration by means of advanced growth occurs almost exclusively in jack pine stands on sand; higher proportions of hardwoods in the overstory appear to be negatively linked to jack pine advanced growth. Although the site variables studied showed some significant relationships with advanced growth abundance (maximum R2 = 0.32) which were slightly improved with stand composition variables (maximum R2 = 0.38), no satisfactory predictive model could be implemented. Key words: jack pine, advanced growth, ecological classification

Laboratory assessment of the effect of forest floor ash on conifer germination

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 822-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin J. Kemball ◽  
A. Richard Westwood ◽  
G. Geoff Wang
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Laboratory Assessment ◽  
The Impact

Mineral soils exposed by fire are often covered by a layer of ash due to complete consumption of the forest floor (litter and duff). To assess the possible effects of ash on seed germination and viability of jack pine ( Pinus banksiana Lamb.), black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns, Poggenb.), white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), and balsam fir ( Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), a laboratory experiment was conducted using ash derived from three types of forest floor samples. The samples represented areas of high conifer concentration, high aspen concentration, and mixed aspen and conifer and were collected from five mature aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.) – conifer mixedwood stands in southeastern Manitoba. Ash derived from each forest floor type neither prohibited nor delayed conifer germination, except that of balsam fir. Balsam fir had significantly less germination on ash derived from forest floor samples with high aspen concentration. When corrected for seed viability, balsam fir had significantly less germination on all three ash types compared with jack pine, black spruce, and white spruce. However, the impact of ash on balsam fir is unlikely to have meaningful ecological implications, as balsam fir is a climax species and will establish in undisturbed mature forests.

Growth intercept models for black spruce, jack pine and balsam fir in Quebec

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Mailly ◽  
Mélanie Gaudreault
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Interim Testing ◽  
Growth Intercept ◽  
Mean Square Errors

The objective of this study was to develop variable growth intercept models for coniferous species of major importance in Quebec using Nigh's (1997a) modelling technique. Eighty-three, 68, and 70 stem analysis plots of black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill) were used, respectively. The growth intercept models for black spruce were the most precise, followed by those for jack pine and finally by those for balsam fir, based on the root mean square errors. Results indicated that the accuracy of the models was good, relative to those previously published for other species in Canada. Interim testing of the models revealed a low mean error for all three species that may not be of practical significance for site index determination, although more data should be obtained to further test the models. Key words: balsam fir, black spruce, growth intercept, jack pine, model, nonlinear regression, site index

AN ANALYSIS OF MEASURES OF DENSITY IN EVEN-AGED BALSAM FIR AND JACK PINE STANDS

1964 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 474-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. E. Vezina
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Aerial Photographs ◽  
Growing Stock ◽  
The One ◽  
Crown Closure

The concept of stand density in relation to thinning is examined and its development over the years is discussed. Present difficulties of objectively measuring stand density are recognized and probable future trends towards the development of better formulae to express stand density are outlined. Researchers should continue to collect information on interrelationships among stand variables. Certain merits accrue from description of stand density in terms of variables, such as crown closure, that can be measured with some precision from aerial photographs. Conversely, valid estimates of crown closure which are often difficult to obtain by means of devices from the ground, could be predicted from stand density. Three stand variables, used as expressions of stand density, were tested in crown closure simple regressions in even-aged, unmanaged stands of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.). These are: total number of trees, number of trees 4 inches and up, and basal area per acre. The strongest relationship found was the one where crown closure is compared with basal area; it was stronger for jack pine than for balsam fir. This was explained by differences in tolerance among the two species. The significance of these relationships for the stand development, and the feasibility of using height-and diameter-based indices as measures of growing stock in studies of yield are discussed.

Pines and porcupines: a tree-ring analysis of browsing and dynamics of an overmature pine forest

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amélie Rivet ◽  
Serge Payette ◽  
Dominique Berteaux ◽  
François Girard
Keyword(s):  
Tree Ring ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Late 20Th Century ◽  
The North ◽  
Feeding Activities ◽  
Ring Analysis

Past feeding activities of the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum L.) in an overmature forest were reconstructed using tree-ring dated feeding scars on jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) trees in Parc national du Bic (Quebec). Following a long fire-free period, most pines that regenerated after the 1847 fire are currently senescent, moribund, or dead, and the youngest trees are nearly 100 years old. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.), the most abundant species in the regeneration layer, is predicted to replace jack pine given the absence of recent fire and present fire protection practices in the park. According to the age structure of feeding scars, porcupine activity has been particularly high during the 1980s, which is coincident with the creation of the park. Porcupine activity was lower before this decade and in the late 20th century and absent in this century (2000–2015). The recent decrease in the number of feeding scars is consistent with the decline of the porcupine population, as shown by censuses of active dens and inventories of individuals. Observed tree death is linked with tree senescence rather than excessive feeding. In the absence of fire, it is probable that the shift from the overmature pine stand to a balsam fir stand will profoundly affect porcupine activity. This research shows how the study of tree rings can unravel some of the ecological relationships structuring a forest ecosystem through fire, succession, and animal browsing.

FOREST COMMUNITIES IN NORTHWESTERN ALBERTA

1953 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 212-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. H. Moss
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
Natural Succession ◽  
Balsam Poplar ◽  
Feather Moss

Spruce, tamarack (larch), balsam fir, pine, and poplar communities of the region are described in terms of floristic composition and ecological relationships. The white spruce (Picea glauca) association is regarded as the climax type of the region. Of four phases or faciations presented by the white spruce association, the feather moss faciation appears to be the climax to which the other faciations tend to develop. Two black spruce (Picea mariana) communities are recognized, the black spruce – feather moss association and the black spruce–peat moss association. Of these, the former is characterized by "feather mosses" such as Hylocomium splendens and has developed on relatively level terrain without much peat formation, whereas the latter has a Sphagnum floor and has arisen in definite depressions through acid bog stages with the production of considerable peat. The black spruce – bog moss community is interpreted as subclimax, with natural succession to the black spruce – feather moss association. The tamarack (Larix laricina) community has many features in common with the black spruce – peat moss association but differs markedly, not only in its dominant species, but because of its development from a Drepano-cladus–Carex–Betula bog under persisting wet conditions. Succession to black spruce commonly occurs. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is relatively rare in the region and usually grows in mixed stands with white spruce, paper birch, aspen, and balsam poplar. Two divisions of the pine association are recognized, the jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and the lodgepole pine (P. contorta var. latifolia) consociations. For each of these, two phases are described, the pine – feather moss faciation on the more shaded sites and the pine–heath faciation on the more open and drier areas. Knowledge of the ranges of these two pines in northern Alberta and concerning hybrids between the species is extended. The poplar association, classified as aspen (Populus tremuloides) and balsam poplar (P. balsamifera) consociations, is considered in relation to other vegetation, especially prairie grassland and white spruce. Encroachment of aspen poplar upon native grassland is counteracted by various factors, notably burning. Natural succession of poplar and pine to white spruce is impeded chiefly by forest fires. Some attention is given to phytogeographical problems of this transition region.

Modèles de croissance internodale pour l'épinette noire, le pin gris et le sapin baumier au Québec

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Mailly ◽  
Mélanie Gaudreault
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Site Index ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Interim Testing ◽  
Growth Intercept ◽  
Mean Square Errors

The objective of this study was to develop variable growth intercept models for coniferous species of major importance in Quebec using Nigh's (1997a) modelling technique. Eighty-three, 68 and 70 stem analysis plots of black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] BSP), jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill) were used, respectively. The growth intercept models for black spruce were the most precise, followed by those for jack pine and finally by those for balsam fir, based on the root mean square errors. Results indicated that the accuracy of the models was good, relative to those previously published for other species in Canada. Interim testing of the models revealed a low mean error for all three species that may not be of practical significance for site index determination, although more data should be obtained to further test the models. Key words: balsam fir, black spruce, growth intercept, jack pine, model, nonlinear regression, site index

Logging-induced change (1930-2002) of a preindustrial landscape at the northern range limit of northern hardwoods, eastern Canada

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 505-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Boucher ◽  
Dominique Arseneault ◽  
Luc Sirois
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Acer Rubrum ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Landscape Patterns ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Range Limit ◽  
Mixed Stands

Logging-induced changes from preindustrial (1930) to current conditions (2002) were studied in a landscape covering 13 550 ha in eastern Quebec. Age and types of forest cover were compared between 1930 and 2002 forest maps. In addition, we compared relative species abundance between living stems and coarse woody debris to study these changes at the stand scale. More than 90% of the 1930 preindustrial landscape was composed of forest stands older than 100 years. A balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) – white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) dominated conifer cover (77% of the landscape area) formed the landscape matrix across the lowlands and was intermingled with mixed stands of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and conifers on the highlands. As a result of recurrent logging, stands less than 70 years old accounted for 93% of the 2002 landscape. From 1930 to 2002, 37% of the landscape was converted from coniferous to mixed forest, and 19% evolved towards a deciduous cover. The total number of cover patches doubled to 193, whereas mean patch size decreased twofold to 65 ha. Sugar maple, red maple (Acer rubrum L.), striped maple (Acer pennsylvanicum L.), and white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) probably experienced a greater increase in abundance, whereas balsam fir, white spruce, and eastern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis L.) experienced a more pronounced decrease. Because it does not consider preindustrial landscape patterns, the system of ecological land classification currently in use in this area suggests that potential late-successional cover types should be more similar to present-day than to preindustrial conditions.

LONG TERM STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AERIAL APPLICATION OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS – ACEPHATE COMBINATIONS AGAINST THE SPRUCE BUDWORM, CHORISTONEURA FUMIFERANA (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE)

1977 ◽  
Vol 109 (9) ◽  
pp. 1239-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. N. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Thuringiensis ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Larval Mortality ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Long Term Study

AbstractBacillus thuringiensis (Dipel® 36B) mixed with a sublethal concentration of acephate (Orthene®) (O, S-dimethyl acetylphosphoramidothioate), an organophosphorous insecticide, was applied at 2.35–14 l./ha to white spruce (Picea glauca) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) trees infested with spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.). The treatment rate was 20 Billion International Units of B. thuringiensis (B.t.) activity with or without 42 g of active ingredient of acephate/ha.The ground deposit of the standard Dipel wettable powder formulation was 12% of emitted volume compared with 21–32% for the Dipel 36B flowable. The viability of B.t. spores was drastically reduced after 1 day of weathering but a high level of biological activity by the spore–crystal complex persisted for up to 20 days post-spray due probably to crystal activity.The addition of about 10% of the recommended operational rate of acephate to the B.t. suspension increased larval mortality by 34% when applied at 4.7 l./ha. Reductions in budworm populations were 97–99% in B.t. + acephate plots and 86–90% in B.t. alone plots.Plots with moderate budworm densities of up to 27 larvae/100 buds on white spruce and 36/100 on balsam fir were satisfactorily protected from excessive defoliation in the year of spray by B.t. with or without acephate. Plots with higher population densities were not satisfactorily protected based on the branch sample examination but aerial color photographs indicated good protection to the top third of the trees. Population declines were greater and defoliation and oviposition were lower in the treated plots than in the untreated checks 1 year later without further treatment. Two years later the larval population densities in all plots were low but the density was twice as high in the untreated check as in the treated plots, indicating long term suppression by the treatments. Defoliation was negligible in all plots.The treatments had no deleterious effect on spruce budworm parasitism. The data indicate that the integrated approach using Bacillus thuringiensis – chemical pesticide combinations is a viable alternative to the use of chemical pesticides alone in spruce budworm control. Large scale testing is now warranted.

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