scholarly journals Comparison of the Ground Vegetation in Spruce Plantations and Natural Forest in the Greater Fundy Ecosystem, New Brunswick

2003 ◽  
Vol 117 (4) ◽  
pp. 531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cam Veinotte ◽  
Bill Freedman ◽  
Wolfgang Maass ◽  
Friederike Kirstein
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Fagus Grandifolia ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Successional Stages

We studied changes in ground vegetation associated with the conversion of natural, mature, mixed-species forest into conifer plantations in southeastern New Brunswick. This was done to determine the degree to which plant-associated biodiversity was affected by this forestry practice. Species of lichens, bryophytes, and vascular plants were examined in a 21-year chronosequence of 12 Black Spruce (Picea mariana) plantations and compared to 8 stands of natural forest of the type replaced. The richness, diversity, and density of species were greatest during younger stages of the plantation sere, with as many as 170 species occurring in a 6-year-old stand. Species occurred in successional stages according to their abilities to: (a) survive disturbances associated with clear-cutting and plantation establishment; (b) regenerate vegetatively; (c) re-establish from a persistent seedbank; (d) invade disturbed habitat by dispersed seeds; and/or (e) tolerate environmental stress imposed by the overtopping canopy during stand development. Multivariate analyses suggested that successional factors had the strongest influence on differences in the ground vegetation among stands of various ages. Gaps in the canopy of reference forest and older plantations provided microsite conditions similar to those of early seral stages, allowing some ruderal species to persist in older stands. Nonindigenous species were almost entirely limited to younger plantations. Some species of natural forest were rare or absent from plantations and may be at risk from the extensive development of these agroforestry habitats in our study region; these included Acer pensylvanicum, Cephaloziella spp., Chiloscyphus spp., Fagus grandifolia, Lepidozia reptans, Nowellia curvifolia, Odontoschisma denudatum, and Viburnum alnifolium.

American beech and sugar maple sapling relative abundance and growth are not modified by light availability following partial and total canopy disturbances

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 632-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Bannon ◽  
Sylvain Delagrange ◽  
Nicolas Bélanger ◽  
Christian Messier
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Acer Saccharum ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Light Availability ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Fagus Grandifolia ◽  
American Beech ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Canopy Opening ◽  
Unmanaged Forest

Studies have reported divergent results on the effect of soil fertility and canopy opening on understory density and growth of sugar maple (AS; Acer saccharum Marsh.) and American beech (FG; Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a gradient of canopy opening and soil fertility on the density and growth of AS and FG saplings in southwestern Quebec, Canada. We investigated 56 stands containing both AS and FG that were subjected to different disturbance history types (DHTs) (UF, unmanaged forest; PC, partial cut; and CC, clearcut) on various soil types. AS and FG absolute and relative sapling density varied greatly among the 56 stands; however, no significant effects of DHT, soil nutrient availability, or their interaction were found. Both species responded positively in terms of radial growth to canopy openings, with FG growth being slightly better than AS growth in PC stands compared with other canopy treatments. Contrary to our hypothesis, AS did not show significantly higher growth than FG following clear-cutting. These results do not support the idea that AS abundance and growth could be promoted by increasing the intensity of the canopy opening during harvest, at least on the generally acidic and base-poor soils that were investigated.

scholarly journals A NEW APPROACH TO THE NORTHERN SPRUCE REGENERATION PROBLEM

1954 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 372-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henri LeBlanc
Keyword(s):  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Normal Concentration ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Seed Supply ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
Intensive Work

Lack of reproduction of black spruce, Picea mariana, in pure black spruce stands in old cut-over areas, has always been a great subject of discussion and one for intensive work among foresters. Many reasons such as the absence of an adequate seed supply stored on top of humus, or adverse germination conditions are said to be partly responsible.This study on the humus of this unregenerated cut-over area, indicates clear cutting of this stand will influence the normal concentration of definite micro-nutrients such as manganese and magnesium.The augmentation of manganese in the soil has a detrimental effect on the growth of plants when, its concentration is too high. The diminution of magnesium, which is an element necessary to stimulate the growth, must create abnormal nutritive conditions of the habitat. This visible lack of equilibrium might be the cause of the absence of seedlings of Picea mariana on certain parts of this cut-over area.

Individual height–diameter models for young black spruce (Picea mariana) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) plantations in New Brunswick, Canada

2009 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangdong Lei ◽  
Changhui Peng ◽  
Haiyan Wang ◽  
Xiaolu Zhou
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Forest Stands ◽  
Tolerance Intervals ◽  
Group I ◽  
Group Ii

Historically, height–diameter models have mainly been developed for mature trees; consequently, few height–diameter models have been calibrated for young forest stands. In order to develop equations predicting the height of trees with small diameters, 46 individual height–diameter models were fitted and tested in young black spruce (Picea mariana) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) plantations between the ages of 4 to 8 years, measured from 182 plots in New Brunswick, Canada. The models were divided into 2 groups: a diameter group and a second group applying both diameter and additional stand- or tree-level variables (composite models). There was little difference in predicting tree height among the former models (Group I) while the latter models (Group II) generally provided better prediction. Based on goodness of fit (R2and MSE), prediction ability (the bias and its associated prediction and tolerance intervals in absolute and relative terms), and ease of application, 2 Group II models were recommended for predicting individual tree heights within young black spruce and jack pine forest stands. Mean stand height was required for application of these models. The resultant tolerance intervals indicated that most errors (95%) associated with height predictions would be within the following limits (a 95% confidence level): [-0.54 m, 0.54 m] or [-14.7%, 15.9%] for black spruce and [-0.77 m, 0.77 m] or [-17.1%, 18.6%] for jack pine. The recommended models are statistically reliable for growth and yield applications, regeneration assessment and management planning. Key words: composite model, linear model, model calibration, model validation, prediction interval, tolerance interval

An overview of the vegetation and soils of the floodplain ecosystems of the Tanana River, interior Alaska

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 889-898 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.A. Viereck ◽  
C.T. Dyrness ◽  
M.J. Foote
Keyword(s):  
Forest Succession ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Organic Layers ◽  
Balsam Poplar ◽  
Feather Mosses ◽  
Successional Stages ◽  
Salt Affected Soils ◽  
Stochastic Events

The soils and vegetation of 12 stages of forest succession on the floodplain of the Tanana River are described. Succession begins with the invasion of newly deposited alluvium by willows (Salix spp.) and develops through a willow–alder (Alnustenuifolia Nutt.) stage to forest stands of balsam poplar (Populusbalsamifera L.), followed by white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss), and finally black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.). The principal changes in substrate characteristics during the successional sequence are (i) change from sand to silt loam, (ii) increase in terrace height and distance from the water table, (iii) development of a forest floor, first of leaf litter and then live and dead feather mosses, (iv) burial of organic layers by flooding, and (v) the development of permafrost as soils are insulated by a thick organic layer. Soils and vegetation of six stands occurring in three successional stages used in the salt-affected soils study are described in detail: open willow stands (stage III), balsam poplar–alder stands (stage VI), and a mature white spruce stand (stage VIII). There is a general progression of plant species resulting from the modification of the environment by the developing vegetation and changes in soil characteristics. Life history and stochastic events are important in the early stages of succession, and biological controls such as facilitation and competition become more important in middle and late stages of succession.

Effets de la coupe à blanc et de la coupe par bandes sur la régénération obtenue après 5 ans dans des pessières noires du Québec

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre Pominville ◽  
Jean-Claude Ruel
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
The Other ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The One ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Coupe À Blanc

An experiment was conducted to compare the effects of traditional clear-cutting with those of strip cutting on regeneration of black spruce, Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P., stands on scarified and unscarified uplands and on lowlands. To that effect, regeneration surveys were done before cutting, in the following year, and 3 and 5 years after cutting. Five years after harvesting, strip cutting led to higher coniferous stocking than clear-cutting on scarified uplands and on lowlands. On unscarified uplands, the gain attributable to strip cutting was not significant. The coniferous stocking of strip cuts on scarified uplands was not greater than on unscarified uplands. So the efficiency of scarification could not be proved in that study. Stocking obtained after 5 years remained closely related to the one observed immediately after harvesting in the strip cufs as in the clear-cuttings. This is particularly true for balsam fir, Abiesbalsamea (L.) Mill. In the strip cuts, the balsam fir stocking was constant while the one of black spruce increased. This could have an impact on the evolution of the composition of the new stands and, consequently, on their vulnerability to spruce budworm, Choristoneurafumiferana (Clem.). The majority of the clear-cuttings were well regenerated 5 years after harvesting. Their average coniferous stocking was slightly above 60%. However, 48% of the clear-cuttings did not reach this level when only unscarified plots on uplands were considered. Advance growth was abundant in those plots but suffered high losses during harvesting. Consequently, reducing the losses during harvesting would result in a lower proportion of clear-cuttings with insufficient coniferous stocking 5 years after cutting. On the other hand, almost all the strip cuts with insufficient regeneration after harvesting were well regenerated 5 years later. Thus, strip cutting could be an interesting option on sites with insufficient advance growth and on sites well regenerated before cutting but where important losses during harvesting are anticipated.

Vegetation development in a hardwood-forest chronosequence in Nova Scotia

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 260-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Crowell ◽  
B. Freedman
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Tree Bark ◽  
Ground Vegetation ◽  
Vegetation Development ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Vigorous Growth ◽  
Mature Stands ◽  
Rate Of Accumulation

Vegetation and aboveground biomass and nutrient capital (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) were examined in a 22-stand, 75-year chronosequence within an angiosperm-dominated forest in Nova Scotia. Stands 20 years old and younger originated with clear-cutting, whereas older stands originated with wildfire. Early successional, ruderal species of vascular plants were prominent for ca. 5 years after clear-cutting, but they occurred as a part of a diverse, species-rich community dominated by more-tolerant species, many of which survived the disturbance of clear-cutting. The rate of accumulation of aboveground biomass averaged 2.2 t•ha−1•year−1 during the first 11 years after clear-cutting, 4.7 t•ha−1•year−1 between 11 and 30 years, and then decreased to 1.5 t•ha−1•year−1 between 30 and 75 years. Foliage biomass recovered to a quantity typical of mature stands within only 3–5 years of disturbance, as a result of the vigorous growth of both ground vegetation and stump sprouts of certain tree species. The patterns of accumulation of N, P, K, and Mg were similar to that of biomass, except that initially their relative rates of accumulation were faster because of the large proportion of nutrient-rich foliage in young stands. The accumulation of Ca was relatively slower, because of its large concentration in tree bark, a tissue whose proportion in the aboveground biomass reached a maximum much later than did foliage.

Les coupes forestières dans les pessières à lichens: effets sur la croissance et la régénération des conifères (Whapmagoostui, Québec subarctique)

1988 ◽  
Vol 66 (6) ◽  
pp. 1013-1020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Delwaide ◽  
Louise Filion
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Radial Growth ◽  
Growth Form ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Hudson Bay ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Tree Harvesting

In the Whapmagoostui area (east of Hudson Bay), tree harvesting by Crée Indians in lichen woodlands affects the form and the growth of surviving trees and also the forest population dynamics. A study of the growth form of white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss.) and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) that have been pruned shows the efficiency of a total traumatic reiteration process. After several years, the annual radial growth was equivalent to that recorded before pruning. In clear-cutting areas (more than 75% of trees removed), the increase in the radial growth of spared trees was 400 to 700%. The main factors that govern the success of regeneration in cutting areas are the rather small extension of the openings (<0.005 km2), the low intensity of tree harvesting (<75% of trees over 90% of the surface), the physical conditions of the lichenous ground cover and the abundance of the lignified debris after clearing vegetation, and the climatic conditions in the subsequent years.

Effects of variations in stand structure on development of mixed-species stands in eastern Washington

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
David F. Cobb ◽  
Kevin L. O'hara ◽  
Chadwick D. Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Stand Structure ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Cascade Range ◽  
Stand Development ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
Western Larch ◽  
Development Patterns ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Eastern Washington

The development of six mixed-species, even-aged stands was reconstructed in the eastern Washington Cascade Range. All stands were within the Grand Fir Climax Series and began following stand replacement disturbances. Western larch (Larixoccidentalis Nutt.) and lodgepole pine (Pinuscontorta Dougl. ex Loud.), when present, formed an upper stratum over interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco) and grand fir (Abiesgrandis (Dougl.) Lindl.) in all six stands. Establishment patterns and species composition affected stand development patterns. Douglas-fir benefitted from the absence of lodgepole pine; grand fir benefitted from the absence of Douglas-fir, but apparently not from the absence of lodgepole pine. Lodgepole pine had faster initial diameter growth rates than western larch when it became established relatively early and in large numbers.

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