scholarly journals Intensive Mechanical Site Preparation to Establish Short Rotation Hybrid Poplar Plantations—A Case-Study in Québec, Canada

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson Thiffault ◽  
Raed Elferjani ◽  
François Hébert ◽  
David Paré ◽  
Pierre Gagné
Keyword(s):  
Wood Fiber ◽  
Hybrid Poplar ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
Poplar Plantations

Because they generate more wood per area and time, short rotation plantations are likely to play an increasing role in meeting the global increase in the demand for wood fiber. To be successful, high-yield plantations require costly intensive silviculture regimes to ensure the survival and maximize yields. While hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) is frequently used in intensive, short rotation forestry, it is particularly sensitive to competition and resource levels. Mechanical site preparation is thus of great importance to create microsites that provide sufficient light levels and adequate soil water and nutrient availability. We conducted an experiment in Québec (Canada) to compare two intensive site preparation treatments commonly used to establish hybrid poplar. We compared the effects of double-blade site preparation (V-blade), mounding and a control on hybrid poplar growth and nutritional status four growing seasons after planting on recently harvested forested sites. We also evaluated the effects of site preparation and planted poplar on inorganic soil N. Our results confirmed general positive effects of site preparation on the early growth of hybrid poplar clones. After four growing seasons, survival was higher in the mounding treatment (99%) than in the V-blade (91%) and the control (48%). Saplings planted in the V-blade and in the mounding treatments had mean diameters that were respectively 91% and 155% larger than saplings planted in the control plots. Saplings were 68% taller in the mounding treatment than the control plots, but differences between the V-blade and controls were not significant. We did not detect significant effects of site preparation or the presence of planted hybrid poplar on soil inorganic N. Sapling foliar nutrient concentrations were not influenced by the site preparation treatments. Based on these results, mounding appears to be a good management approach to establish hybrid poplar plantations under the ecological conditions we have studied, as it is less likely to cause erosion because of the localized nature of the treatment. However, these environmental benefits need to be balanced against economic and social considerations.

Bird and Small Mammal Use of Short-Rotation Hybrid Poplar Plantations

1997 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald P. Christian ◽  
Patrick T. Collins ◽  
Joann M. Hanowski ◽  
Gerald J. Niemi
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammal ◽  
Hybrid Poplar ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
Poplar Plantations

White spruce establishment in boreal Ontario mixedwood: 5-year results

1995 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 633-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. F. Sutton ◽  
T. P. Weldon
Keyword(s):  
Picea Glauca ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Silvicultural Treatments ◽  
Block Experiment

Five-year results of a study to evaluate the relative effectiveness of nine silvicultural treatments for establishing plantations of white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) in boreal Ontario mixed-wood are presented. The experimental design provided three levels of mechanical site preparation (none, disk trenching, and toothed-blading) in all combinations with three kinds of chemical weed control (none, Velpar L© at the time of planting, and Vision© during the second growing season). A randomized block experiment using 0.8-ha plots and two replications was established in Oates Twp. in 1985 and repeated in adjacent Oswald Twp. in 1986. Bareroot white spruce was planted throughout. Four 25-tree sub-plots, located systematically from a random start, were established in each plot. White spruce performance was monitored for five years. Fifth-year survival rates averaged 34% and 84% without and with mechanical site preparation, respectively. Mean total heights after five growing seasons differed significantly (P < 0.01) by category of mechanical site preparation: teeth > trencher > none. Other criteria of performance showed the same pattern. Because of operational exigencies, the herbicide treatments were not applied as scheduled, which might account for the apparent ineffectiveness of those treatments in the particular circumstances of this study. Key words: Site preparation, disk trencher, Young's teeth, herbicides

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.

scholarly journals Jack pine establishment in Ontario: 5-year comparison of stock types ± bracke scarification, mounding, and chemical site preparation

1993 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. F. Sutton ◽  
T. P. Weldon
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
Relative Growth Rates ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Total Height ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Stock Types

Field experimentation was begun in 1984 to assess performance of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) (2 + 0 bareroot and FH408 Japanese paperpot) in relation to mechanical site preparation, including Bracke scarification with and without supplementary mounding, and site preparation using Roundup® herbicide. Twenty treatments encompassed 4480 trees in 40-tree plots split equally between bareroot and paperpot stock. The study site, about 200 km north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, had deep silt loam soil. After 3 growing seasons, survival was significantly higher among bareroot than among paperpot stock, but survival no longer differed significantly (P < 0.05) between stock types 2 years later. In years 4 and 5, the rate of increase in mean total height of bareroot stock was 11% less than that of paperpot stock, though bareroot stock was 40 and 4.7 cm greater in mean total 5th-year height and 5th-year height increment, respectively. Paperpot stock needed mechanical site preparation more than did bareroot stock. By the end of year 5, positive responses of survival and growth to mounding had become clear in both stock types; however, although mound size had little or no effect on survival or total height, mean stem volume was significantly (P < 0.01) greater on 20-L vs. 10-L mounds. Fifth-year mean stem volume was also significantly (P < 0.01) greater on mineral-on-organic (M/O) than on mineral-on-mineral (M/M) mounds. Chemical site preparation had no effect on relative growth rates beyond year 3. Indices that combined survival with total height or stem volume after 5 years show the significant (P < 0.01) superiority of: 20-L vs. 10-L mounds, M/O vs. M/M mounds, and chemical vs. no-chemical site preparation.

scholarly journals Effects of Mechanical Site Preparation, Planting Stock, and Planting Aids on the Survival and Growth of American Sycamore in a Marginal Old Field Riparian Restoration

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1295
Author(s):  
Jason Steele ◽  
Wallace Michael Aust ◽  
John Seiler
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Old Field ◽  
Planting Stock ◽  
Short Rotation Woody Crops ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Four Levels

Survival and growth of planted tree species are common indices used to evaluate success of wetland restoration efforts used to compensate for wetland losses. Restoration efforts on marginal agricultural lands have typically resulted in less than satisfactory survival and growth of desired tree species. In an attempt to determine the effects of bottomland hardwood silvicultural methods on the survival and growth of pioneer tree species, this study evaluated combinations of five mechanical site-preparation techniques (mound, bed, rip, disk, pit), four levels of planting stock (gallon, tubeling, bare root, and direct seed), and three planting aids (mat, tube, none) on the four-year survival and growth of American sycamore planted in an old field riparian area in the Piedmont of Virginia. After four growing seasons, results indicated that mounding mechanical site preparation combined with gallon (3.8 L) planting stock provided the most positive influences on mean survival (100%), height (4.72 m), and groundline diameter (9.52 cm), and resulted in the greatest aboveground dry biomass accumulation (5.44 Mg/ha/year). These treatments may be economically viable for restoration and mitigations efforts, and could offer other economic alternatives such as short-rotation woody crops, which might make restoration efforts in marginal old field areas more attractive to private landowners.

Herbicide and Container System Effects on Survival and Early Growth of Conifers in Northern Wisconsin

1978 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nonan V. Noste ◽  
Howard M. Phipps
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Initial Phase ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Early Growth ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Diameter Growth ◽  
Conifer Species ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Growing Seasons

Seedlings of four conifer species grown in four container systems were field tested on intensively prepared sites. Plots were treated with the herbicides Casoron and Roundup for follow-up weed control Jack pine survived and grew best after two full growing seasons. The Rootrainer container and a plug container bound with an experimental polymer gave consistently good results for all species. Height and diameter growth were best on plots treated with Roundup. Casoron decreased survival slightly. In the initial phase of establishment, use of these herbicides may not be justified, if mechanical site preparation is thorough enough, but this must await further evaluation.

Type and Timing of Thinning Hybrid Poplar Coppice Affects Growth

1991 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 166-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman Druck ◽  
Silvia Strobl
Keyword(s):  
Wood Fiber ◽  
Hybrid Poplar ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Operational Efficiency ◽  
The Third ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Eastern Ontario ◽  
Sprout Growth

Abstract To optimize the growth of a hybrid poplar coppice plantation, a thinning trial was established in eastern Ontario. Four treatments were investigated: (1) thinning stools to one dominant sprout with residuals clipped at a height of 1 m (to increase operational efficiency of thinning), (2) thinning to one dominant sprout with residuals completely removed, (3) thinning to three dominant sprouts with residuals completely removed, and (4) no thinning. All treatments were performed at the beginning of either the third or fifth growing seasons (timing treatment one and two, respectively). When the 7-yr-old data were analyzed (i.e., 5 growing seasons after timing treatment one and 3 growing seasons after timing treatment two), thinning did not increase dominant sprout growth and significantly larger quantities of wood fiber were produced with lower thinning intensities or no thinning because of the greater number of sprouts per stool. Results of this trial suggest there is no advantage to thinning hybrid poplar coppice after the beginning of the third growing season. North. J. Appl. For. 8(4):166-168.

Site Preparation For Intensively Cultured Hybrid Poplar Plantations

1984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Hansen ◽  
Daniel Netzer ◽  
W.J. Rietveld
Keyword(s):  
Hybrid Poplar ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Poplar Plantations

scholarly journals Effects of Mechanical Site Preparation on Microsite Availability and Growth of Planted Black Spruce in Canadian Paludified Forests

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Henneb ◽  
Osvaldo Valeria ◽  
Nelson Thiffault ◽  
Nicole J. Fenton ◽  
Yves Bergeron
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Wood Fiber ◽  
Site Preparation ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Mechanical Site Preparation ◽  
Decomposition Of Organic Matter ◽  
Successful Establishment

Low productivity caused by paludification in some parts of the closed black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P) dominated boreal forest threatens the provision of ecosystem services, including wood fiber production. The accumulation, over time, of organic matter in paludified soils leads to an anaerobic environment that reduces microbial activity, decelerates decomposition of organic matter, and generates nutrient-poor microsites for regeneration. Consequently, it results in significant impacts on site productivity. Considering its ability to disturb the soil, mechanical site preparation (MSP) is viewed as a potential treatment that can help restore productivity of paludified sites following harvesting. We conducted a field experiment to verify if (1) the availability of microsites conducive to reforestation varies with MSP, microtopography (slope and aspect) and initial OLT conditions; (2) the growth of planted seedlings depends on the intensity of mechanical disturbance of the organic layer, type of microsite, planting density, presence of Ericaceae, and the planting position and depth; (3) there are direct and indirect causal relationships between microsites availability after MSP, OLT, microtopography, planting quality and seedlings growth; and (4) if mechanical site preparation and microsite type exposed affect the Ericaceae cover after planting. Our results confirmed that MSP is effective in establishing conditions that permit a productive regeneration cohort on these paludified sites. To ensure successful establishment of plantations on these sites, it is necessary, however, to distinguish between those that are slightly or moderately paludified from those that are highly paludified, as treatment effectiveness of different MSP types depends on organic layer thickness. Our results also show that preference should be given to some microsite types as clay and mixed-substrate microsites for planting to ensure sufficient availability of water and nutrients for seedlings.

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