Silviculture and planted species interact to influence reforestation success on a Kalmia-dominated site – a 15-year study

2010 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson Thiffaul ◽  
Brian D Titus ◽  
Martin T Moroni
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Vegetation Management ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Canopy Closure ◽  
Conifer Species ◽  
Kalmia Angustifolia ◽  
Silvicultural Treatments

Successful regeneration following harvesting or natural disturbance is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable forest management. However, some regenerating stands have poor juvenile growth rates, which compromise sustainable management objectives. In particular, the presence of some ericaceous species that proliferate after forest disturbance, such as Kalmia angustifolia, can slow succession of boreal stands to the point that ecosystem retrogression is induced. We used data from a silvicultural field trial established in central Newfoundland to evaluate how various combinations of silvicultural treatments (trench scarification, herbicide application, fertilization at planting) influenced growth of three conifer species planted on a Kalmia-dominated cutover. Ground-level diameter (GLD), height, diameter at breast height (DBH), and percent Kalmia cover were assessed at the end of 15 growing seasons after planting. We detected several interactions between silvicultural treatments and planted conifer species. Globally, height and estimates of foliar biomass of all conifer species responded positively to scarification. Fifteen-year height in both scarified and unscarified treatments was in the order Picea mariana < Pinus banksiana < Larix laricina. Black spruce and jack pine height increased when Kalmia was controlled with herbicide, but height of tamarack was not. The use of herbicide significantly increased 15-year GLD and volume index of all three conifer species, but only black spruce responded positively to fertilization at planting. Our results confirm that species-specific responses to silvicultural treatments are to be expected when managing Kalmia-dominated sites. Although chemical vegetation management has great silvicultural potential, our results suggest that mechanical site preparation can also be effective in promoting early conifer seedling growth that leads to rapid canopy closure. It is anticipated that canopy closure will lead to exclusion of Kalmia later in the rotation through natural successional pathways. Key words: Kalmia angustifolia, vegetation management, scarification, herbicide, fertilizer, black spruce, jack pine, tamarack

Estimating branch production in trembling aspen, Douglas-fir, jack pine, black spruce, and balsam fir

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 1024-1033 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.Y. Bernier ◽  
M.B. Lavigne ◽  
E.H. Hogg ◽  
J.A. Trofymow
Keyword(s):  
Primary Productivity ◽  
Net Primary Productivity ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Trembling Aspen ◽  
Wood Production ◽  
Conifer Species ◽  
Branch Wood

Measuring net primary productivity of trees requires the measurement of total wood production of branches. Recent work on balsam fir ( Abies balsamea ) has shown that branch-wood production can be estimated as a function of foliage production. We extend the analysis to four other species found in the Canadian forest: black spruce ( Picea mariana ), jack pine ( Pinus banksiana ), Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ), and trembling aspen ( Populus tremuloides ). Results show that the ratio of annual branch-wood production to annual foliage production is about 1.0 for conifer species (between 0.86 and 1.12) and 0.56 for aspen during a nondrought year. An analysis using field measurements of litterfall and stem-diameter increment from selected forested sites shows that branch-wood production accounts for a smaller proportion of aboveground net primary productivity in trembling aspen (15%–20%) than in conifer species (25%). Also, litterfall capture of small branches (<1 cm diameter) accounts for only 33% of branch detritus production in conifers and 50% in trembling aspen. This study supports the use of an alternative method for estimating branch-wood production that reduces the potential bias in field estimates of net primary productivity.

Critical period of interspecific competition for four northern conifers: 10-year growth response and associated vegetation dynamics

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 2474-2485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G Wagner ◽  
Andrew P Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Interspecific Competition ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
White Pine ◽  
Conifer Species ◽  
Stand Volume ◽  
Vegetation Control

The influence of the timing and duration of interspecific competition on planted jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.), and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) was assessed using 10-year growth responses in a northern Ontario experiment. Stand volume was 117%, 208%, 224%, and 343% higher for jack pine, red pine, white pine, and black spruce, respectively, with 5 years of vegetation control than with no vegetation control. Stand volume increased linearly with number of years of vegetation control, and the slope of the relationship varied among conifer species. Change-point regression analysis was used to derive segmented weed-free and weed-infested curves, and to simultaneously estimate key critical-period parameters. Weed-free and weed-infested curves in the 10th year were similar to those derived in year 5, indicating that the patterns established during the first few years after planting were relatively robust for the first decade. The critical-period was 2 and 3 years after planting for jack pine and red pine, respectively, and occupied most of the 5-year period for white pine and black spruce. Principal components analysis of the vegetation community indicated that repeated herbicide applications caused differential shifts in the relative abundance of shrub, fern, and moss species through the 10th year. Species richness, however, was not substantially different between the untreated control and the most intensive treatments. Difference modeling was used to quantify how annual volume increment during the first decade varied with time, conifer species, cover of woody and herbaceous vegetation, and stage of development.

How do forest harvesting methods compare with wildfire? A case study of soil chemistry and tree nutrition in the boreal forest

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1658-1668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyne Thiffault ◽  
Nicolas Bélanger ◽  
David Paré ◽  
Alison D. Munson
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Base Cations ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Forest Harvesting ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Molar Ratio ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Tree Nutrition

An important tenet of the natural disturbance paradigm as a basis for sustainable forest management is that impacts of interventions fall within the range of natural variation observed for the disturbance in question. We evaluated differences in soil nutrients, soil acid–base status, and tree nutrition between two harvesting methods (whole-tree (WTH) and stem-only (SOH)) and wildfire, 15–20 years after disturbance, to assess whether these harvesting methods have biogeochemical impacts that are within the natural range of variation caused by wildfires in boreal coniferous stands of Haute-Mauricie (Quebec). Both SOH and WTH created conditions of forest floor effective cation-exchange capacity, exchangeable Ca and K concentrations, base saturation, Ca:Al molar ratio, and organic C concentrations that were lower than the range of values for wildfires. We hypothesize that the immediate deposition of soluble base cations and the incorporation of recalcitrant organic matter that characterize wildfires generate biogeochemical conditions that are not emulated by either harvesting method. The improved soil nutritional environment after wildfire compared with SOH and WTH was reflected in jack pine ( Pinus banksiana Lamb.) foliar nutrient composition but not in black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) foliage. The results raise uncertainties about the long-term base nutrient availability of the harvested sites on Boreal Shield soils.

Field Performance of Five Species in Four Different Containers in Maine

1989 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 183-185
Author(s):  
David I. Maass ◽  
Andrea N. Colgan ◽  
N. Lynn Cochran ◽  
Carl L. Haag ◽  
James A. Hatch
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Field Performance ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Conifer Species ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance

Abstract Long-term performance of container-grown seedlings in Maine was unknown in the late 1970s. A study was established to test the performance of five conifer species: Norway, white and black spruce, and red and jack pine, grown in four containers of similar volume: Can-Am Multipot #1, Multipot #2, Japanese Paperpot FH408, and Styroblock 4. Seven years after outplanting, stem heights of jack pine and red pine were significantly greater for trees started in Multipot #2 containers. Three spruce species with the greatest growth were started in Multipot #1 containers. Paperpot seedlings ranked second in height for pines, Norway spruce, and white spruce; Styroblock 4's ranked last for all species. North. J. Appl. For. 6:183-185, December 1989.

Using knowledge of natural disturbances to support sustainable forest management in the northern Clay Belt

2007 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 326-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Bergeron ◽  
Pierre Drapeau ◽  
Sylvie Gauthier ◽  
Nicolas Lecomte
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Fire Regimes ◽  
Landscape Patterns ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Natural Disturbances ◽  
Natural Fire ◽  
Coarse Filter

Several concepts are at the basis of forest ecosystem management, but a relative consensus exists around the idea of a forest management approach that is based on natural disturbances and forest dynamics. This type of approach aims to reproduce the main attributes of natural landscapes in order to maintain ecosystems within their natural range of variability and avoid creating an environment to which species are not adapted. By comparing attributes associated with natural fire regimes and current forest management, we were able to identify four major differences for the black spruce forest of the Clay Belt. The maintenance of older forests, the spatial extent of cutover areas, the maintenance of residuals within cutovers and disturbance severity on soils are major issues that should be addressed. Silvicultural strategies that mitigate differences between natural and managed forests are briefly discussed. Key words: natural disturbance, landscape patterns, coarse filter, harvest pattern, volume retention, historic variability, even-aged management

Critical period of interspecific competition for northern conifers associated with herbaceous vegetation

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 890-897 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert G Wagner ◽  
Gina H Mohammed ◽  
Thomas L Noland
Keyword(s):  
Interspecific Competition ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Stem Volume ◽  
White Pine ◽  
Herbaceous Vegetation

Using critical-period analysis, we examined the temporal effects of interspecific competition from herbaceous vegetation on seedlings of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.), red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.), and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) during the first 5 years after planting. The critical period is the time period during stand development when interspecific competition reduces tree growth. We found both similarities and differences in responses among tree species. Gains in stem volume index associated with increasing duration of vegetation control (expressed by weed-free curves) differed among species. In contrast, declines in stem volume index with increasing duration of competition after planting (expressed by weed-infested curves) were equal among species. Critical periods for stem volume index were shorter for shade-intolerant jack and red pine (1 and 2 years after planting) than for more shade-tolerant white pine and black spruce (1-3 years for spruce and 1-4 years for white pine). Intolerant species had greater absolute stem volume growth, but smaller relative declines from continuous association with herbaceous vegetation (85, 81, 78, and 67% for white pine, black spruce, red pine, and jack pine, respectively). Herbaceous vegetation did not affect survival and had a variable influence on height growth of all species.

scholarly journals A multiscale analysis of the effects of alternative silvicultural treatments on windthrow within balsam fir dominated stands

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (12) ◽  
pp. 1739-1747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Agbesi Anyomi ◽  
Jean-Claude Ruel
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Partial Cutting ◽  
Selection Cutting ◽  
Silvicultural Treatments ◽  
Block Level ◽  
And Control

Boreal ecosystem functioning is largely controlled by disturbance dynamics. There have been efforts at adapting forest management approaches to emulate natural disturbance effects, as this is expected to maintain ecosystem resilience. In many instances, this involves resorting to partial cutting strategies that are likely to increase windthrow losses. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of alternative silvicultural practices on windthrow damage and how these effects vary with the scale of treatment. The study was conducted in the Quebec North Shore region (Canada), an area dominated by balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and accompanied by black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.). Four different silvicultural treatments (overstory removal, heavy partial cutting, and two patterns of selection cutting) and control areas were implemented in 2004 and 2005. The experiment used a nested approach where treatment at the plot level was independent and yet nested within the block-level treatment. At the block level, treatments were applied over 10–20 ha units, leaving a small portion of the block for a smaller application of each treatment (plot scale, 2500 m2). Inventory was carried out before harvesting and monitoring was done yearly after harvesting, with the aim to better understand the plot- and block-level factors that drive windthrow damage levels and the effects of alternative silvicultural treatments. Results after 6–7 years show that basal area proportion windthrown differs substantially between treatments, as well as between treated sites and control sites. Windthrow levels were higher under heavy cuts relative to selection cuts and also increased with balsam fir proportion. Windthrow proportions were better correlated to block-level treatment than plot-level treatment, showing that the environment surrounding the treated plot can have an important effect on windthrow losses. Overall, the selection cutting system, particularly SC2, retains the most green-tree basal area and thus best meets the management objective of retaining old-growth attributes. A simple empirical model was calibrated that could aid in hazard rating.

scholarly journals Twenty-five years post-treatment conifer responses to silviculture on a Kalmia-dominated site in eastern Canada

2017 ◽  
Vol 93 (02) ◽  
pp. 161-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nelson Thiffault ◽  
Brian D. Titus ◽  
Basil English
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Kalmia Angustifolia ◽  
Silvicultural Treatments ◽  
Stand Productivity ◽  
Soil Scarification ◽  
Productivity Gains

Research has demonstrated the potential of soil scarification, fertilization, and herbicide application to improve conifer seedling establishment and early growth. However, tree responses to and interactions among silvicultural treatments vary, making it difficult to predict mid- and long-term impacts of silviculture on stand productivity. We thus evaluated the 25-year effects of scarification and herbicide–fertilization combinations on black spruce (Picea mariana), jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and tamarack (Larix laricina) planted on a Kalmia angustifolia-dominated site. Our results show that the effects of scarification and herbicide–fertilization combinations diverged among species. Black spruce was the most responsive species to scarification for height and diameter at breast height. The combination of herbicide and fertilization treatments still had significantly positive effects on the long-term height and diameter growth of all species. Silvicultural treatments resulted in significant reductions in rotation length (based on height) when compared to height in nontreated-plots, depending on the species; reductions in years to attain a given height were greater for black spruce than for the other species. Our results illustrate the need to take species autecology into account when predicting productivity gains associated with early silviculture, and to provide managers with specific guidelines for the reforestation of ericaceous-dominated sites in Canadian boreal ecosystems.

Delayed emergence of four conifer species on postfire seedbeds in eastern Canada

1985 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 727-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Thomas ◽  
Ross W. Wein
Keyword(s):  
Black Spruce ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Conifer Species ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Pine Seedlings ◽  
Delayed Emergence ◽  
Dense Stand ◽  
Viable Seeds

This study compares the emergence of jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.), eastern white pine (Pinusstrobus L.), black spruce (Piceamariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) and balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea (L.). Mill.) for three seasons after sowing on two postfire seedbeds to test the hypothesis that conifer species differ in their ability to store viable seeds in the soil. Less than 20% of all viable seeds produced emergent seedlings in the first growing season. Emergence continued in the second growing season but not in the third. No viable seeds of any species were found at the end of the experiment. During the second growing season (July 1), the emergence of jack pine was greatest at the warmer and drier site but at the cooler and moister site, large numbers of black spruce emerged; by the end of the second season jack pine seedlings predominated at both sites. Although this delayed emergence accounted for <3% of the viable jack pine seeds sown, this percentage would be sufficient to produce a dense stand given normal postfire seedfall rates. It is suggested that delayed emergence from the soil along with partial seed retention in tree crowns are strategies of jack pine and black spruce which increase the probability of establishment even if the immediate postfire conditions are particularly inhospitable.

Long-term black spruce plantation growth and structure after release and juvenile cleaning: A 24-year study

2009 ◽  
Vol 85 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Cyr ◽  
Nelson Thiffaul
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Vegetation Management ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Conifer Plantations ◽  
Mechanical Release

Vegetation management is crucial to meet growth and yield objectives in conifer plantations. But, the combined and longterm effects of mechanical release and juvenile cleaning on growth and stand structure have yet to be documented in black spruce plantations. A long-term study was carried out in Quebec (Canada) to evaluate the interactions between initial mechanical release at age 2 years and juvenile cleaning at age 14 years (i.e., a second release treatment) on planted black spruce survival and dimensions at age 24 years. Population structure and stand species composition were also assessed. Results showed that release and juvenile cleaning had an additive, positive effect on survival, diameter at breast height (DBH), height, crown width, crown length, and the last 5-year DBH and height increments. Juvenile cleaning effects were of higher magnitude than release effects, especially on 5-year DBH increment. Combination of both treatments reduced DBH and height variability of saplings, whereas juvenile cleaning alone resulted in a higher proportion of saplings occupying higher height classes. Total merchantable basal area was constant among treatments. But, without juvenile cleaning, hardwoods occupied a higher proportion of the basal area and were taller than spruces. In a context of sustainable forest management, in which conifer plantations are expected to offer high wood yield, our results demonstrate the importance of juvenile cleaning following initial mechanical release to promote crop tree growth and yield. Key words: plantation, vegetation management, black spruce, growth, stand development

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