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Canopy disturbance and intertree competition: implications for tree growth and recruitment in two yellow birch-conifer stands in Québec, Canada

Summary

Published in Journal of Forest Research 18: 168-178

Composition, structure, and species-specific patterns of recruitment and growth were characterized in two yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis Britt.)–conifer stands in Quebec, Canada, to improve our understanding of the dynamics of these complex ecosystems. The mixture of mid- and shade-tolerant species in the canopy, the inverse J-shape stem diameter distribution, and the age distribution were indicative that the two stands were in a late-successional stage. Recruitment of mid-tolerant species above 1.3 m in height appeared to be periodic and synchronized with historical spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) outbreaks, while the coniferous component of these mixedwood stands recruited continuously. Results suggest that recruitment of yellow birch and red maple (Acer rubrum L.) requires disturbances of a certain intensity that affect at least 25 % of the forest cover. In contrast, balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) can recruit under the canopy without relying on moderate or large canopy disturbances. Results suggest that the historical disturbance regime, and differences in shade tolerance between species, largely govern the contemporary composition of these stands. This study improves the comprehension of mechanisms that regulate the dynamics of yellow birch-conifer stands and will be useful for the subsequent elaboration of forest management strategies.

Sector(s): 

Forests

Categorie(s): 

Scientific Article

Theme(s): 

Ecosystems and Environment, Forest Ecology, Forestry Research, Forests, Silviculture

Departmental author(s): 

Duchesne, Louis, Prévost, Marcel

Author(s)

DUCHESNE, Louis and Marcel PRÉVOST

Year of publication :

2013

Format :

PDF available upon request

Keywords :

croissance, compétition, bétulaies, écologie forestière, écosystèmes et environnement, sylviculture et rendement des forêts naturelles - peuplements mélangés, article scientifique de recherche forestière, perturbation, Ecosystems and environment, forest ecology, silviculture and yield of natural forests - mixed stands, growth, competition, yellow birch forest

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