Summary
Published in New Forests 44: 533–546. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-012-9361-5
Conserving forest biodiversity has become a significant global concern. A change in forest composition, compared to pre-industrial values, is an important biodiversity issue. In this regard, there is a significant decrease in Picea glauca densities at the landscape level in boreal mixedwoods of northeastern Canada, compared to pre-industrial abundance. Enrichment planting is considered a promising silvicultural approach for improving P. glauca stocking and re-establishing its natural co-dominance with Abies balsamea. However, optimal enrichment scenarios must be identified, notably regarding site preparation treatments that can enhance planted seedling survival and growth while protecting Abies advance regeneration. We established a field trial in Québec (Canada), laid out as a complete block split-plot design. Picea glauca and P. mariana seedlings (main plot) were planted according to 3 ‘‘microsite’’ treatments (subplot): (1) planting in the humus layer; (2) planting in the mineral soil, with minimal humus disturbance; and (3) planting in a microsite mechanically-prepared using modified brushsaws. After 3 growing seasons, P. mariana seedlings were taller than P. glauca seedlings, but had smaller ground-level diameters. Seedlings planted in the mineral soil had overcome the initial height difference they had with seedlings planted in the humus and mechanically-prepared microsites, with no interaction with species. Ground-level diameter was similar for seedlings planted in the humus and mechanically-prepared microsites, but smaller for seedlings planted in the mineral soil. Water potentials, available light, and foliar nutrient concentrations were not influenced by treatments or species; survival was >90 %. Our results indicate that P. glauca can be established through enrichment planting in boreal mixedwoods. Localized site preparation is not required to limit initial plantation stress in this ecosystem.
Sector(s):
Forests
Categorie(s):
Scientific Article
Theme(s):
Forestry Research, Forests, Silviculture
Author(s)
THIFFAULT, Nelson, Daniel CHALIFOUR and Louis BÉLANGER
Year of publication :
2013
Format :
PDF available upon request
How to get the publication :
Keywords :
épinette blanche, aménagement écosystémique, forêt mixte boréale, reboisement, sylviculture, Picea glauca, article scientifique de recherche forestière, microsite, sylviculture et rendement des plantations, silviculture and yield of plantations, white spruce, ecosystem-based management, boreal mixedwoods, reforestation, silvicuture
