Summary
Published in Forests 13(11): 1832. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13111832
In boreal forests in Canada, broadleaf stands are characterized by generally well-drained soils and a humus-rich layer. In contrast, spruce-moss stands are often characterized by more poorly drained soils and acidic humus layer. However, presence of these two forest types in various degrees of mixture in stands can be beneficial to spruce seedlings productivity. It was hypothesized that leaf litter and humus from pure spruces-moss stands, pure broadleaf stands, and mixed stand may influence Black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) seedling growth and development differently. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different leaf litter and different humus on spruces seedlings. Our results suggest better development for seedlings grown in humus from mixed stands and pure broadleaf stands compared to humus from pure B. spruce or standard forest nursery substrate. Furthermore, leaf litter from broadleaf trees species, such as species Speckle alder (Alnus rugosa (Du Roi) R.T. Clausen), T. aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx),Willows (Salix spp.) and Paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.), has shown distinct results in the growth and development of B. spruce seedlings in greenhouse. Furthermore, promotion of mixed stand can increase B. spruce productivity by improving the physicochemical composition of the forest floor.
Sector(s):
Forests
Categorie(s):
Scientific Article
Theme(s):
Forest Ecology, Forestry Research, Forests, Silviculture
Departmental author(s):
Author(s)
DE NORONHA, Maisa, Rock OUIMET, Martin BARRETTE, Alain LEDUC et Yves BERGERON
Year of publication :
2022
Format :
How to get the publication :
Keywords :
écologie forestière, forest ecology, sylviculture et rendement des forêts naturelles – Peuplements résineux, silviculture and yield of natural forests - softwood stands, growing substrate, humus, Picea mariana, productivity, seedling substrat, humus, productivité, semis