natural regeneration of black spruce (picea mariana (mill) b.s.p.) on lowland clearcut strips near shebandowan, ontario
abstract
growing conditions for black spruce natural regeneration on clearcut strips were
studied near shebandowan, ontario. these conditions were significantly different from
those present in the mature, residual forest in the study area. furthermore, growing
conditions changed with increased age of the clearcut strips. the most favourable seedbed
(sphagnum) and limited hardwood competition were present only for few years following
harvesting. the succession of less favourable seedbeds (sedges, hardwood litter) and
severe hardwood competition had a negative impact on density and stocking of spruce
regeneration.
height growth based on stem analysis data of regenerated and residual trees were
expressed by a weibull function. half of the natural regeneration consisted of advance
growth. the growth progressions for both advanced growth and new regeneration
closely fit the growth models for the good site disregarding early suppression.
this study demonstrates that utilizing narrow, progressive clearcut strips and
control of competition will produce a well stocked new forest as productive as the old
forest on lowland, conifer site types.
collections
- retrospective theses [1604]