Publication Date:
2013-10-12
Description:
In forest ecosystems, disturbance intensity affects the ability of species with varying shade tolerances to successfully recruit into the overstory. Small openings (e.g. single treefall) perpetuate shade-tolerant species while larger openings (e.g. those created under group selection and other higher severity disturbances) enhance the abundance of shade-mid-tolerant and -intolerant species. Forty-nine modified group-selection openings in three size classes established during the winter of 2003/04 and 20 single-tree selection sites were re-evaluated in 2012 in order to determine: (1) how the densities of seedlings and saplings changed over time, (2) whether species composition differed between treatments and (3) whether the group-selection openings enhanced recruitment of underrepresented species, especially the mid-tolerant yellow birch ( Betula alleghaniensis ). Sugar and red maple ( Acer saccharum and Acer rubrum ) regeneration dominated at all sites and occurred in greater densities in the group-selection openings as compared with the single-tree selection sites. While yellow birch densities increased with opening size, survival and growth were likely inhibited by the drought conditions that have occurred since 2004. Ironwood ( Ostrya virginiana) and black cherry ( Prunus serotina ) also benefited from opening creation. Consequently, while openings enhanced the representation of mid-tolerant species, they did not greatly alter the developmental trajectory of this forest type.
Print ISSN:
0015-752X
Electronic ISSN:
1464-3626
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
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