Summary:
Published in Canadian Journal of Forest Research 33: 1-15
We present the 5-year combined effects of different cutting intensities (removal of 0, 35, 50, 65, and 100% of basal area) and scarification on available light, soil temperature, and regeneration dynamics in a mixed aspen-conifer stand in Québec, Canada. Compared with the control, the 35% cut did not change transmitted light to the under-story (<20% of full light), while the 50, 65, and 100% cuttings transmitted 30, 48, and 90% of full light, respectively, during the first summer. Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) suckering increased with percent basal area removal (p < 0.001). After 5 years, the 35 and 50% cuttings limited growth and survival of suckers (<1000 stems/ha, of which 5% are >1 m high), but the 65 and 100% cuttings favoured their development (8000 and 11 000 stems/ha, respectively, of which 29 and 38%, respectively, are >2 m high). Balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) responded well to canopy opening alone with a maximal recruitment (31 000 seedlings/ha) in the 50% cut. Spruces (white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, and red spruce, Picea rubens Sarg.) establish following scarification only, with a better response in the 65% cut (32 000 seedlings/ha) than in the 50 (15 000), 35 (10 000), and 0% (8000) cuttings.
Sector(s):
Forests
Catégorie(s):
Scientific Article
Theme(s):
Forestry Research, Forests, Silviculture
Departmental author(s):
Author(s):
PRÉVOST, Marcel and David POTHIER
Year of publication:
2003
How to get the publication:
Keyword(s):
rembling aspen-conifer stand, silvicultural regime, partial cutting, scarification, available light, soil temperature, regeneration dynamic, seedbed coverage, seedling establishment, aspen suckering, balsam fir, trembling aspen, Abies balsamea, Populus tremuloides, silviculture of natural forests, sylviculture des forêts naturelles, sylviculture des forêts naturelles mélangées, peuplement mélangé de trembles et conifères, sapin baumier, peuplier faux-tremble, régime sylvicole, coupe partielle, scarifiage, lumière disponible, température du sol, dynamique de la régénération, recouvrement des lits de germination, établissement de semis, drageonnement du tremble, silviculture and yield of natural forests – mixed stands