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Summary:

Published in Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research 20: 110-121

Seedling growth is often hampered on sites dominated by Kalmia angustifolia. In June 2000, a trial was established on a clear-cut site in Québec, Canada, with a high cover of Kalmia and Vaccinium species. The objectives were to evaluate how soil scarification and fertilization at the time of planting influence early growth and establishment of black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP] and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) seedlings. During the first 2 years, scarification reduced Kalmia cover three-fold and doubled the distance from seedlings to the nearest Kalmia stem. Scarification did not increase soil-extractable NH4-N concentration, and reduced soil potassium, calcium and magnesium. Scarification had no effect on seedling water stress. Seedling growth improved and foliar nutrient concentrations were generally higher in scarified plots than in unscarified control plots. No differences were observed between single- and double-pass scarification for any variables except for ground-level stem diameter of seedlings, which was greater with double-pass scarification (12.1 vs 13.1 mm). Spot fertilization increased seedling growth and foliar nitrogen concentrations. Jack pine growth was greater than black spruce growth, an effect enhanced when seedlings were fertilized.

Sector(s): 

Forests

Catégorie(s): 

Scientific Article

Theme(s): 

Forestry Research, Forests, Silviculture

Author(s):

THIFFAULT, Nelson, Brian D. TITUS, Brian D. and Alison D. MUNSON

Year of publication:

2005

ISSN:

0282-7581, ISSN en ligne : 1654-1891

Keyword(s):

fertilization, growth, nutrition, scarification, water stress, ericaceous shrubs, black spruce, jack pine, silviculture of plantations, Kalmia angustifolia, Picea mariana, Pinus banksiana, Québec, sylviculture des plantations, fertilisation, croissance, nutrition, scarifiage, stress hydrique, plantations, kalmia à feuilles étroites, épinette noire, pin gris, silviculture and yield of plantations