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Regeneration dynamics of Tsuga canadensis in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA

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Abstract

Tsuga canadensis is often considered a foundation species because of its influence on the biological and ecological processes of upland forest systems. With hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae; HWA)-induced mortality of T. canadensis in southern Appalachian upland forests, there is a crucial need to understand the regeneration dynamics of this tree species. This research was conducted within mature T. canadensis forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) prior to widespread HWA infestation. Tsuga canadensis regeneration abundance is lower than has been reported in more northern locales, but varies widely among sites in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Ordination results suggest landscape-scale patterns of regeneration abundance that are influenced by gradients in understory Rhododendron maximum cover, soil sand and nutrient content. Regression models reinforce the observed gradients in regeneration abundance. Sites with abundant T. canadensis regeneration have less R. maximum cover, soil sand and litter depth, but more soil nutrient availability. Tsuga canadensis seedlings and saplings tend to be spatially aggregated at the 14 × 21 m plot scale. Sites with spatially aggregated seedlings and saplings have greater canopy openness and more species with gap affinity. This research elucidates associations between successful T. canadensis regeneration and site factors such as soil nutrient availability and canopy dynamics. More forest surveys are required to understand the conditions necessary for successful T. canadensis regeneration. Land managers involved in forest restoration efforts may have to utilize appropriate silvicultural techniques conjoined with R. maximum removal operations to regenerate T. canadensis in southern Appalachian upland forests.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a Carlos C. Campbell Memorial Fellowship from the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association. I would like to thank Mike Jenkins and Kristine Johnson for providing me with information concerning T. canadensis resources in GSMNP. I would also like to thank Thomas Jordan, Heather Phares, and Joel Sabin for their assistance with image analysis and cartographic design. For comments that improved this manuscript, I thank Albert Parker and two anonymous reviewers.

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  1. Environmental Studies Department, Shenandoah University, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601, USA

    Joshua A. Kincaid

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Correspondence to Joshua A. Kincaid.

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Communicated by S. M. Landhäusser.

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Kincaid, J.A. Regeneration dynamics of Tsuga canadensis in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA. Trees 26, 1045–1056 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0681-z

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