Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Enrichment planting of Picea glauca in boreal mixedwoods: can localized site preparation enhance early seedling survival and growth?

  • Published:
New Forests Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Conserving forest biodiversity has become a significant global concern. A change in forest composition, compared to pre-industrial values, is an important biodiversity issue. In this regard, there is a significant decrease in Picea glauca densities at the landscape level in boreal mixedwoods of northeastern Canada, compared to pre-industrial abundance. Enrichment planting is considered a promising silvicultural approach for improving P. glauca stocking and re-establishing its natural co-dominance with Abies balsamea. However, optimal enrichment scenarios must be identified, notably regarding site preparation treatments that can enhance planted seedling survival and growth while protecting Abies advance regeneration. We established a field trial in Quebec (Canada), laid out as a complete block split-plot design. Picea glauca and P. mariana seedlings (main plot) were planted according to 3 “microsite” treatments (subplot): (1) planting in the humus layer; (2) planting in the mineral soil, with minimal humus disturbance; and (3) planting in a microsite mechanically-prepared using modified brushsaws. After 3 growing seasons, P. mariana seedlings were taller than P. glauca seedlings, but had smaller ground-level diameters. Seedlings planted in the mineral soil had overcome the initial height difference they had with seedlings planted in the humus and mechanically-prepared microsites, with no interaction with species. Ground-level diameter was similar for seedlings planted in the humus and mechanically-prepared microsites, but smaller for seedlings planted in the mineral soil. Water potentials, available light, and foliar nutrient concentrations were not influenced by treatments or species; survival was >90 %. Our results indicate that P. glauca can be established through enrichment planting in boreal mixedwoods. Localized site preparation is not required to limit initial plantation stress in this ecosystem.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ashton MS, Gunatilleke CV, Singhakumara BM, Gunatilleke IAU (2001) Restoration pathways for rain forest in southwest Sri Lanka: a review of concepts and models. For Ecol Manage 154(3):409–430

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bannan MW (1940) The root systems of Northern Ontario conifers growing in sand. Am J Bot 27(2):108–114

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bassman JH (1989) Influence of two site preparation treatments on ecophysiology of planted Picea engelmannii × glauca seedlings. Can J For Res 19(11):1359–1370

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boateng JO, Heineman JL, Bedford L, Nemec AFL (2010) Twenty-year effects of mechanical site preparation and windrow burning treatments on soil properties and Pinus contorta var. latifolia nutrition in sub-boreal British Columbia. Scand J For Res 25(6):515–533

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boateng JO, Heineman JL, Bedford L, Nemec AFL (2011) Soil characteristics and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) performance two decades after disk trenching of unburned and broadcast-burned plots in subboreal British Columbia. Int J For Res. doi:10.1155/2011/752359

  • Boucher Y, Arseneault D, Sirois L, Blais L (2009) Logging pattern and landscape changes over the last century at the boreal and deciduous forest transition in Eastern Canada. Landsc Ecol 24(2):171–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brand DG (1991) The establishment of boreal and sub-boreal conifer plantations: an integrated analysis of environmental conditions and seedling growth. For Sci 37(1):68–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Bunnell FL, Houde I (2010) Down wood and biodiversity—implications to forest practices. Environ Rev 18(NA):397–421

    Google Scholar 

  • Burdett AN (1990) Physiological processes in plantation establishment and the development of specifications for forest planting stock. Can J For Res 20(4):415–427

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burgess D, Adams G, Needham T, Robinson C, Gagnon R (2010) Early development of planted spruce and pine after scarification, fertilization and herbicide treatments in New Brunswick. For Chron 86(4):444–454

    Google Scholar 

  • Côté S, Bélanger L (1991) Variations de la régénération préétablie dans les sapinières boréales en fonction de leurs caractéristiques écologiques. Can J For Res 21(12):1779–1795

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Desponts M, Brunet G, Bélanger L, Bouchard M (2004) The eastern boreal old-growth balsam fir forest: a distinct ecosystem. Can J Bot 82(6):830–849

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duvall MD, Grigal DF (1999) Effects of timber harvesting on coarse woody debris in red pine forests across the Great Lakes states, USA. Can J For Res 29(12):1926–1934

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Environment Canada (2010) Archives nationales d’information et de données climatologiques. Available online http://climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climateData/dailydata_f.html

  • Greene DF, Zasada J, Sirois L, Kneeshaw DD, Morin H, Charron I, Simard MJ (1999) A review of the regeneration dynamics of North American boreal forest tree species. Can J For Res 29(6):824–839

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greene DF, Kneeshaw DD, Messier C, Lieffers V, Cormier D, Doucet R, Coates KD, Groot A, Grover G, Calogeropoulos C (2002) Modelling silvicultural alternatives for conifer regeneration in boreal mixedwood stands (aspen/white spruce/balsam fir). For Chron 78(2):281–295

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC (2000) Ecophysiology of Northern spruce species: the performance of planted seedlings. NRC Research Press, Ottawa

    Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC (2005) Importance of root growth in overcoming planting stress. New For 30(2):273–294

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grossnickle SC (2012) Why seedlings survive: influence of plant attributes. New For. doi:10.1007/s11056-012-9336-6

  • Grossnickle SC, Heikurinen J (1989) Site preparation: water relations and growth of newly planted jack pine and white spruce. New For 3(2):99–123

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harvey B, Brais S (2002) Effects of mechanized careful logging on natural regeneration and vegetation competition in the southeastern Canadian boreal forest. Can J For Res 32(4):653–666

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hatcher RJ (1960) Croissance du sapin baumier après une coupe rase dans le Québec. Ministère du nord canadien et des ressources nationales. Mémoire Technique no 87, Sainte-Foy, QC

  • Hébert F, Boucher JF, Bernier PY, Lord D (2006) Growth response and water relations of 3-year-old planted black spruce and jack pine seedlings in site prepared lichen woodlands. For Ecol Manag 223(1–3):226–236

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jobidon R (1992) Measurement of light transmission in young conifer plantation: a technique for assessing herbicide efficacy. North J Appl For 9(3):112–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Jobidon R (1994) Light threshold for optimal black spruce (Picea mariana) seedlings growth and development under brush competition. Can J For Res 24(8):1629–1635

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jobidon R, Roy V, Cyr G (2003) Net effect of competing vegetation on selected environmental conditions and performance of four spruce seedling stock sizes after eight years in Québec (Canada). Ann For Sci 60(7):691–699

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krause C, Morin H (2005) Adventive-root development in mature black spruce and balsam fir in the boreal forests of Quebec, Canada. Can J For Res 35(11):2642–2654

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lamhamedi MS, Bernier PY (1994) Ecophysiology and field performance of black spruce (Picea mariana): a review. Ann For Sci 51(6):529–551

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lamhamedi MS, Bernier PY, Hébert C (1996) Effect of the shoot size on gas exchange and growth of containerized Picea mariana seedlings under different watering regimes. New For 13(1–3):207–221

    Google Scholar 

  • Lanner RM (1985) On the insensitivity of height growth to spacing. For Ecol Manag 13(3–4):143–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larsen HS, South DB, Boyer JM (1986) Root growth potential, seedling morphology and bud dormancy correlate with survival of loblolly pine seedlings planted in December in Alabama. Tree Physiol 1(3):253–263

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lindenmayer D, Hobbs RJ, Montague-Drake R, Alexandra J, Bennett A, Burgman M, Cale P, Calhoun A, Cramer V, Cullen P, Driscoll D, Fahrig L, Fischer J, Franklin J, Haila Y, Hunter M, Gibbons P, Lake S, Luck G, MacGregor C, McIntyre S, Nally RM, Manning A, Miller J, Mooney H, Noss R, Possingham H, Saunders D, Schmiegelow F, Scott M, Simberloff D, Sisk T, Tabor G, Walker B, Wiens J, Woinarski J, Zavaleta E (2008) A checklist for ecological management of landscapes for conservation. Ecol Lett 11(1):78–91

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Littell RC, Milliken GA, Stroup WW, Wolfinger RD (1996) SAS system for mixed models. SAS Institute Inc., Cary

    Google Scholar 

  • Löf M, Dey DC, Navarro RM, Jacobs DF (2012) Mechanical site preparation for forest restoration. New For 43(5–6):825–848

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lundmark-Thelin A, Johansson MJ (1997) Influence of mechanical site preparation on decomposition and nutrient dynamics of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) needle litter and slash needles. For Ecol Manag 96(1–2):101–110

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Margolis HA, Brand DG (1990) An ecophysiological basis for understanding plantation establishment. Can J For Res 20(4):375–390

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKeague JA (1978) Manuel de méthodes d’échantillonnage et d’analyse des sols, 2nd edn. Société canadienne de la science du sol, Ottawa

    Google Scholar 

  • Noguchi M, Yoshida T (2004) Tree regeneration in partially cut conifer–hardwood mixed forests in northern Japan: roles of establishment substrate and dwarf bamboo. For Ecol Manage 190(2–3):335–344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Örlander G (1986) Effect of planting and scarification on the water relations in planted seedlings of Scots pine. Faculty of Forestry, Swedish University of Agricultural Science. Studia Forestalia Suecica 173

  • Örlander G, Gemmel P, Hunt J (1990) Site preparation: a Swedish overview. Forestry Canada and British Columbia Ministry of Forests. FRDA Report 105, Victoria, BC

  • Östlund L, Zackrisson O, Axelsson AL (1997) The history and transformation of a Scandinavian boreal forest landscape since the 19th century. Can J For Res 27(8):1198–1206

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ouimet R, Arp PA, Watmough SA, Aherne J, Demerchant I (2006) Determination and mapping critical loads of acidity and exceedances for upland forest soils in Eastern Canada. Water Air Soil Pollut 172:57–66

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Paquette A, Messier C (2010) The role of plantations in managing the world’s forests in the Anthropocene. Front Ecol Environ 8(1):27–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Paquette A, Girard JP, Walsh D (2011) Deep planting has no short- or long-term effect on the survival and growth of white spruce, black spruce and jack pine. North J Appl For 28(1):146–151

    Google Scholar 

  • Parkinson JA, Allen SE (1975) A wet oxydation procedure suitable for the determination of nitrogen and mineral nutrients in biological material. Commun Soil Sci Plant Anal 6(1):1–11

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Querejeta JI, Roldan A, Albaladejo J, Castillo V (2001) Soil water availability improved by site preparation in a Pinus halepensis afforestation under semiarid climate. For Ecol Manage 149(1–3):115–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raymond P, Ruel JC, Pineau M (2000) Effet d’une coupe d’ensemencement et du milieu de germination sur la régénération des sapinières boréales riches de seconde venue du Québec. For Chron 76(4):643–652

    Google Scholar 

  • Ritchie GA, Hinckley TM (1975) The pressure chamber as an instrument for ecological research. Adv Ecol Res 9:165–254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saucier JP, Grondin P, Robitaille A (2009) Cadre bioclimatique du Québec. In: Doucet R (ed) Écologie forestière, Manuel de foresterie, 2nd edn, Ordre des ingénieurs forestiers du Québec. Éditions Multimondes, Québec, pp 186–205

  • Simard MJ, Bergeron Y, Sirois L (2003) Substrate and litterfall effects on conifer seedling survivorship in southern boreal stands of Canada. Can J For Res 33(4):672–681

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soil Classification Group (1998) The Canadian system of soil classification, 3rd edn. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Publication 1646, Ottawa, ON

  • Spittlehouse DL, Stathers RJ (1990) Seedling microclimate. British Columbia Ministry of Forests. Land Management Report 65, Victoria, BC

  • St-Hilaire G (2011) L’enrichissement en épinette blanche à la forêt Montmorency, un traitement sylvicole intensif de restauration écosystémique dans la sapinière à bouleau blanc de l’est. M.Sc. Thesis, Faculté de foresterie, géographie et de géomatique, Université Laval, Québec, QC

  • Swan HSD (1970) Relationships between nutrient supply, growth and nutrient concentrations in the foliage of black spruce and jack pine. Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada, Woodlands Paper 29, Montréal, QC

  • Swan HSD (1971) Relationship between nutrient supply, growth and nutrient concentration in the foliage of white and red spruce. Pulp and Paper Research Intitute of Canada, Woodlands Paper 29, Montréal, QC

  • Thiffault N, Roy V (2011) Living without herbicides in Québec (Canada): historical context, current strategy, research and challenges in forest vegetation management. Eur J For Res 130(1):117–133

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thiffault N, Jobidon R, Munson AD (2003) Performance and physiology of large containerized and bare-root spruce seedlings in relation to scarification and competition in Québec (Canada). Ann For Sci 60(7):645–655

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thiffault N, Titus BD, Munson AD (2005) Silvicultural options to promote seedling establishment on Kalmia-Vaccinium-dominated sites. Scand J For Res 20(2):110–121

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thiffault N, Titus BD, Moroni MT (2010) Silviculture and planted species interact to influence reforestation success on a Kalmia-dominated site—a 15-year study. For Chron 86(2):234–242

    Google Scholar 

  • Timmer VR (1991) Interpretation of seedling analysis and visual symptoms. In: Van Den Driessche R (ed) Mineral nutrition of conifer seedlings. CRC Press, Boston

    Google Scholar 

  • Timmer VR, Stone EL (1978) Comparative foliar analysis of young balsam fir fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and lime. Soil Sci Soc Am J 42(1):125–130

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Végiard S, Ung CH (1993) Statistical inference problems related to the logarithmic transformation in regression: another method for interval estimation. Can J For Res 23(5):871–872

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viereck LA, Johnston WF (1990) Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP. Sylvics of North America, vol 1, Conifers, Agriculture Handbook No. 654. USDA Forest Service, Washington, DC

Download references

Acknowledgments

We are indebted to Martine Lapointe, Dominic Létourneau, Steve Lemay, Jacques Carignan, Julie Faure-Lacroix, Olivier Norvèz, Paméla Garcia Cournoyer, Claude Lefrançois, Marc Lebel-Racine, Maïté Brémont and Sophie Thériault for their help in fieldwork. We thank Hugues Sansregret, Julie Bouliane and Martin Charest for their kind collaboration to the project, Sylvie Carles for insightful discussions, and the staff members of the Laboratoire de chimie organique et inorganique, Direction de la recherche forestière, Ministère des Ressources naturelles du Québec (DRF-MRN), who conducted all the chemical analyses. We thank Jean-Claude Ruel, François Marquis and 2 anonymous reviewers for their comments on an early version of this manuscript. Funding for this project was provided by the Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (Action concertée – Aménagement et environnement forestier III), with the kind collaboration of the DRF-MRN.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Direction de la recherche forestière, Ministère des Ressources naturelles du Québec, 2700 Einstein, Québec, QC, G1P 3W8, Canada

    Nelson Thiffault

  2. Faculté de Foresterie, de Géographie et de Géomatique, Centre d’Étude de la Forêt, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada

    Nelson Thiffault, Daniel Chalifour & Louis Bélanger

Authors
  1. Nelson Thiffault
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Daniel Chalifour
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Louis Bélanger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nelson Thiffault.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Thiffault, N., Chalifour, D. & Bélanger, L. Enrichment planting of Picea glauca in boreal mixedwoods: can localized site preparation enhance early seedling survival and growth?. New Forests 44, 533–546 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-012-9361-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-012-9361-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation