Abstract

Native seeds of Chamaecyparislawsoniana (A. Murr.) Parl. (Port-Orford-cedar) were sown on treated 1-m2 plots in four natural stands in southwestern Oregon, U.S.A. Treatments, replicated four times per stand, were (1) control, with natural litter undis-turbed, (2) litter removed, (3) litter removed and burned with ash replaced on plot, and (4) spaded after litter removal. Eighty-nine percent of germination occurred in early to mid-June. The spading treatment had the most germinants and the most survivors. Litter removal and burning treatments supported many fewer germinants, had the smallest seedlings, and had no survival after two growing seasons. Percentage survival of the few germinants in the control was as good as for the spading treatment, 5–6% after three summers. Although much natural seedling establishment may occur on natural litter, soil disturbance appears to greatly increase the rate of establishment. Litter removal alone does not increase establishment.

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