Abstract
Achieving an optimal density of trees is essential for the final yield in commercial forestry. Soil scarification is commonly used in Scandinavia in order to produce successful regenerations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), especially in areas with risk of browsing damage by moose (Alces alces L.). The research presented in this paper provides knowledge on how increased intensity of soil scarification affects the regeneration of pine and birch (Betula spp. L.). A total of 67 stands were treated with different intensities of soil scarification. Tree seedling density and current annual growth (CAG) were measured one to five years after scarification. Results showed that the density of pine and birch seedlings increased with soil scarification intensity. CAG of pine decreased with scarification intensity. CAG of downy birch decreased with proportion of exposed mineral soil, but increased with proportion of exposed humus. The effect of soil scarification intensity on CAG of both tree species was relatively weak. Results suggest that although increased scarification intensity had a positive effect on seedling establishment, the effect on early growth may be unfavourable. Further research is needed in order to evaluate the long-term effects of soil scarification intensity on growth.
Highlights
Moose (Alces alces L.) in Scandinavia forage on young Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) during winter [1,2]
On the other hand, we investigated the effects of increased soil scarification intensity, and it is the only study known to us where this is measured as the proportion of exposed mineral soil and humus per surface area
We have evaluated the effects of soil scarification intensity on both seedling density and current annual growth (CAG) of Scots pine and two species of birch
Summary
Moose (Alces alces L.) in Scandinavia forage on young Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) during winter [1,2]. Many measures have been taken in order to reduce cervid browsing in young forest stands. Examples of damage reducing measures include fencing, the use of chemical repellents, and the use of aluminium tags fastened to the top of the tree seedling in order to block the moose from browsing [8]. Other studies focus on providing alternative forage for cervids in order to reduce browsing damage, such as introducing feeding stations with silage [9], making residues of branches and tree tops available after final logging and commercial thinning [2,10,11,12], or preserving trees of preferred browsing species within browsing height [13]
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