Effects of Seedbed Substrates on Regeneration of Picea abies from Seeds

Abstract

The effects of seedbed substrates on the emergence and mortality of Norway spruce [ Picea abies (L.) Karst.] on clear-cuts were studied in a sowing experiment. Seven intact substrates as well as scarified plots on the same types of substrates were considered. The experiment took place at two locations in south-east Norway, during three consecutive years. Of intact substrates, Sphagnum spp. was found to be the best for emergence and litter was found to be the second best. Microhabitats dominated by feather mosses, Dicranum spp., Vaccinium myrtillus or Deschampsia flexuosa were poor environments for emergence. However, after two to three seasons, survival in per cent of emerged seedlings was more or less equal among all substrates. Emergence was higher on scarified plots than on intact substrates, and except for Sphagnum substrates, survival was equal or better. For scarified plots, the original substrate did not influence the emergence of seedlings, but mortality after the second summer differed owing to original substrate. The best substrates for scarification were V. myrtillus and D. flexuosa , while mortality was highest for plots that were originally dominated by Sphagnum . Weather conditions influenced the suitability of the substrates as seedbeds, as did the location of the plots.