First-Year Vitality of Reforestation Plantings in Response to Herbivore Exclusion on Reclaimed Appalachian Surface-Mined Land

Zachary Hackworth,John Cox,John Lhotka,Christopher Barton,Matthew Springer

doi:10.3390/f9040222

Abstract

Conventional Appalachian surface-mine reclamation techniques repress natural forest regeneration, and tree plantings are often necessary for reforestation. Reclaimed Appalachian surface mines harbor a suite of mammal herbivores that forage on recently planted seedlings. Anecdotal reports across Appalachia have implicated herbivory in the hindrance and failure of reforestation efforts, yet empirical evaluation of herbivory impacts on planted seedling vitality in this region remains relatively uninitiated. First growing-season survival, height growth, and mammal herbivory damage of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.), and white oak (Quercus alba L.) are presented in response to varying intensities of herbivore exclusion. Seedling survival was generally high, and height growth was positive for all species. The highest herbivory incidence of all tree species was observed in treatments offering no herbivore exclusion. While seedling protectors lowered herbivory incidence compared with no exclusion, full exclusion treatments resulted in the greatest reduction of herbivore damage. Although herbivory from rabbits, small mammals, and domestic animals was observed, cervids (deer and elk) were responsible for 95.8% of all damaged seedlings. This study indicates that cervids forage heavily on planted seedlings during the first growing-season, but exclusion is effective at reducing herbivory.

Highlights

Surface mining for coal has negatively impacted forest resources across Appalachia, including the loss of over 1.1 million ha of forests [1] and the fragmentation of at least an additional 1 million ha [2,3]
Height growth, and relative cause-specific herbivory of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.), and white oak (Quercus alba L.) seedlings in response to herbivore exclusion
Shortleaf pine survival was low across all treatments: while mean survival was similar in no exclusion (37.8%) and protector

Summary

Introduction

Surface mining for coal has negatively impacted forest resources across Appalachia, including the loss of over 1.1 million ha of forests [1] and the fragmentation of at least an additional 1 million ha [2,3]. Federal regulations of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) led to reclamation methods that, while intended to limit soil destabilization and water-quality impairment, resulted in compacted post-mining landscapes that greatly hinder forest regeneration. Post-mining vegetation communities in Appalachia are typically composed of planted invasive, exotic woody and herbaceous species Thunb.), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don), and multi-flora rose (Rosa multiflora Thunb.)) that rapidly colonize disturbed areas and outcompete native pioneer species [8,9,10]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion