Integrated vegetation management in California – advances and future

Abstract

A study on alternatives for releasing young conifer plantations on National Forests in northern and central California was started in 1980, and enlarged to include State of California, Bureau of Land Management, and private industry lands. Forty studies involving chemical, manual, mechanical, mulch, and animal treatments have been established and their effect on the survival and growth of conifer seedlings is being quantified. Plant diversity and succession on both treated and untreated sites are being recorded. The oldest study has had 10 growing seasons since the first treatments were applied. To release conifer seedlings, a treatment radius of at least 1.5 meters is required; smaller radii do not provide enough site resources for acceptable growth. Diameter, rather than height, is the best indicator of release. Some non-phenoxy chemicals show promise for good control of competing vegetation. Mechanical release requires additional treatments to effectively control shrubs. Mulching has given limited results to date. Manual treatments, if applied to non-sprouting and nonrhizomatous plants soon after planting, and usually more than once, provide adequate control of competing vegetation, but are costly.