Abstract
Secondary succession on mesic sites was studied in 10 forest stands in the Haut-Saint-Laurent region, using diameter-class distribution and dendrochronological analysis. Size-class ordination allowed the determination of two seral successions associated with forest communities of clear-cut or abandoned field origin. Forest cutting favors vegetative resprouting of Tilia americana, Ostrya virgininiana, and Prunus serotina rather than seed invasion of species from neighbouring communities. Fraxinus americana, Betula populifolia, and Ulmus americana colonize abandoned fields. Whatever the nature of the disturbance, strong regeneration and high shade tolerance leads to the eventual dominance of the sugar maple and to what appears to be succession convergence. However, a situation where the sugar maple is replaced by the American beech is an old community raises questions concerning the stability of the so-called climax maple forest.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
