Abstract
Tree seedling establishment and growth were studied in experimental canopy gaps to assess the effect of heterogeneity of regeneration microsites within and among gaps in mature conifer forests. Seedlings were studied for two years in closed-canopy areas and in recently created gaps ranging in size from 40 to 2000 m2 in four stands of mature (90–140 yr) and old-growth (>400 yr) Douglas-fir forest in the western Cascade Range of central Oregon and southern Washington, USA. We examined the relative importance of substrate type, shade from logs and shade cloth, density of understory vegetation, gap size, and forest age on the success of Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Seedlings originating from seed sown on experimental microsites were compared with seedlings regenerating naturally on a range of microsites. Seedling establishment was greater on decayed wood than on forest floor or mineral soil in closed-canopy areas, particula...
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