The effect of water table depth on white spruce (Piceaglauca) seedling growth in association with the marsh reed grass (Calamagrostiscanadensis) on wet mineral soil

Abstract

The effect of water table depth (10, 20, and 40 cm) in association with marsh reed grass (CalamagrostisCanadensis (Michx.) Beauv.) on white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) 2 + 0 seedling survival and growth was tested over a 5-month period. All spruce seedlings grown alone survived, whereas, 16.7% of the trees died when grown with reed grass. The root weight and total weight of spruce seedlings and marsh reed grass were significantly affected by the water table depth. The weight of both components increased as the water table decreased. Over 80% of the roots by weight for both species were found in the upper 10 cm of the soil profile regardless of water table depth. The presence of marsh reed grass significantly affected the growth of spruce seedlings. The nutrient concentration of the white spruce foliage was significantly affected by water table depths and the presence of grass.