Reforestation trials and secondary succession with three levels of overstory shade in the grand fir mosaic ecosystem
"Grand Fir Mosaic habitats are difficult to regenerate because of pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) and successional plant communities dominated by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) and western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis). This study tested reforestation practices recommended by prev...
| Main Author: | Ferguson, Dennis E. |
|---|---|
| Other Authors: | Byrne, John C., Coffen, D. O., United States. Department of Agriculture., Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.) |
| Format: | Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Fort Collins, Colo. :
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station,
[2005]
|
| Physical Description: |
16 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm. |
| Series: |
Research paper RMRS ;
RP-53. |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs_rp053.pdf http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs/rmrs%5Frp053.pdf |
| Summary: |
"Grand Fir Mosaic habitats are difficult to regenerate because of pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) and successional plant communities dominated by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) and western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis). This study tested reforestation practices recommended by previous research, tested hypotheses about the effects of overstory shade on regeneration success, and documented secondary succession. Natural regeneration is not a reliable reforestation method on Grand Fir Mosaic sites. Clearcut and planting was the best regeneration method if pocket gophers are controlled. Partial cutting and planting was the best regeneration method if pocket gophers were not controlled. Most gopher-caused seedling mortality occurred the first summer, first winter, and second winter after planting. The clearcut treatment resulted in the loss of shrub species and the dominance of bracken fern and/or western coneflower. In the partial cut treatment, shrubs were retained and there was less bracken fern and/or western coneflower than in the clearcut treatment." |
|---|---|
| Item Description: |
Cover title. "March 2005." Includes bibliographical references (page 16). "Grand Fir Mosaic habitats are difficult to regenerate because of pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides) and successional plant communities dominated by bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) and western coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis). This study tested reforestation practices recommended by previous research, tested hypotheses about the effects of overstory shade on regeneration success, and documented secondary succession. Natural regeneration is not a reliable reforestation method on Grand Fir Mosaic sites. Clearcut and planting was the best regeneration method if pocket gophers are controlled. Partial cutting and planting was the best regeneration method if pocket gophers were not controlled. Most gopher-caused seedling mortality occurred the first summer, first winter, and second winter after planting. The clearcut treatment resulted in the loss of shrub species and the dominance of bracken fern and/or western coneflower. In the partial cut treatment, shrubs were retained and there was less bracken fern and/or western coneflower than in the clearcut treatment." |
| Physical Description: |
16 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm. |
| Bibliography: |
Includes bibliographical references (page 16). |