Salvage Logging After Windthrow Alters Microsite Diversity, Abundance And

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Salvage Logging After Windthrow Alters Microsite Diversity, Abundance And Salvage logging after windthrow alters microsite diversity, abundance and environment, but not vegetation Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/forestry/article/81/3/361/655733 by guest on 30 September 2021 1 2 CHRIS J. PETERSON * and ANDREA D. LEACH 1 Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, 2502 Plant Science Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA 2 Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA * Corresponding author. [email protected] Summary An increasing number of researchers propose that disturbance effects in forests are mediated through ‘ legacies ’ , which are organisms or organically derived structures that persist after a disturbance. Much controversy currently surrounds the potential impact of post-disturbance salvage logging, in part, because of the potential for such actions to alter post-disturbance legacies and thus forest regeneration. Microsites (e.g. downed tree crowns, boles, stumps, treefall pits and mounds) created by natural disturbances are a subset of the broader concept of legacies, but the effect of windthrow + salvage logging on microsites and their environment and vegetation has not been previously examined. In a wind-damaged forest in western Tennessee, USA, we documented microsite diversity and abundance, environmental conditions, and initial vegetation regeneration in salvaged and unsalvaged areas. We found that salvaged areas had signifi cantly greater variety of microsites, altered microsite abundance, higher soil temperature and greater canopy openness relative to unsalvaged areas. However, 2 years after the storm, herbaceous cover and species richness and tree seedling density and species richness did not differ between salvaged and unsalvaged areas. Soil moisture also was unaffected by salvaging. In contrast, environmental conditions and vegetation characteristics differed signifi cantly among microsite types, with treefall mounds being warmer and drier than other microsites. This intermediate- severity wind disturbance, followed by moderate intensity of salvaging, created microsites that differed in environment and vegetation, and although the salvaging altered microsite diversity, abundances and conditions, the initial vegetation did not show detrimental effects of the salvage operations. We suggest that primary determinants of the consequences of salvaging after natural disturbance are the severity of the natural disturbance, and intensity of salvage operations. Detrimental effects of salvaging may accrue only if some combined severity threshold is exceeded. Introduction 2006 ; Newton et al. , 2006 ; Baird, 2006 ) have brought the discussion of post-disturbance sal- Recent natural disturbances (e.g. extremely large vage logging to a heated intensity ( Floyd, 2006 ). wildfi res in numerous locations worldwide) and Currently, most forest areas subject to large natu- controversial research fi ndings ( Donato et al. , ral disturbances (e.g. fi re or wind) subsequently © Institute of Chartered Foresters, 2008. All rights reserved. Forestry, Vol. 81, No. 3, 2008. doi:10.1093/forestry/cpn007 For Permissions, please email: [email protected] Advance Access publication date 19 March 2008 362 FORESTRY have salvage harvesting activities that aim to re- reduced in salvaged areas. To our knowledge, coup fi nancial losses from the natural disturbance Elliott et al. (2002) and Rumbaitis Del Rio (2006) ( Lindenmayer et al. , 2004). These salvage logging represent the only studies available on the effect operations are widespread and common, but we of windthrow + salvaging on regeneration. Con- know very little about how such management ac- sequently, there is yet exceedingly little informa- tions infl uence forest regeneration, biodiversity tion about forest response to salvaging after wind and risk of later disturbance. disturbance, particularly in eastern North Amer- One of the potential infl uences of salvage log- ica. Therefore, we report here on the microsite ging on forest recovery and diversity might occur abundances and very early regeneration follow- Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/forestry/article/81/3/361/655733 by guest on 30 September 2021 via alterations in the variety and abundance of ing moderate windthrow in hardwood forests of microsites ( Beatty, 1984 ; Peterson et al. , 1990 ; central Tennessee, USA. Following Lindenmayer Kuuluvainen and Juntunen, 1998), which are et al. (2004) , we hypothesized that salvaging one component of the broader concept of biotic might destroy treefall mounds and remove tree legacies ( Franklin et al. , 2000 ; Lindenmayer, trunks and crowns in addition to exposing bare 2006 ). Lindenmayer et al. (2004 , see also Foster soil in skid trails and depositing pruned branches and Orwig, 2006 ; Lindenmayer and Noss, 2006 ) in slash piles. Therefore we expected that sal- suggested that one way disturbances maintain vaging reduces microsite diversity and alters ecosystem diversity and function is through the microsite abundance (hypothesis 1). We further variety of legacies resulting from disturbances, expected that since salvaging removes downed and that salvaging reduces legacy diversity. It is stems and crowns potentially capable of sprout- indeed well known that differing microsites in ing and surviving, it would increase canopy open- wind-disturbed forests have distinct environ- ness at ground level (hypothesis 2). Finally, we ments ( Beatty, 1984 ; Beatty and Sholes, 1988 ; expected that microsites with exposed mineral Carlton and Bazzaz, 1998a ), and differentially soil (pits, mounds, bare soil patches) and more infl uence tree seedling germination, growth and open conditions (salvaged areas) would contain vulnerability to herbivores (Long et al. , 1998 ; a higher proportion of shade-intolerant, early- Peterson and Pickett, 1995, 2000 ; Krueger and successional species (hypothesis 3) and higher Peterson, 2006 ). These effects often result in species richness (hypothesis 4). vegetation variation among microsites, often with greater abundance of pioneer species in the more severely disrupted microsites (e.g. Peter- Materials and methods son et al. , 1990 ; Peterson and Campbell, 1993 ), Study site although such among-microsite variation is not always found ( Webb and Scanga, 2001 ). Thus, This research was conducted at Natchez Trace decreases in the variety or abundance of micro- State Park and Forest (NTSF), an 18 245-ha sites might decrease forest regeneration poten- natural area located in west-central Tennessee tial or species diversity in the regenerating area. (35º N 88º W). The area lies within the East Gulf However, we know of no studies of microsite Coastal Plain section of the Coastal Plain phys- abundances, composition or diversity after natu- iographic province ( Braun, 1950 ). Braun (1950) ral disturbance and salvaging. classifi ed the vegetation of western Tennessee as The existing information about consequences belonging to the Mississippi Embayment section of post-fi re or post-windthrow salvaging in North of the Western Mesophytic Forest Region. The America are mostly restricted to the north-west topography consists of gently rolling uplands (e.g. Donato et al. , 2006 ) or boreal sites in Canada separated by broad fl oodplains; elevation aver- ( Greene et al. , 2006; Macdonald, 2007 ). Donato ages 165 m above sea level, ranging from 137 to et al. (2006) found reduced tree seedling density 182 m ( Smalley, 1991 ). Soils are derived from the and diversity in salvaged areas of the 2002 Biscuit McNairy sands geologic formation and consist of Fire in Oregon, and Greene et al. (2006) report well-drained fi ne sandy loams and silt loams with that although asexual reproduction by Populus occasional fragipans and a discontinuous loess was unaffected by salvaging in central Quebec, cap ( Kupfer and Franklin, 2000 ). The climate is the regeneration from seed by conifers was much humid continental, with short, mild, wet winters SALVAGING AFTER WIND DISTURBANCE 363 and long, hot, dry summers and an average grow- hectares), perfect randomization and replication ing season of 202 days. Mean annual precipita- would be diffi cult to achieve. tion is 1240 mm, mostly rain falling in the late To quantify relative abundances of microsite winter and early spring ( Flowers et al. , 1960 ). types, we sampled along four parallel 30-m lines Much of the park was settled and cleared for 10 m apart in each large plot. At 0.5-m inter- agriculture in the 1800s and early 1900s, but the vals along these lines, we dropped a pin and re- land was abandoned in 1935 and was deeded to corded microsite information, yielding a total of the state of Tennessee in 1955 (Smalley, 1991 ). 244 points per plot (244 points × 32 plots; n = The second-growth forests consist of Quercus 7,808 sampling points). We classifi ed points into Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/forestry/article/81/3/361/655733 by guest on 30 September 2021 species (oaks), Carya species (hickories) and other 13 microsite categories on the basis of the sub- mixed mesophytic species, including Pinus taeda strate conditions and the nature of overlying ma- L. (loblolly pine), in the uplands. The understory terials; this classifi cation is the basis for Figure consists primarily of Cornus fl orida L. (fl owering 2 , but does not utilize vegetation in the microsite dogwood), Nyssa sylvatica Marsh. (blackgum) defi nition (see ‘ focal microsites’ below). Substrate and Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees. (sassafras). was recorded as organic or mineral,
Recommended publications
  • Habitat and Microsite Influence Demography of Two
    University of Central Florida STARS Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 2013 Population Dynamics And Environmental Factors Influencing Herbs In Intact And Degraded Florida Rosemary Scrub Elizabeth Stephens University of Central Florida Part of the Biology Commons Find similar works at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd University of Central Florida Libraries http://library.ucf.edu This Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access) is brought to you for free and open access by STARS. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019 by an authorized administrator of STARS. For more information, please contact [email protected]. STARS Citation Stephens, Elizabeth, "Population Dynamics And Environmental Factors Influencing Herbs In Intact And Degraded Florida Rosemary Scrub" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2004-2019. 2822. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/2822 POPULATION DYNAMICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING HERBS IN INTACT AND DEGRADED FLORIDA ROSEMARY SCRUB by ELIZABETH L. STEPHENS M.S. Purdue University, 2005 A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Science in the Department of Biology in the College of Sciences at the University of Central Florida Orlando, Florida Spring Term 2013 Major Professor: Pedro F. Quintana-Ascencio © 2013 Elizabeth L. Stephens ii ABSTRACT Species have complex and contextual relationships with their environment; both the relative contributions of life-history stages to population growth and the effect of environmental factors on each stage can be different among co-existing species. Timing and extent of reproduction, survival, and mortality determine population growth, species distributions, and assemblage patterns. I evaluate the role of habitat (intact, degraded) and microsite (shrub, leaf litter, bare sand) on population dynamics of Florida scrub herbs.
    [Show full text]
  • Prescribed Fire, Soil, and Plants: Burn Effects and Interactions in the Central Great Basin Benjamin M
    Rangeland Ecol Manage 61:169–181 | March 2008 Prescribed Fire, Soil, and Plants: Burn Effects and Interactions in the Central Great Basin Benjamin M. Rau,1 Jeanne C. Chambers,2 Robert R. Blank,3 and Dale W. Johnson4 Authors are 1Graduate Research Assistant, University of Nevada, Reno, Hydrolologic Sciences Program, 1000 Valley Rd, Reno, NV 89512, USA; 2Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service RMRS, 920 Valley Rd, Reno, NV 89512, USA; 3Soil Scientist, USDA ARS, 920 Valley Rd, Reno, NV 89512, USA; and 4Soil Scientist, University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, 1000 Valley Rd, Reno, NV 89512, USA. Abstract Pinyon and juniper expansion into sagebrush ecosystems results in decreased cover and biomass of perennial grasses and forbs. We examine the effectiveness of spring prescribed fire on restoration of sagebrush ecosystems by documenting burn effects on soil nutrients, herbaceous aboveground biomass, and tissue nutrient concentrations. This study was conducted in a central Nevada woodland and included control and burn treatment plots sampled before and after a prescribed fire. Six native understory plant species (Crepis acuminata, Eriogonum umbellatum, Eriogonum elatum, Poa secunda secunda, Festuca idahoensis, and Lupinus argenteus) important for native sagebrush obligate foragers were chosen to represent the understory plant community. L. argenteus is also important for system nutrient cycling and nitrogen fixation. Plants were collected from three microsites (under tree canopy, under shrub canopy, and interspace) common in transitional woodlands during peak growth the summer before a spring prescribed burn and each of two summers following the burn. Soils were collected from corresponding locations at two depth intervals (0–8 and 8–52 cm) to determine the relationships between soil and plant nutrients following fire.
    [Show full text]
  • NATURAL RESOURCES a S S O C I a T E O F S C I E N C E I N N a T U R a L R E S O U R C E S – 90 C R E D I T S
    NATURAL RESOURCES ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NATURAL RESOURCES – 90 CREDITS CAREER DESCRIPTION ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS Once the AS degree is completed, there are a number of other UCC courses that meet additional requirements for a The Associate of Science degree in Natural Resources gives Students are required to take college placement tests to Bachelor of Science degree at OSU or that can be used for students a comprehensive educational foundation for determine skill level and readiness for college-level individual specialization options. Consult your advisor to careers related to natural resource science and technology. courses. Coursework from accredited high schools, learn more about these. This program prepares students for jobs in conservation colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance OSU Baccalaureate Core Equivalents: science, wildlife biology, fisheries science, botany, forestry, with college policies and with the approval of the Science BI 211 Principles of Biology I1 5 ecosystem management, watershed management and other Department Chair. BI 212 Principles of Biology II1 5 fields related to natural resource science and conservation. BI 213 Principles of Biology III1 5 The program takes advantage of the diversity of resources PROGRAM INFORMATION ENG 230 Environmental Literature 4 available on nearby public lands, and the expertise of local 1 Students who graduate with an Associate of Science degree G 221 Environmental Geology 4 professionals who manage those lands, to provide a mix of in Natural Resources will be well-trained for entry-level jobs MTH 111 College Algebra 5 classroom, lab and field experiences not found at any other 1 in the natural resource economy.
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Change: the IPCC 1990 and 1992 Assessments 1
    CLIMATE CHANGE: The IPCC 1990 and 1992 Assessments CLIMATE CHANGE: The 1990 and 1992 IPCC Assessments IPCC First Assessment Report Overview and Policymaker Summaries and 1992 IPPC Supplement June. 1992 Published with the support of:* Australia Austria Canada France Germany Japan The Netherlands Norway Spain United Kingdom United States of America WMO UNEP © Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 1992 Printed in Canada Climate Change: The IPCC 1990 and 1992 Assessments 1. Climate Changes I. Title II. IPCC ISBN: 0-662-19821-2 ® Tills paper contains a minimum of 60% recyded fibres, mduding 10%posn»nsumei fibres ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Cover Photographs Top Image A composite colour image of GOES satellite using visible and infrared channels. This image was produced by the Data Integration Division, Climate Adaptation Branch, Canadian Climate Centre. Middle Image A full global disc satellite image (Channel Visible 2) for 4 September 1983 reproduced with the permission of EUMETSAT. Bottom Image A full earth disc view of cloud patterns over the Australian region on 19 February 1991 from the Japanese Geostationary Satellite (GMS4). This image is a colour enhanced composite of information from the visible and infrared channels produced by the Australian Centre for Remote Sensing of the Australian Survey and Land Information Group. *Notes Spain - Instituto Nacional de Meteorología üi TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface vü Foreword ix 1992 IPCC Supplement 1 IPCC First Assessment Report: 47 Overview 51 Policymaker Summary of Working Group I (Scientific Assessment
    [Show full text]
  • 1 JOAN G. EHRENFELD June 2009 HOME CONTACT INFORMATION
    1 JOAN G. EHRENFELD June 2009 HOME CONTACT INFORMATION: 44 North 7th Avenue, Highland Park, NJ 08904. WORK CONTACT INFORMATION: Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, School of Environmental Biology, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Phone 732-572-9372 FAX 732-932-8746 Email: [email protected] EDUCATION: 1975 Ph.D. City University of New York, Biology. 1970 M.A. Harvard University, Biology. 1969 B.A. Barnard College, Columbia University, magna cum laude with honors in Biology. EMPLOYMENT: 1997 - Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources 1990- 2009 Director, New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute 1996 - 1997. Associate Professor, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, and Director, New Jersey Water Resources Research Institute 1990-1996. Associate Professor and Director, Division of Water Resources, Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University. Tenure awarded April 1993. 1987-1990: Associate Research Professor, Center for Coastal and Environmental Studies, Rutgers University. (50% time; partly grant-funded) 1976-1987: Assistant Research Professor, Center for Coastal and Environmental Studies, Rutgers University. (50% time; grant-funded) RESEARCH GRANTS: (* competitively awarded) *2008: Risk factors for West Nile Virus: the role of biodiversity in the ecology of hosts, vectors and humans. U. S. EPA STAR. $749,994 (PI; co-PIs are B. Johnson, M. Sukhdeo, N. Tsipoura, R. Jordan). 2008: Helen and William Mazer Foundation: Effects of Deer Overbrowse on Carbon Stocks and Fluxes in New Jersey Forests. $11,000. 2008: N. J. Dept. of Environmental Protection. Assessing the Potential for New Jersey Forests to Sequester Carbon and Contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Avoidance.
    [Show full text]
  • Caching at the Microsite Scale: P R a R U TM U LT ENT of AGRIC Pacific Northwest Region Clark’S Nutcracker Cache Site Selection, Part III 2011
    United States Department of Agriculture D E E Forest Service Caching at the Microsite Scale: P R A R U TM U LT ENT OF AGRIC Pacific Northwest Region Clark’s Nutcracker Cache Site Selection, Part III 2011 WITH EASE, nutcrackers fly into the canopies of trees, What microsites did ground caches were placed poke at the bark, and tussle bunches of lichen. Why? They’re nutcrackers select for within 9 m of a tree offering placing more than half the seeds they collect up in the seed caches in this study? possible cover. There was no canopies of living trees, a good way to keep seeds out of the significant selection for sites deep winter snow, but not good places for young trees to We observed 655 caches germinate and grow. How important is microsite, anyway? placed by 12 resident with a particular slope, aspect, nutcrackers; 450 ponderosa or ground cover type. BACKGROUND seed caches, 199 whitebark Why does it matter? We investigated habitat use, caching behavior, and seed caches, and 6 caches migratory patterns in Clark’s nutcrackers in the Pacific of an unknown seed type. The caching behavior of Northwest using radio telemetry. Over 4 years (2006– Among ponderosa and nutcrackers in autumn 2009), we captured 54 adult nutcrackers at 10 sites in the whitebark pine caches, they determines patterns of Cascade and Olympic Mountains in Washington State. cached 59 percent of seeds regeneration in whitebark We fitted nutcrackers with a back-pack style harness. above ground in the forest pine. This is because The battery life on the radio tags was 450 days, and canopy (385 caches) and the nutcrackers subsist year- we tracked nutcrackers year-round, on foot (to obtain remaining 41 percent below round on pine seeds, which behavior observations) and via aircraft (to obtain point ground in soil, gravel, or are produced only in autumn, locations).
    [Show full text]
  • Microsite Influences on Variability in Douglas-Fir Seedling Development
    Microsite Influences on Variability in Douglas-Fir Seedling Development Owen Burney, Michael G. Wing, and Robin Rose We examined the microsite characteristics of 6,048 Douglas-fir seedlings at three regeneration sites in Washington state. Our objective was to determine the microsite characteristics that were most influential on seedling growth change over time. We analyzed microsite influences both individually and in concert with one another through regression-based techniques. Microsite parameters included soil impedance, topographic, and physical parameter measurements that were recorded at each seedling’s location. Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) was used to determine combinations of microsite parameters that were most strongly correlated with seedling growth. Multiparameter models explained between 15 and 39 percent of the variance in diameter growth. Prevalent terms from the strongest multiparameter models included soil penetration, log presence, stump presence, skid road presence, and topography. Individual microsite parameters for each regeneration site were also assessed for importance in explaining diameter growth using two additional methods. The first approach was to isolate the parameters that appeared in the strongest multiparameter models and to sum and contrast the AIC weights of all models in which they appeared. The second approach was to regress single parameters against seedling diameter growth. Results varied by site for both methods. AIC weight sums revealed that topographical depression and berms, the presences of logs and stumps, and soil penetration (pounds per square inch) as measured by a penetrometer were ABSTRACT most influential, with values ranging from 0.31 (berm) to 0.82 (log). Regression analysis revealed that topographical depression, log presence, and soil penetration were significantly related to diameter growth, explaining between 6 and 29 percent of the variance in diameter growth.
    [Show full text]
  • Exotic Annual Plant Invasions and Their Relationships to Roads and Native Perennial Species in the Mojave Desert, Southwestern USA
    Vegetation Monitoring Presentations Lake Mead Recreational Area Research 1-1-2008 Exotic Annual Plant Invasions and Their Relationships to Roads and Native Perennial Species in the Mojave Desert, Southwestern USA Donovan J. Craig University of Nevada, Las Vegas, [email protected] Jill Pacovsky Craig University of Nevada, Las Vegas, [email protected] Scott R. Abella University of Nevada, Las Vegas, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/ pli_lake_mead_vegetation_presentations Part of the Desert Ecology Commons, Environmental Sciences Commons, and the Weed Science Commons Repository Citation Craig, D. J., Craig, J. P., Abella, S. R. (2008, January). Exotic Annual Plant Invasions and Their Relationships to Roads and Native Perennial Species in the Mojave Desert, Southwestern USA. University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Available at: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/pli_lake_mead_vegetation_presentations/4 This Poster is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by Digital Scholarship@UNLV with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Poster in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Poster has been accepted for inclusion in Vegetation Monitoring Presentations by an authorized administrator of Digital Scholarship@UNLV. For more information, please contact [email protected]. EXOTIC ANNUAL PLANT INVASIONS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS TO ROADS AND NATIVE PERENNIAL SPECIES IN THE MOJAVE DESERT, SOUTHWESTERN USA Donovan Craig1, Jill Pacovsky Craig1, and Scott Abella2.
    [Show full text]
  • FALL 2016 Then, in Middle School Jennifer Had a Science Teacher Facilitated Science Teacher Her Life
    { } As a twenty-year educator of middle school students in a small school of 900 in rural Iowa, I find many of my stu- dents’ perception of agriculture is no different than if they lived in New York City. Growing up on a diverse Iowa farm and marrying an FFA advisor, I lived life under the assumption that Iowa kids understood the impact of agri- BOARD OF DIRECTORS culture on their daily lives. Jeffrey Minnis, Trammo, Inc. When I began my career, my assumption was flawless. Chris Jahn, The Fertilizer Institute Today, my assumptions could not be further from the Garrett Lofto, Simplot truth. Not only have students lost their hands-on connec- Chuck Magro, Agrium Inc. tion to agriculture, they have lost the ‘common’ sense ideas Jorgen Arentz Rostrup, Yara North America, Inc. regarding dietary nutrient sources. Meat and dairy prod- Terr y Roberts, International Plant Nutrition Institute ucts provides ready sources of iron, zinc, phosphorus and nitrogen-packing protein. Jochen Tilk, PotashCorp Tomatoes, cantaloupe and winter squash are great sources of potassium. Rather than the nutrients being heralded for the inherent value, many of these nutrients are ADVISORY BOARD ‘blacklisted’ as environmental threat. Carol Anderson, Community Volunteer The lack of understanding regarding the care farmers and the nutrient industry put Karl Barnhart, BRANDT Consolidated into practicing good stewardship astounded me. I sought out relevant tools to sup- Doug Beever, Agrium Inc. port educating my students about the necessity to manage nutrients in a sustainable Nancy Bridge, High School Science Teacher way, yet meet the food, fuel, and fiber needs of our local community and beyond.
    [Show full text]
  • Seed Limitation and Lack of Downed Wood, Not Invasive Species, Threaten Conifer Regeneration in an Urban Forest
    Urban Ecosyst DOI 10.1007/s11252-016-0640-3 Seed limitation and lack of downed wood, not invasive species, threaten conifer regeneration in an urban forest Ailene K. Ettinger1,2 & Benjamin R. Lee3 & Sarah Montgomery4 # Springer Science+Business Media New York 2017 Abstract Urban forests provide valuable ecosystem services, tree recruitment in urban forests. However, we also observed but their long-term viability is often threatened by low tree strong microsite limitation. At our study site, microsite limi- recruitment due to seed and/or microsite limitation. tation can be addressed primarily by adding deadwood and Distinguishing between these two causes of low recruitment retaining coarse woody debris on site. Addressing microsite has important management implications, but has been little limitation may be a critical component of successful manage- studied in urban environments. We tested for seed and ment efforts to improve tree recruitment in urban forests, and microsite limitation in an urban forested park in Seattle, should not be overlooked. Furthermore, our study highlights Washington, USA by adding conifer tree seeds and seedlings the need for active monitoring and data analysis alongside to experimental plots in which we manipulated microsite con- management, since the most apparent threat (widespread cov- ditions by removing invasive ivy (Hedera spp.) and adding er of an invasive plant in this case) may not be the primary deadwood. We found that natural seed production was low, limit on suitable microsite conditions. and adding seeds increased the number of observed seedlings. Furthermore, adding deadwood increased seedling survival, Keywords Seed limitation . Microsite limitation . Abies whereas removing Hedera did not have strong effects.
    [Show full text]
  • Effect of Seed Weight, Light Regime and Substratum Microsite on Germination and Seedling Growth of Quercus Semiserrata Roxb
    KHAN AND UMA SHANKAR 117 Tropical Ecology 42(1): 117-125, 2001 ISSN 0564-3295 © International Society for Tropical Ecology Effect of seed weight, light regime and substratum microsite on germination and seedling growth of Quercus semiserrata Roxb. M.L. KHAN1 & UMA SHANKAR2 1Department of Forestry, North-Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology, Nirjuli, Itanagar 791 109, India, Email: [email protected]; 2G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, North-East Unit, Vivek Vihar, Itanagar 791 113, India Email: [email protected] Abstract: Seeds of Quercus semiserrata Roxb. vary widely in weight, and can be classi- fied into small (<5 g), intermediate (5 to 8 g) and heavy (>8 g) classes. Heavy seeds contain greater reserves of protein, carbohydrate, lipid and energy than intermediate-weight and small seeds. Seed weight has a strong effect on germination. Heavy seeds germinate early and show better germination than small seeds both under laboratory as well as greenhouse conditions. Further, the seedlings from heavy seeds survive better and yield greater dry mass than those from small seeds. Of the four substratum microsites tested (above moss layer, above litter, under litter and above soil surface), maximum germination occurred on moss. The position under litter produced significantly better results than above litter, but did not vary in comparison to soil surface. Of the three light regimes tested (90%, 52% and 28% of full light), 52% light resulted in maximum germination, seedling survival and dry mass production. However, the results between 90% and 28% light did not vary signifi- cantly. An interaction of seed weight, microsite and light appears to lay optimal conditions for seed germination and early seedling growth.
    [Show full text]
  • Field Studies of Pine, Spruce and Aspen Periodically Subjected to Sulfur Gas Emissions
    FIELD STUDIES OF PINE, SPRUCE AND ASPEN PERIODICALLY SUBJECTED TO SULFUR GAS EMISSIONS A. H. LEGGE, Environmental Sciences Centre (Kananaskis), The University of Calgary, Alberta; R. G. AMUNDSON, Department of Botany, University of WAshington, Seattle; D. R. JAQUES, Environmental Sciences Centre (Kananaskis), The University of Calgary, Alberta; and R. B. WALKER, Department of Botany, University of Washington, Seattle. ABSTRACT Field studies of photosynthesis in Pinus contorta/Pinus banksiana (lodgpole pine/jack pine) hybrids, Picea glauca (white spruce) and Populus tremuloides (aspen) subjected to SO2 and H2S from a nearby natural gas processing plant were initiated near Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada during the summer of 1974. The site was characterized as a Pinus- Picea glauca/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi association (pine-white sprucee/bearberry). A 15 meter high scaffold was used as access to mid-crown foliage in the pines while the spruce and aspen were accessible from the ground. Net assimilation rates, transpiration rates and leaf resistances were calculated and water deficits were monitored. Photosynthetic rates measured were in a low range for the conifers studied, with pine having a maximum of 3.28 mg dm-2 hr'l and white spruce a maximum value of 2.3 mg dm-2 hr-l. The low maximum photosynthetic rate determined for aspen is thought to be attributable to the onset of autumn. Chemical analyses for SO4-sulfur using the methylene blue colorimetric method of Johnson and Nishita (1952) showed levels of 300-700 ppm, with the older foliage showing slightly higher values. Visible chronic SO2 symptoms had a pronounced sun, or upward, orientation.
    [Show full text]