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White Pine Competition Study and Demonstration
160-005
Description: Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) is one of North America’s most valuable softwood species. Historically, it thrived in regions characterized by frequent, low-intensity fires that created favorable regeneration conditions. Declining frequency of such fires, coupled with competition, insect, and disease problems, has seriously impeded white pine regeneration efforts. A greater understanding of the vegetation conditions favoring white pine survival, growth, and stem quality is needed to enable more effective management of early stand conditions in the absence of fire.
In 2000, an experiment with 3 installations was initiated to quantify the temporal and spatial effects of woody and herbaceous vegetation on white pine seedlings. The study aims to determine what types of vegetation constitute competition for white pine and establish when, during the establishment and early growth phase, the effects of competition are greatest. Results from these experiments will support vegetation management prescriptions defined in terms of
· the need for and duration of the suppression of low-growing vegetation, such as grass, ferns, forbs, and low-shrubs;
· the need for and duration of the presence of taller arborescent species for the mitigation of climatic extremes and promotion of white pine height growth and stem form;
· potential interactions with key pests, such as white pine weevil and blister rust; and
· the overall regeneration environment – clearcut (restoration) vs. shelterwood.
Hypothetical Stem Volume Response to the Treatments
Measured responses to the tested treatment combinations will lead to a model or “response surface” that can be used by forest managers to develop vegetation management prescriptions for optimizing white pine stem growth and quality. The vegetation conditions that develop from the tested treatments will also allow forest managers to draw inferences about their potential effects (both positive and negative) on values such as wildlife habitat and diversity. In short, results from these experiments will help forest managers develop better vegetation management prescriptions for white pine, through greater understanding of how and when to target competition reduction efforts. Preliminary recommendations include chemical site preparation for early herbaceous competition control and the maintenance of moderate deciduous cover in clearcut environments.
The Project Team: Doug Pitt, CFS, Wayne Bell and Bill Parker, OFRI, Andree Morneault, OMNR, Len Lanteigne, CFS
Project Outputs:
McConnell Lakes White Pine Competition Studies - 2003 status report
Effects of Early Herbaceous and Woody Vegetation Control on Eastern White Pine - Abstract
Reynolds Lake White Pine CompetitionStudy
Susy Lake White Pine Competition Study
POSTER - Effects of Early Herbaceous and Woody Vegetation Control on Eastern White Pine
Presentation - Effects of Early Herbaceous and Woody Vegetation Control on Eastern White Pine
Project Work Report (2007-2008)
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