Science > Vegetation Management Alternatives

Vegetation Management Alternatives

Study Leader: Phillip Reynolds
preynold@NRCan.gc.ca

Study Abstract:

This study will conduct experiments that seek to determine how forestry practices (i.e., harvest methods, site preparation techniques, vegetation control methods) affect forest microclimate, ecological processes (e.g., water use, carbon cycling, nutrient cycling, plant succession) and forest productivity. A goal will be to identify operational solutions for managing noncommercial species which seek to prevent or minimize vegetation problems. Autecological research will focus on species ecology of major noncommercial species and provide a better knowledge base for managing these species. Research on thresholds and mechanisms (i.e., light, nutrients, water) of competition will seek to determine how much competition is too much, and to identify alternative approaches for managing competing vegetation. Other work will examine how forestry practices affect site productivity (i.e., soil characteristics, ecosystem processes, nutrient availability), available light for plant regeneration, plant succession, and species diversity. Studies of alternative methods for managing competing vegetation and of alternative silvicultural systems (i.e., partial cutting, e.g., selection and shelterwood methods) will provide additional information on plant succession for vegetation control methods other than chemicals and for harvest systems other than clearcutting.

Cooperators include:

Ontario Forest Research Institute (OFRI) (Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project; Competition Threshold Research)

University of Guelph (Agroforestry Research)

U.S. Forest Service, Redding Silviculture Laboratory, PSW Station (Garden of Eden Project; Challenge Experimental Forest Group Selection Research)

Institute for Silviculture and Forest Protection, Dresden, Germany (Plant Canopy, Leaf Area, Radiation Research)

National Institute for Agronomic Researche (INRA), Nancy, France (Regeneration of Beech Forests using Clearcut and Shelterwood Systems)

United Kingdom Forestry Commission (Reestablishment of Native Woodlands)

University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany (Litter Deposition, Decomposition, and Nutrient Cycling Research)

Recent Publications:

Reynolds, P.E. 2001. Effects of forestry practices on forest microclimate, pp. 623-634. In: Y. Villacampa, D.A. Brebbia, and J-L. Uso (Editors), Ecosystems and Sustainable Development III. An International Series on Advances in Ecological Sciences, Volume 10. WIT Press, Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst, Southhampton, SO40 7AA, United Kingdom.

Kuessner, R.; Reynolds, P.E.; Bell, F.W. 2000. Growth response of Picea mariana seedlings to competition for radiation. Scandinavian J. Forestry Research 15: 334-342.

Powers, R.F.; Reynolds, P.E. 2000. Intensive management of ponderosa pine plantations: sustainable productivity for the 21st century. J. Sustainable Forestry 10 (3/4): 249-255.

Reynolds, P.E.; Powers, R.F. 2000. Gas exchange for managed ponderosa pine stands positioned along a climatic gradient. J. Sustainable Forestry 10 (3/4): 257-265.

Reynolds, P.E.; Bell, F.W.; Simpson, J.A.; Lautenschlager, R.A.; Gordon, A.M.; Gresch, D.A.; Buckley, D.A. 2000. Alternative conifer release treatments affect competition levels, available light, net assimilation rates, and growth of white spruce seedlings. J. Sustainable Forestry 10 (3/4): 277-286.

Reynolds, P.E.; Bell, F.W.; Simpson, J.A.; Lautenschlager, R.A.; Gordon, A.M.; Gresch, D.A.; Buckley, D.A.; Winters, J.A. 2000. Microclimate changes following alternative conifer release treatments continue through three post-treatment growing seasons. J. Sustainable Forestry 10 (3/4): 267-275.

Reynolds, P.E.; Thevathasan, N.V.; Simpson, J.A.; Gordon, A.M.; Lautenschlager, R.A.; Bell, F.W.; Gresch, D.A.; Buckley, D.A. 2000. Alternative conifer release treatments affect microclimate and soil nitrogen mineralization. Forest Ecology and Management 133: 115-125.

Thevathasan, N.V.; Reynolds, P.E.; Kuessner, R.; Bell, F.W. 2000. Effects of controlled weed densities and soil types on soil nitrate accumulation, spruce growth, and weed growth. Forest Ecology and Management 133: 135-144.

Powers, R.F.; Reynolds, P.E. 1999. Ten-year responses of ponderosa pine plantations to repeated vegetation and nutrient control along an environmental gradient. Canadian J. Forestry Research 29: 1027-1038.

McDonald, P.M.; Reynolds, P.E. 1999. Plant community development after 28 years in small group selection openings. U.S.D.A. Forest Service Paper PSW-RP-241. Pacific Southwest Research Station. December 1999. 17 p.

Lautenschlager, R.A.; Bell, F.W.; Wagner, R.G.; Reynolds, P.E. 1998. The Fallingsnow Ecosystem Project: Documenting the consequences of conifer release treatments. J. Forestry 96(11): 20-27.

Reynolds, P.E.; Simpson, J.A.; Lautenschlager, R.A.; Bell, F.W.; Gordon, A.M.; Buckley, D.A.; Gresch, D.A. 1997. Alternative conifer release treatments affect below- and near-ground microclimate. The Forestry Chronicle 73 (1): 75-82.

Reynolds, P.E.; Bell, F.W.; Simpson, J.A.; Gordon, A.M.; Lautenschlager, R.A.; Gresch, D.A.; Buckley, D.A. 1997. Alternative conifer release treatments affect leaf area index of competing vegetation and available light for seedling growth. The Forestry Chronicle 73 (1): 83-89.

Simpson, J.A.; Gordon, A.M.; Reynolds, P.E.; Lautenschlager, R.A.; Bell, F.W.; Gresch, D.A.; Buckley, D.A. 1997. Effects of conifer release alternatives on soil nutrient movement. The Forestry Chronicle 73 (1): 69-73.