Natural regeneration of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill) B.S.P.) on lowland clearcut strips near Shebandowan, Ontario

Abstract

Growing conditions for black spruce natural regeneration on clearcut strips were studied near Shebandowan, Ontario. These conditions were significantly different from those present in the mature, residual forest in the study area. Furthermore, growing conditions changed with increased age of the clearcut strips. The most favourable seedbed (sphagnum) and limited hardwood competition were present only for few years following harvesting. The succession of less favourable seedbeds (sedges, hardwood litter) and severe hardwood competition had a negative impact on density and stocking of spruce regeneration. Height growth based on stem analysis data of regenerated and residual trees were expressed by a Weibull function. Half of the natural regeneration consisted of advance growth. The growth progressions for both advanced growth and new regeneration closely fit the growth models for the GOOD site disregarding early suppression. This study demonstrates that utilizing narrow, progressive clearcut strips and control of competition will produce a well stocked new forest as productive as the old forest on lowland, conifer site types.