Establishment and early growth of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) in Acton Township Ontario

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different site preparation methods on the establishment and growth of jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) on two different soil types. These sites were either site prepared using TTS Disc Trencher or by prescribed burning; sites were regenerated by seeding or by containerized planting. Data were collected in 7 year old jack pine plantations near Wawa, Ontario on soils developed from glacialfluvial and moraine deposits. A total of 600 sample trees were randomly selected representing the soil types, the site preparation and the regeneration methods. The sampled trees were cut and their total volume determined. The data were analysed as a split-plot design. The analysis of variance showed no significant difference between the seeded and containerized planted trees except with growth of basal area per hectare. There was also no significant difference in growth between soil type or between areas site prepared by the TTS Disc Trencher, prescribed burn or without site preparation. Both the seeded and containerized planted areas met the jack pine growth standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Although planted trees are larger than those obtained by seeding, the present net value for seeded stock is greater than that for planted stock. A complete factorial analysis of the data showed a significant difference in stems per hectare and total tree volume for the soil types and site preparation methods. Further investigation of these differences may be important to the forest manager.