%0 Research article
%T Planted Picea mariana growth and nutrition as influenced by silviculture x nursery interactions on an ericaceous-dominated site
%A Thiffault, Nelson
%A Hébert, François
%A Jobidon, Robert
%D 2012
%J Silva Fennica
%V 46
%N 5
%R doi:10.14214/sf.918
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/918
%X We aimed at evaluating the interacting effects of silvicultural and  nursery practices on planted black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP)  dimensions, growth, survival and nutrition, 8 years following planting  on a carefully logged boreal stand heavily invaded by Kalmia  angustifolia L. and Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron & Judd.  We also evaluated functional traits related to light and nutrient  acquisition and key environmental resource availability to interpret  treatment impacts on spruce seedling leaf traits and growth. An  experimental black spruce plantation, consisting in a randomized block  split-split-split plot design with 13 replicates was established in  northeastern Quebec (Canada). Scarification (single-pass, double-pass),  fertilization at the time of planting (control; macronutrients only;  macro + micronutrients), stock type (container-grown; bare-root), and  initial foliar N concentration (4 increasing levels) treatments were  applied, and measurements were performed 5 and 8 years following  planting. Double-pass scarification significantly increased soil  temperature and reduced the competition cover, compared to the  single-pass treatment. As a result, double-pass scarification promoted  seedling growth over the single-pass treatment, and influenced the  expression of other treatment effects. However, the relative gains  associated with the second scarification pass have to be balanced  against the supplemental investment involved by the treatment before  being recommended. Our results point to variable effects of  fertilization at planting to stimulate seedling initial growth. In this  ecosystem, it appears that the silvicultural gains of this treatment  depend on the variable of interest. Bare-root seedlings grew faster than  containerized seedlings in the most intense site preparation treatment,  but the differences have limited silvicultural impacts.