Impact of slash removal, drag scarification, and mounding on lodgepole pine cone distribution and seedling regeneration after cut-to-length harvesting on high elevation sites

Published source details Landhäusser S.M. (2009) Impact of slash removal, drag scarification, and mounding on lodgepole pine cone distribution and seedling regeneration after cut-to-length harvesting on high elevation sites. Forest ecology and management, 258, 43-49.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Manage woody debris before tree planting Action Link
	Prepare the ground before tree planting Action Link
	Remove woody debris after timber harvest Action Link
	Use soil scarification or ploughing to enhance germination Action Link

Manage woody debris before tree planting

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2001-2006 in temperate coniferous forest in Alberta, Canada (Landhäusser 2009) found that woody debris removal decreased the mortality of planted lodgepole pine Pinus contorta seedlings. Mortality of planted seedlings was lower in removal (3%) than control plots (11%). Twelve removal (woody debris removed in winter 2001) and 12 control (woody debris not removed) plots (30 × 30 m) were planted with lodgepole pine (2,000 seedlings/ha) in 2002. The mortality of 20 planted seedlings/plot was monitored in 2003-2006.
Prepare the ground before tree planting

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2001-2006 in temperate coniferous forest in Alberta, Canada (Landhäusser 2009) found that ground preparation treatments decreased the mortality of planted Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta seedlings. Mortality of planted seedlings was lower in soil mound (1%) and scarification (2%) than untreated plots (11%). Twelve mound, 12 scarification and 12 control plots (30 × 30 m) were established in winter 2001 and planted with lodgepole pine (2,000 seedlings/ha) in 2002. Mortality of planted pines (2003-2006) was monitored by selecting 20 seedlings in each plot.
Remove woody debris after timber harvest

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2001-2006 in temperate coniferous forest in Alberta, Canada (Landhäusser 2009) found no effect of woody debris removal on the density and height of pine seedlings. The density (1,308 seedlings/ha) and height (20 cm) of seedlings were similar between treatments. Twelve removed (woody debris removal in winter 2001) and 12 unremoved plots (30 × 30 m) were established in 2002. Density and height of regenerated seedlings were measured in 2006 in five subplots (10 m²) within each plot.
Use soil scarification or ploughing to enhance germination

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2001-2006 in temperate coniferous forest in Alberta, Canada (Landhäusser 2009) found that mechanical soil scarification increased the density, but not the height of naturally regenerated pine seedlings. The density of pine seedlings was higher in scarification plots (scarification: >10,000; control: <1,000 seedlings/ha), while their height was similar between treatments (18-25 cm). Twelve scarification (in winter 2001) and 12 control plots (30 × 30 m) were established in 2002. Density and height of pine seedlings was measured in 2006 in five subplots (10 m²) within each plot.