Study

Six years of plant community development after clearcut harvesting in western Washington

  • Published source details Peter D.H. & Harrington C. (2009) Six years of plant community development after clearcut harvesting in western Washington. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 39, 308-319.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Apply herbicides after restoration planting

Action Link
Forest Conservation

Remove woody debris after timber harvest

Action Link
Forest Conservation
  1. Apply herbicides after restoration planting

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1999-2006 in temperate coniferous forest in Washington State, USA (1) found that controlling vegetation using herbicides after restoration planting decreased plant species richness and diversity. Species richness (control: 24; herbicide: 17) and diversity (Simpson's index control: 0.83; herbicide: 0.35) were lower in treated plots. Data were collected in 2006 in two plots (30 × 85 m) of each control and herbicide (annual herbicide applications) treatments in each of four blocks that had been clearcut in 1999. In all plots tree trunks were removed and Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings were planted in 2000.

     

  2. Remove woody debris after timber harvest

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1999-2006 in temperate coniferous forest in Washington State, USA (Peter & Harrington 2009) found no effect of removing all woody material after clearcutting on plant species richness and diversity compared with removing only tree trunks. Species richness (trunk removal: 17; complete-removal: 16) and diversity (Simpson's index: trunk removal: 0.36; complete removal: 0.27) were similar between treatments. Data were collected in 2006 in two plots (30 × 85 m) of each treatment, trunk removal only and removal of all woody material. Treatments applied after clearcutting in 1999 in each of four blocks. In all plots Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings were planted in 2000 and vegetation-control herbicide was applied annually.

     

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