Survival and Growth of Douglas-Fir Seedlings after Prescribed Burning of a Brushfield in Southwest Oregon

Authors: Helgerson, Ole T.; McNabb, David H.; Hobbs, Stephen D.

Source: Western Journal of Applied Forestry, Volume 6, Number 3, 1 July 1991 , pp. 55-59(5)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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Abstract:

The effects of prescribed fire on reforestation were assessed on a north-facing brushfield in southwest Oregon. For site preparation, the brush was slashed and either burned or left unburned. Five years after planting, survival of 2-0 bareroot seedlings of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) was high, irrespective of treatment, but seedlings were larger and grew significantly faster in burned than in unburned areas. The initially greater annual relative growth rate of seedlings in burned areas declined as brush recovered. Brush recovered at similar rates on burned and unburned areas, but significantly greater brush cover was present on the unburned area because of an extra season's growth before planting. Planting should occur as soon as possible after disturbance by slashing or burning to minimize competition from brush. West. J. Appl. For. 6(3):55-59.

Document Type: Journal article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University

Publication date: 1991-07-01

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