Conversion of pure spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) stands into mixed stands by direct-seeding of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) - effects of canopy density and fine root biomass on seed germination : Forest Ecosystem Restoration. Ecological and Economical Impacts of Restoration Processes in Secondary Coniferous Forests

2000

S. 15-18

18 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200069851

Under the canopies of two pure spruce stands, three different treatments of direct-seeding (control, direct seeding and liming, direct seeding covered with beech leaf litter) were tested. On 900 sample units the germination and the seedling mortality was recorded from 1997 to 1999. The mean number of seedlings did not increase by liming coincident with seeding. In contrast, the covering of seeds with leaf litter caused a remarkable increase in germination rates. As regression analysis showed, the degree of canopy aperture (obtained from hemispherical photographs), as well as fine-root biomass of the overstory, estimated by a model, explained 48 % and 39 % of the variation in total seedling number per sample unit. Canopy aperature as well as fine root biomass effect the water content of the soil. Therefore, it can be concluded, that the success of direct - seeding of beech under the canopy of pure spruce stands depends considerably on soil moisture at the time when the direct seeding is carried out and the weeks following the seeding.