Soil-Site Factors Associated with Ecological Land Types in Northeastern Wisconsin and Their Influence on Survival and Growth of Red Pine (Pinus resinosa AIT.) Seedlings on Hardwood Conversion Sites
File(s)
Date
1986-07Author
Trobaugh, John R.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Hardwood conversion to red pine (Pinus resinosa
Ait.) is actively being conducted on the Padus, Pence,
and Vilas Ecological Land Types (ELT's) in northeastern
Wisconsin. Before clearcutting, 10 plots were located
on each ELT and selected soil-site characteristics were
sampled. Discriminant analysis showed that some of
these characteristics were effective in discriminating
between the three ELT's. The "U" or "jackknife" method
of error estimation produced correct classifications of
83.3%, 66.7%, 56.7%, and 41.2% for the following data
sets: soil and understory vegetation variables, soil
variables only, understory vegetation variables only,
and post-cut understory vegetation variables,
respectively. In the spring after clearcutting each of
the 30 plots were planted with 20 2-0 bare root red pine
seedlings. After one growing season there were no
significant differences in seedling survival or average
height growth on the three ELT's. Average diameter
growth on the Vilas was significantly higher when
compared with the Pence, and the Padus was intermediate.
The level of competing vegetation was evaluated at the
end of the-first growing season and no significant
differences were found at that time. On a six plot
subsample, seedling characteristics (diameter,
height, and needle water tension) and site
characteristics (soil water tension, soil temperature,
total soil nitrogen, and ammonium and nitrate
concentrations) were measured on July 3, 7, 30, and
August 13, 1985. Multivariate analysis of variance on a
repeated measures design showed that first year seedling
growth parameters were significant with respect to time
but not ELT. Analysis of seedling water tension and
site characteristics showed that the sandiest soil
(Vilas) had the poorest water relations and lowest
nitrogen levels, but this was not reflected in first
year growth. This study has shown that there were soilsite
differences between the Padus, Pence, and Vilas
ELT's, but that one growing season was not sufficient
time to produce clear differences in seedling survival,
growth, or the level of competing vegetation.