An analysis of the effect of shelterwood, seeding density and scarification on the regeneration of Sitka spruce on a forest site in Co. Wicklow.

  • Niall Farrelly Forest Service, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, Ireland.
  • Michael Keane Coillte, Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
  • Áine Ní Dhubháin Department of Crop Science, Horticulture and Forestry, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Keywords: Sitka spruce, regeneration, shelterwood, soil scarification, seeding rate.

Abstract

An experiment to measure the effect of shelterwood, scarification and seeding rate on the regeneration and survival of Sitka spruce was established in a mature stand of Sitka spruce in Co. Wicklow. Two levels of shelterwood and a clearcut control were randomly assigned in a randomised block design. The shelterwood treatments were established by thinning the plantation to retain 150 or 300 stems ha-1. Within the shelterwood treatments sub-plots were established comprising three seeding rates and two soil scarification treatments in factorial combination. The effect of the treatments on the establishment and survival of seedlings after one growing season was determined. Results showed that survival in the 300 stems ha-1 shelterwood treatment plots was significantly higher than in the other treatments. The benefit of soil scarification on seedling survival was only evident in the 300 stems ha-1 treatment plots. Seeding rate did not result in a significant difference in the number of seedlings surviving after the first growing season.
Published
2003-11-01
How to Cite
Farrelly, N., Keane, M. and Ní Dhubháin, Áine (2003) “An analysis of the effect of shelterwood, seeding density and scarification on the regeneration of Sitka spruce on a forest site in Co. Wicklow. ”, Irish Forestry. Available at: https://journal.societyofirishforesters.ie/index.php/forestry/article/view/9934 (Accessed: 28March2024).
Section
Articles