Effects of Site Preparation on Seedling Growth: A Preliminary Comparison of Broadcast Burning and Pile Burning

摘要

Site preparation is often necessary to obtain adequate forest regeneration, but inappropriate treatment may reduce subsequent growth. Broadcast-burned and piled-and-burned plantations were studied in southwestern Oregon to determine if burning method affected the growth of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). The measured and potential heights of 5-year-old seedlings were about equal where broadcast burning occurred, but measured heights were less than potential heights on most of the piled-and-burned plantations. Site quality probably is damaged by piling and burning.