Nutrient availability and regeneration response after partial cutting and site preparation in eastern white pine

A 27-ha field experiment was set-up to study the effects of thinning, site preparation and underplanting in three 110-year-old natural eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) stands using a four replicate, randomized block design. Three thinning and four site preparation treatments were applied, White pine seedlings were underplanted in sub-plots. Three years after treatment, a sample of natural and planted white pine seedlings was harvested to characterize growth and nutrient uptake. Ion exchange resin bags were used to assess soil nutrient availability. Light (PAR), soil moisture and soil temperature were assessed throughout the growing season. Nutrient availability was lower in the third as compared to the second growing season after treatment. Generally, environmental conditions improved and nutrient uptake and seedling growth increased after the silvicultural treatments were applied. Early white pine seedling growth was greatest following thinning of the overstory to a two-crown spacing, together with scarification and brush control. Crown Copyright (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.