Frequencies and patterns of browsing by large herbivores on conifer seedlings

Browsing by large herbivores on planted and naturally regenerated conifer seedlings (Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris) was recorded in 104 clear-cuts in east-central Sweden during 1990 and in 47 clear-cuts in 1991. The number of seedlings browsed and the browsing patterns were analysed in relation to seedling type. Browsing frequencies were also compared between forest stands with different site productivities and subjected to different management practices. The variation in the number of seedlings browsed in 1990 was explained mainly by seedling category. Among both planted and naturally regenerated seedlings, pine was browsed more than spruce. Two-year-old containerized seedlings of spruce was browsed more than 4-yr-old bare-rooted spruce. In 1991, browsing was more equal among species and seedling types. Number of seedlings with their leader browsed and the amount of biomass left after browsing differed significantly between seedling types. Seedlings that had been browsed in 1990 experienced significantly higher browsing frequencies in 1991 when compared with unbrowsed seedlings. The effects of stand characteristics were not found to be significant.