Buried viable propagules as a factor in postfire regeneration in northern Saskatchewan

Abstract

Soils collected from seven sample plots in a burned mixed-wood area in northern Saskatchewan were held at optimum laboratory conditions to determine the number of viable seeds and latent underground buds. A total of 270 plants developed, representing a rate of emergence of 426 plants/m2 of which 372 plants (87%) originated from seed and 54 (13%) came from remnant roots or rhizomes. In addition, 19 birch seeds were extracted from the soil following the germination tests giving a total count of 456 propagules/m2. Tree species accounted for 42.9% of this total.