Regrowth of forest understory species following seasonal burning

Abstract

Small experimental plots in mixed-wood stands of the Acadian Forest were burned in the spring, summer, and autumn to obtain an estimate of the regrowth potential of common forest understory species. The number of stems was measured before burning and then monthly for 5 months thereafter. Supportive experiments on seasonal transplanting were conducted at the same time to determine regrowth potential after interspecific competition had been removed. Regrowth potential of species varied among seasonal burning treatments as expected and was strongest for Maianthemum canadense, Vaccinium myrtilloides, Andromeda glaucophylla, Vaccinium angustifolium, Viburnum cassinoides, and Betula populifolia. These species, which showed a 10-fold increase in stem number, could compete successfully with tree seedling number and composition and thus ultimately alter forest stand composition.