THE FOREST HABITAT TYPES IN SOUTHEASTERN MANITOBA AND THEIR APPLICATION TO FOREST MANAGEMENT

Abstract

A forest ecological land classification in southeastern Manitoba resulted in the description of 14 forest habitat types, including three subtypes. These are based on silviculturally significant differences of soil moisture and nutrient regime, which are interpreted through tangible features of the three ecosystem components: vegetation, soil, and landform. The types encompass the regional environment from the driest habitats on sand dunes to the wettest in low moor bogs and from the nutritionally poorest on siliceous sandy podzols to the richest on alluvial bottomlands.The classification is to serve as a basic framework for silvicultural practices in the area. Aspects of application to current forest management are discussed.