Boreal Plant Community Diversity 10 Years After Glyphosate Treatment

Abstract

Abstract This study examined 10 and 12 yr posttreatment effects of broadcast and spot application of glyphosate for site preparation on structural diversity, species richness and diversity, and crop tree growth in two boreal forest plant communities in northeastern British Columbia. At the broadcast-sprayed site, reduced dominance of the tall shrub layer was associated with increased structural diversity and increased richness of the herb layer 10 yr after treatment. At the spot-sprayed site, no significant differences in plant community structure or diversity could be detected after 12 yr. At both sites, glyphosate application increased the growth of planted white spruce (Picea glauca) seedlings without eliminating deciduous trees and shrubs. The results indicate that a single application of glyphosate to prepare sites for reforestation can improve crop tree performance without adversely affecting vascular plant community diversity. West. J. Appl. For. 15(1):15-26.