Factors related to seedling growth in a boreal Scots pine stand: a spatial analysis of a vegetation–soil system

Abstract

The spatial structure of vegetation and soil properties of a patchy Scots pine (Pinussylvestris L.) forest of 1 ha was described and examined in relation to the height growth of pine seedlings in the understory. Measured ecosystem properties included the distribution and sizes of canopy trees, within-stand radiation regime, composition of understory vegetation, and topsoil and mineral soil properties. The joint distance dependent effects of large trees were described as the influence potential, derived from the ecological field theory approach. The variation in understory vegetation and soil characteristics was described as score values, derived from multivariate analyses, summarizing the variation of multiple measured variables; factor analysis was used for topsoil and mineral soil properties and canonical correspondence analysis was used for understory species composition. The spatial variation of variables was examined and mapped using geostatistical techniques. The influence potential of canopy trees, as determined by their size and spatial distribution, correlated most strongly with seedling growth, so that the height growth of seedlings was retarded in the vicinity of trees. Correlations suggest that canopy trees also affected seedlings indirectly through their dominating effect on the properties of understory vegetation and humus layer. The mineral soil nutrient content showed a weak positive correlation with seedling height growth. All the factors related to seedling growth showed substantial small-scale variation across the 1-ha study site. The analysis suggests that the variation in seedling height growth in the understory of the studied Scots pine stand is largely caused by the spatial heterogeneity of both above- and below-ground factors and by the joint effect of their complex interaction.

Predicting the probability of seed germination in Pinus sylvestris L. and four competitor shrub species after fire

“…It has been reported that shrub species affect Scots pine regeneration [19]. Although spatial heterogeneity [24] and an efficient dispersal strategy [14] have been suggested as possible explanations for height growth in Scots pine, interspecific competition can also explain the multicohort stand dynamic found in Scots pine stands [19].…”

Barriers against wear affect the spatial distribution of tree saplings in urban woodlands

“…Large trees suppress seedlings and saplings by restricting the availability of nutrients, light and moisture (Kalela, 1942;Kuuluvainen et al, 1993;Kuuluvainen, 1994). However, tree roots may be unevenly distributed and some may have a low vigour (Laitakari, 1927).…”

Density and population structure of the natural regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the High Ebro Basin (Northern Spain)

“…The establishment of new seedlings in the stands may be caused by the loss of vitality and death of shrubs, grasses and other tree seedlings due to the effect of drought in dry years. The variation in height growth of Scots pine seedlings has been suggested to be caused mostly by the spatial heterogeneity of the stand [21]. Differences in microsite variables affecting height growth could explain the possibility of promotion of later settlers to the dominant stratum.…”