The Role of Microsite Conditions in Restoring Trembling Aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx) from Seed.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Schott, Kaitlin M.; Karst, Justine; Landhäusser, Simon M.
- Source
- Restoration Ecology. May2014, Vol. 22 Issue 3, p292-295. 4p.
- Subject
- *POPULUS tremuloides
*SEEDS
*PLANT ecology
*PLANT species
*SEEDLINGS
- Language
- ISSN
- 1061-2971
Encouraging natural regeneration of Populus tremuloides Michx (trembling aspen) from seed is a largely unexplored means for reintroducing the species into reclamation areas. We evaluated the effects of microsite (surface contour and substrate type) on aspen seedling establishment and growth on a reclaimed coal mine. The 4.6 ha study site was divided into six 48 m-wide strips that had 15 or 40 cm capping material salvaged from a nearby forest floor added to the mine surface. We surveyed 126 m long transects located in the center of each strip for microsite conditions, and the presence and height of aspen seedlings. We found that aspen seedlings generally preferred mineral-organic substrates and concave microsites. To facilitate the regeneration of aspen by seed, we suggest that land managers increase small-scale roughness and microtopographic diversity on reclaimed sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]