Jack pine (Pinus banksiana) seedling emergence is affected by organic horizon removal, ashes, soil, water and shade

Abstract

The effects of organic horizon removal, ashes, soil water, and shade on jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb) seedling emergence were investigated. For this purpose soil monoliths were taken to the laboratory and received prescribed burning, leading to 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 0% organic horizon removal. One half of each monolith contained ashes generated from burning whereas the other half was kept ash-free. Each half of every monolith was sown with jack pine seeds and the monoliths were then watered under four watering schedules (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of the regional average daily June rainfall) or shaded under four shading levels (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% photosynthetically active radiation). Seedling emergence was most successful under high watering schedules, increased depth of burn, high shading, and without ashes. Ash had an inhibitory effect on seedling emergence. © 1995 Kluwer Academic Publishers.