Integrating plant autecology and silvicultural activites to prevent forest vegetation management problems

Abstract

Type, intensity, timing, and frequency of silvicultureal activities interact with the autecological characteristics of forest weeds to affect their survival or invasion. Autecological characteristics include 1) habitat requirements, 2) modes of reproduction, 3) growth habit, 4) phenology and 5) response to disturbance. Modifying silvicultural activities based on analysis of site conditions and an understanding of plant autecology can move vegetation management into a "prevention loop' thus reducing dependence on herbicides for stand tending. -from Authors