Can an experienced planter make a difference in
wetland forest restoration?
Frequently,
wetland forest restoration resembles normal silviculture (i.e., a monoculture
is planted in rows). This is not characteristic of natural wetland forests
where species and spacing vary. We examined how a knowledgeable planter
might affect success of forest restoration by allowing selection of
species and/or location. Four seedlings of five species (baldcypress
[Taxodium distichum], water tupelo [Nyssa aquatica], water hickory [Carya
aquatica], overcup oak [Quercus lyrata], and swamp chestnut oak [Q.
michauxii] were planted using three different strategies. Two strategies
used equal (4 x 4 m) spacing with either randomly or intelligently selected
species and the third strategy used intelligently selected species and
planting location. Five (480 m2) plots for each strategy were chosen
such that each plot had an obvious elevation gradient with an intermittent
stream on one side. The planter could exploit the differing species
characteristics relative to the gradient. Plots were located in a severely
disturbed stream delta containing ash, willow, and pine saplings that
invaded the site over the previous 10 years. Survival, basal area, and
height have not differed significantly based on planting strategy over
the eight years since planting. Overall survival of water tupelo declined
to 25%, while survival of the other species exceeded 75%. Overcup oak
had the greatest height and basal area. Intelligent planting did not
increase survival or growth in this field experiment.
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| Fourmile Branch has a base flow of ~ 1 m3/s, but carried 10 X this much water while receiving thermal effluents for 30 years. Thermal effluents raised the water level by 15-30 cm and impacted approximately 90 hectares of swamp and bottomland hardwood forest. Currently, small braided streams form a network over the delta. | |
