Ground vegetation has a major role in element dynamics in an ash-fertilized cut-away peatland

In Finland, recycling of wood-ash as a fertilizer has been widely studied in recent decades in peatlands drained for forestry. Wood-ash is reported to promote tree growth without any significant negative impacts on the environment and could, therefore, be a suitable option on cut-away peatlands, which are estimated to increase by 30,000 ha over the next ten years. However, the environmental effects of ash-fertilization on cut-away peatlands or on ground vegetation are not well known. We studied the effects of wood- and peat-ash application on the nutrient content in soil and plants and on the heavy metal content in the vegetation of a cut-away peatland. Six treatments of different quantities and mixtures of wood-ash, peat-ash, biotite, or Forest PK-fertilizer were replicated in three plots. Both wood- and peat-ash fertilization ensured an adequate level of nutrients for the early establishment and growth of ground vegetation and birch seedlings in a cut-away peatland. Dense pioneer moss cover was important in trapping the heavy metals, such as cadmium, which are present in the ash. Ground vegetation of mosses and herbaceous plants also had a major role in the retention of the nutrients that could otherwise have leached from the open cut-away peatland area during the early stages of afforestation. Both wood- and peat-ash proved to be suitable for the initial fertilization of afforested cut-away peatlands, but in order to guarantee a sufficient long-term potassium supply for tree growth, an application of biotite with the peat-ash is recommended.     

Afforestation of low-productivity peatlands in Sweden — the potential of natural seeding

In 1971, a series of five afforestation trials were established along a north-south gradient on open peatlands in Sweden. All areas were drained, fertilized and planted with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Survival and height of the planted trees as well as the amount of natural establishment, i.e. downy birch (Betula pubescens), silver birch (Betula pendula), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), and other deciduous species: (e.g. Salix sp., Sorbus aucuparia), by seeding from nearby forests were measured 18–22 years later. The amount of naturally established trees exceeded the number of living planted trees in all five areas. Next to downy birch, Scots pine was the most common naturally established species. Large variations in both amount and height of natural establishment were found along the climatic gradient. Planted trees were taller than naturally established trees, except for the northernmost area. Number and height of naturally established trees correlated positively to closeness to nearest forest and to nearest ditch. These trees also responded positively to PK fertilization in the three southernmost areas. In the two northernmost areas no such response was found. It was concluded that natural seeding from neighbouring forests can be counted on and recommended in afforestation of low-productive peatlands in Sweden, provided that downy birch is accepted as a dominant tree species.     

The effect of scalping on seedling establishment after seed tree cutting of Scots pine stands in drained peatlands in northern Finland

We studied the establishment of natural seedlings after seed tree cutting and scalping in two drained Scots pine peatland stands in northern Finland (Simo and Sievi). Approximately, 50?ha^?1 of Scots pine stems were retained on both sites. During the six subsequent years, five seedling surveys were conducted. The effect of site preparation was analysed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). The mean density of pine seedlings increased more quickly in the scalped plots and was ca. 1.1?m^?2 after six years compared to 0.87?m^?2 in the non-scalped plots, on average. Scalping increased the number of pine seedlings 2-fold compared to that in non-treated plots in Simo, however, in Sievi non-treated plots had 30% higher pine seedling density after six years. Downy birch seedling density was 9–10-fold compared to that of non-treated plots in both sites. In terms of seedling density, seed tree cutting led to satisfactory pine regeneration after just two growing seasons in drained pine peatlands, even without scalping. Scalping significantly increased the number of pine seedlings, but it also enhanced the germination of birch seedlings strongly.     

Early performance of native birch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Betula</Emphasis> spp.) planted on cutaway peatlands: influence of species,stock types and seedlings size

The poor reputation of birch in Ireland is gradually changing, and the interest shown in it by foresters is growing, as is the recognition of the many advantages that this genus offers, especially from an afforestation and ecosystem development point of view. The potential of native birch species was investigated on industrial cutaway peatlands in the Irish midlands. Field experiments were established to evaluate differences (in terms of survival, growth attributes and form) between B. pendula and B. pubescens, between bare-root and container planting, and between small and medium size seedlings. After five growing seasons, B. pendula was found to be the superior species especially on well drained and shallow peat sites. Bare-root B. pendula will grow faster with reasonable form but containerised birch may be favoured on more difficult sites (with deeper and wetter peat). Larger seedlings performed better, regardless of species. This study demonstrated good growth potential for planted birch on cutaway peatlands and that this species should be integrated in further planting programmes.     

Regeneration in windthrow areas in hemiboreal forests: the influence of microsite on the height growths of different tree species

Natural regeneration of windthrow areas is an important issue when planning forestry measures after forest disturbances. Seedling recruitment was investigated in storm-damaged hemiboreal mixed forests in eastern Estonia. The establishment and growth of seedlings from natural regeneration was registered for tree species in soil pits and in mounds of uprooted trees in stands that were either heavily or moderately damaged. Seedling growth is expected to be better in large but shallow soil pits created by uprooted Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] and poorer in small but deep pits created by the hardwoods in the area, silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and European aspen (Populus tremula L.). The most abundant regenerating species was birch. Pits hosted larger seedling numbers than mounds, due to soil instability in mounds. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) showed significantly faster growth than the other seedling species. Norway spruce pits were preferred to pits of other species by both birch and spruce seedlings. Black alder [Alnus glutinosa (L.) J. Gaertn.] did not show a preference for pits of a certain species of uprooted tree. Both spruce and rowan preferred hardwood mounds over spruce mounds. Storm severity also affected species composition: birch predominantly occurred on pits and mounds in heavily disturbed areas, while spruce was more abundant in the moderately damaged areas. The effects of advance regeneration and surrounding stands on seedling microsite preferences should be considered in future research and subsequent management recommendations.     

Natural Regeneration in Clear-cuts: Effects of Scarification,Slash Removal and Clear-cut Age

The effects of soil scarification (mounding), slash removal and clear-cut age on the natural regeneration in clear-cuts was evaluated using data from four sites in southern Sweden. The treatments were carried out during a good seed and establishment year for birch ( Betula pubescens Ehrh. and B. pendula Roth). Scarification had the strongest positive effect on the density of naturally regenerated seedlings, especially in birch, but also in pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) and spruce [ Picea abies (L.) Karst]. Slash removal had a positive effect on birch density. No statistically significant effect of clear-cut age was found. In addition, no statistically significant interactions between clear-cut age and scarification or slash removal were found. The ingrowth of field vegetation was the fastest in areas that were not scarified, less rapid in areas scarified on old clear-cuts, and the slowest after scarification in fresh clear-cuts. In conclusion, it may be possible to control the density of birch during a good establishment year for birch. If birch is desired, the best combination of treatments is to remove the slash and scarify; otherwise, these treatments should be avoided.     

Dynamics of seedling establishment and survival in uneven-aged boreal forests

The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics of seedling establishment and development in spruce-dominated uneven-aged boreal forests. The study was based on empirical data from 15 stands with permanent plots, which had been intensively monitored for 10 years in southern Finland. All trees (height > 1.3 m) were measured every fifth year. Regeneration was measured on 64 permanent sample plots (4 m²) in each stand. The establishment of first-year seedlings was analysed on a yearly basis. The survival and development of older Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) seedlings were analysed based on observations made every five years. The establishment of spruce seedlings was closely correlated with the abundance of seed crops. Seedling cohorts originating from abundant seed crops were clearly detectable in the development of seedling height distributions over time. It took about 15 years for spruce seedlings to reach a height level of 15-30 cm. Local basal area had hardly any effect on the emergence or survival of small spruce seedlings, while the number of higher spruce seedlings decreased with increasing local basal area.     

Can Eucalyptus invade native forest fragments close to commercial stands?

Some Eucalyptus species are widely used as a plantation crop in tropical and subtropical regions. One reason for this is the diversity of end uses, but the main reason is the high level of wood production obtained from commercial plantings. With the advancement of biotechnology it will be possible to expand the geographical area in which eucalypts can be used as commercial plantation crops, especially in regions with current climatic restrictions. Despite the popularity of eucalypts and their increasing range, questions still exist, in both traditional planting areas and in the new regions: Can eucalypts invade areas of native vegetation, causing damage to natural ecosystems biodiversity?The objective of this study it was to assess whether eucalypts can invade native vegetation fragments in proximity to commercial stands, and what factors promote this invasive growth. Thus, three experiments were established in forest fragments located in three different regions of Brazil. Each experiment was composed of 40 plots (1 m² each one), 20 plots located at the border between the forest fragment and eucalypts plantation, and 20 plots in the interior of the forest fragments. In each experimental site, the plots were paired by two soil exposure conditions, 10 plots in natural conditions and 10 plots with soil exposure (no plant and no litter). During the rainy season, 2 g of eucalypts seeds were sown in each plot, including Eucalyptus grandis or a hybrid of E. urophylla × E. grandis, the most common commercial eucalypt species planted in the three region. At 15, 30, 45, 90, 180, 270 and 360 days after sowing, we assessed the number of seedlings of eucalypts and the number of seedlings of native species resulting from natural regeneration. Fifteen days after sowing, the greatest number of eucalypts seedlings (37 m⁻²) was observed in the plots with lower luminosity and exposed soil. Also, for native species, it was observed that exposed soil improved natural germination reaching the highest number of 163 seedlings per square meter. Site and soil exposure were the factors that have the greatest influence on seed germination of both eucalypt and native species. However, 270 days after sowing, eucalypt seedlings were not observed at any of the three experimental sites. The result shows the inability of eucalypts to adapt to condition outside of their natural range. However, native species demonstrated their strong capacity for natural regeneration in forest fragments under the same conditions where eucalypts were seeded.     

The effects of species mixture on the growth and yield of mid-rotation mixed stands of Scots pine and silver birch

The effect of tree species mixture on stand volume yield and on tree-species-specific diameter and height growth rates were analysed in managed mixed stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Ehrn.).Data were obtained from 14 repeatedly measured stands located in Southern Finland on mineral soil sites with varying admixture of Scots pine and silver birch. Statistical analysis was carried out for studying the effect of species mixture on the development of stand characteristics. For the analysis, the plots were categorised into three groups (plot types) according to the species dominance. In order to analyse species-specific growth rates, individual-tree mixed linear growth models for tree diameter and height growth were developed for both tree species.The results clearly show that the yield of the managed mid-rotation, mixed stands was greater for stands dominated by Scots pine than for stands dominated by birch, and the stand volume increment decreased with an increasing proportion of silver birch. Analysis of diameter and height growth by tree species revealed that the main reason for this pattern is the negative impact of birch competition on the growth of pine trees. The increase in diameter of pine was clearly hampered if the proportion of birch was high. An abundance of birch also slightly decreased the growth in height of Scots pine, although the effect was less than on diameter growth. Species mixture did not affect the diameter growth of birch but did have a significant effect on height development. Height growth of birch was considerably greater in pine-dominated stands than in birch-dominated stands. In pine-dominated mixed stands, the height growth of birch was quite close to that of dominant pine trees, and birches can endure in competition with pines for light.The results apply for even-aged and single-storey managed stands, where stocking density and structure are controlled with pre-commercial and commercial thinnings. The results are not applicable to unmanaged mixed stands undergoing self-thinning. This study provides new information on mixed stands from a silvicultural perspective, which can be applied in decisions involving the management of mixed stands.     

Biomass production and carbon sequestration of dense downy birch stands on cutaway peatlands

The establishment of biomass plantations with short-rotation forestry principles is one of the after-use options for cutaway peatlands. We studied biomass production and carbon sequestration in the above- and below-ground biomass of 25 naturally afforested, 10–30 years old downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) stands located in peat cutaway areas in Finland. Self-thinning reduced the stand density from 122,000 trees ha^?1 (stand age of 10 years) to 10,000 trees ha^?1 (25–30 years), while the leafless above-ground biomass increased from 17?Mg ha^?1 up to 79–116?Mg ha^?1. The total leafless biomass (including stumps and roots) varied from 46 to 151?Mg ha^?1. The mean annual increment (MAI) of the above-ground biomass increased up to the stand age of 15 years, after which the MAI was on the average 3.2?Mg ha^?1a^?1. With below-ground biomass, the MAI of the stands older than 15 years was 4.7?Mg ha^?1. The organic matter accumulated in the O-layer on the top of the residual peat increased linearly with the stand age, reaching 29.3?Mg ha^?1 in the oldest stand. The O-layer contributed significantly to the C sink, and the afforestation with downy birch converted most of sites into C sinks.     

Development of bioavailable pools of base cations and P after afforestation of volcanic soils in Iceland

Few long-term studies have been conducted on changes in soil nutrients after afforestation in Iceland, a country with a young history of forest management. While fertilization was shown to improve survival of seedlings in the first years after planting on the nutrient limited soils, knowledge about the nutrients status of the soils that develop under maturing forest stands is still scarce. In a chronosequence study, the development of base cations and Olsen-phosphorus (Olsen-P) in the mineral soil was followed in six forest stands of two different tree species of increasing age (14–97 years): native birch (Betula pubescens) and introduced Siberian larch (Larix sibirica). A treeless heathland was included to present soil conditions prior to forest establishment. The sites are part of the largest forest area in Iceland, located in the east of the country. Results revealed an effect of stand age on all soil nutrients investigated except for potassium (K). Olsen-P increased in 0–10 cm depth of the mineral soil, indicating a better availability and thus improved P supply in maturing forest stands. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations decreased with stand age in 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil depth, while sodium (Na) decreased only in the upper soil layer. Only Olsen-P and K concentrations were higher in the upper soil layer as compared to 10–20 cm depth. This indicates a higher biotic control as opposed to the geochemical control of the other base cations.     

Impacts of hemlock looper defoliation on growth and survival of balsam fir, black spruce and white birch in Newfoundland, Canada

Hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria (Guen.)) is an economically damaging defoliator that undergoes periodic outbreaks in Newfoundland, Canada. It defoliates and causes extensive tree mortality to its primary host, balsam fir (Abies balsamea [L.] Mill.). We quantified tree survival using data from permanent sample plots (PSPs) and growth reduction or release using dendrochronology, and related these impacts to defoliation severity determined from annual aerial defoliation survey data. Such impact relationships are necessary as a fundamental input to a Decision Support System. Growth and survival of balsam fir, black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) and white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) were assessed from 1996 to 2008 in 48 Newfoundland Forest Service PSPs, selected based on four classes of defoliation severity. Two years of severe (71-100%) defoliation resulted in almost complete mortality for balsam fir, 10 years after defoliation, whereas survival was 70-80% for black spruce and white birch. Lower defoliation severity (1-2 years of moderate (31-70%) or 1 year of severe) resulted in approximately 60% survival for balsam fir and no reduction in survival for black spruce and white birch. Maximum growth reduction of balsam fir was 10-15% with 1 year of moderate-severe defoliation, 35-40% with 2 years of moderate defoliation, and about 50% with 2 years of severe defoliation. Growth recovered to pre-defoliation rates 5 years after defoliation ceased in all severity classes. Growth reduction and recovery of black spruce were more variable and lower than for balsam fir, and white birch exhibited only minor (<10%) growth reduction during the defoliation year or 1 year after defoliation. Control measures should focus on avoiding severe defoliation for two consecutive years.     

Changes in forest-floor chemistry caused by a birch admixture in Norway spruce stands

The aim of this study was to determine how soil chemistry and the distribution of fine roots (<1 mm) in the organic and upper mineral soil horizons were affected by an admixture of birch (Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrh.) in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) stands. The surface organic horizons (LF and H) and mineral soil were characterized to a depth of 10 cm on three sites in southern and central Sweden. On these sites, replicated plots had been established that contained either ca. 30-year-old birch growing as a shelter over similar-aged spruce (mixed plots) or spruce only. The treatments had been created 8–11 years before this study was done. A fourth site, with plots containing ca. 90-year-old spruce or birch/spruce, and a fifth site, with 30-year-old spruce and a low admixture (12% by basal area) of birch, were also included in the study. Concentrations of Ca and Mg and pH in the LF layer were significantly higher in plots with a birch admixture. In the H-horizon, concentrations of K, Ca and Mg were significantly higher in mixed plots than in plots with pure spruce. Consequently, base saturation was higher in mixed plots than in pure spruce plots. A shelter of birch decreased the total amount of spruce fine roots (<1 mm), as revealed at one of the sites. Total fine root biomass (birch + spruce) in the organic and mineral soil horizons (to 10 cm) did not differ significantly between the pure spruce stands and the spruce stands with a birch shelter.     

Pre-commercial thinning,birch admixture and sprout management in planted Norway spruce stands in South Sweden

Early management of the regenerated seedlings shapes the future stand properties. To address these issues, pre-commercial thinning (PCT) and control treatments were applied to planted Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) and naturally regenerated birch (Betula pendula Roth., Betula pubescens Ehrh.) stands in forest experiments in southern Sweden (lat. 56–57?N) containing 1.1–5.5?m tall saplings. The treatments were retention of 1000 or 2000?stems?ha^?1 of Norway spruce, with no birch or birch at 1000?stems?ha^?1. Treatments were replicated with and without annual removal of birch sprouts from stumps. The periodic annual increment (PAI) over five years was calculated for total stand volume and individual trees. The mean PAI of dominant trees was significantly higher both following all PCT treatments than controls, and following low rather than high-density PCT. Birch retention did not affect growth of the dominant trees but PAI was lower in plots with uncontrolled sprouting. The PAI of birch was significantly higher in low-density Norway spruce plots than in control plots and the high-density plots. The treatment response was significant even in stands with initial heights of only 1–2?m.     

The effects of the degree of soil cover with an impervious sheet on the establishment of tree seedlings in an arid environment

Low precipitation and high evaporation rates hinder the establishment of tree seedlings in arid environments. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of covering different fractions (0, 30, 70 and 100%) of the wetted area surrounding seedlings of Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L. Wendl. with a black polyethylene sheet on the seedlings development and water use. The cover treatments were applied to plots with and without Acacia seedlings. Within the mulched areas at all depths, soil temperatures close to the edges were lower than at the corresponding depth close to the center, but still higher than in the non-mulched plots. In plots with Acacia seedlings, the total soil water losses were similar among treatments. However, the cumulative evaporative losses near the soil surface were lower with larger mulched areas. During early growth stages, roots grew deeper in the 30% mulch treatment and more laterally in the other mulched treatments. The non-mulched treatment produced the smallest root system. Larger canopies developed in the mulched treatments and the gross water use efficiency increased with the increasing fraction of the mulched area. Optimum utilization of stored soil water and seedling development were attained with the 70% mulch treatment.     

Influence of different nursery container media on rooting of Scots pine and silver birch seedlings after transplanting

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) seedlings were grown in containers filled with growth media based on medium-textured sphagnum peat, coarse perlite and fine sand. The seedlings were then planted into fine and coarse sandy soils in 2.2 l pots, which were subjected to two water-content treatments (only one for birch). After the seedlings had grown five weeks in a greenhouse, rooting into the surrounding soil and shoot growth were measured. Addition of perlite and sand to peat medium slightly affected rooting; thus suggesting minor effects on seedling establishment. However, nitrogen concentration of the seedlings varied between growth media and correlated positively with rooting into the soil. The particle size and water content of the soil affected considerably rooting of the seedlings. Seedling height at the time of planting did not affect rooting or shoot growth. The fact that the fewest out-grown roots occurred in the dry fine sandy soil, suggests that dry soil together with high strength and resistance to root penetration reduce rooting and water uptake by container seedlings most and may thus cause water and nutrient stresses to seedlings after outplanting.     

The impact of climate,drainage and fertilization on the survival and growth of pinus sylvestris L. in afforestation of open,low‐production peatlands

The objective of this study was to analyse the conditions for forest production on open, low‐production peatlands in Sweden with respect to climate, and water and nutrient regimes. The study focused on survival and growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings, planted 18 yrs ago in five experimental areas evenly distributed between south and north Sweden. Different ditch spacing and NPK fertilizer treatments were combined systematically in all experiments. Survival was positively correlated with temperature sum, fertilization and drainage intensity. Tree growth was not influenced by variations in temperature sum after merely draining, but in combination with fertilization, growth was strongly correlated with climate. In the southern experiments, fertilization increased stand growth eight to nine times, whereas stands on the northern sites did not respond to fertilization. The most important fertilizer element was P. The application of N had no effect on growth. More intensive drainage increased stand growth by 60%. In the southern areas, height development in the most intensive drainage and fertilizer treatments indicates a mean annual increment of 6–7 m³ ha^?1, and no sign of decline in growth was seen. Turf‐planting had positive effects on both survival and growth, especially in less intensively drained plots. A large proportion of damaged trees was observed in the experiment. The frequency of damaged trees was positively correlated with treatment intensity but negatively correlated with temperature sum. The results show clearly that merely draining is not sufficient for successful afforestation of low‐production peatland sites. Fertilization by P and K is a necessary prerequisite, but the effect of fertilization varies with climatic conditions, probably owing to the amount of plant‐available N.     

Temporal and spatial patterns of net photosynthesis in 12-year-old loblolly pine five growing seasons after thinning

Physiological parameters were measured under natural light conditions and needle orientation from towers and walkways erected in the canopy of a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation. Four silvicultural treatments were randomly assigned to the twelve plots in the fall of 1988. Plots were thinned to a density of 731 trees per hectare or left unthinned, at a density of 2990 trees per hectare. The plots were left unfertilized or fertilized with 744 kg/ha of diammonium triple superphosphate was applied. During the fifth growing season (1993) following thinning and fertilization, needle level physiology was not different with respect to the thinning treatment for fertilized or unfertilized plots. In contrast, upper crown levels within the fertilized and unfertilized plots had significantly higher light levels and photosynthetic rates than lower crown foliage. Light levels were greater in the thinned, fertilized plots than in the unthinned, fertilized plots. In contrast, no effect of thinning on canopy light levels was found in the unfertilized plots. Within crown variation in photosynthesis was strongly dependent on canopy light levels. A strong interaction of canopy level with thinning was apparent for net photosynthesis. Loblolly pine, being a shade intolerant species, showed only small physiological differences between needles from different parts of the crown. Because of the variability found in this study, more extensive sampling is needed to correctly describe the physiology of a forest canopy with adequate precision.     

Leguminous seedling establishment in Tamaulipan thornscrub of northeastern Mexico

Due to extensive land clearing in northeastern Mexico, there is an increasing need for restoration for which knowledge on plant establishment biology becomes a priority, for restoration practices. In here we tested the influence of current environmental variation on the establishment biology of common woody species from Tamaulipan thornscrub. Seedling establishment was monitored; four native species (Acacia berlandieri Benth., Ebenopsis ebano (Benth.) Coult, Havardia pallens (Benth.) Brintton and Rose, Prosopis laevigata (Humb & Bonpl. ex. Wild.) M.C. Johston), and one exotic species (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit). Seedling emergence, seedling survivorship, length of stems and number of leaves were evaluated over 1 year in environments with different light regimes: (i) dense thornscrub; (ii) thornscrub edge; (iii) cleared thornscrub (direct sunlight). Ten plots of 4 m² (2 m × 2 m) were sampled in each environment. Seedling emergence occurred on spring and late summer and was greater on dense thornscrub for all species. Native species had higher survivorship and growth and had more leaves in dense thornscrub than in other environments. Exotic L. leucocephala had similar survivorship, shoot length and number of leaves across environments. All seedlings from all species died by late spring, possibly due to environmental stress. Seedling survival was longer for all native plants, as there were surviving seedlings in early spring for all species but not of exotic L. leucocephala. Perhaps mainly as a result of high temperature and low humidity. Additional watering, shading and moisture retaining gels should thus be considered when rehabilitation programs are made with seeds and seedlings in the region.     

Can the impact of deer browsing on tree regeneration be mitigated by shelterwood cutting and strip clearcutting?

Silvicultural treatments creating large canopy openings failed to restore regeneration of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) due to browsing pressure from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann). Consequently, we tested two alternative silvicultural treatments aimed at improving balsam fir establishment on Anticosti Island (Québec, Canada). In 1998 and 1999, we set up shelterwood seed cutting using three harvest intensities (0, 25 and 40% of basal area) and strip clearcutting with scarification using three different strip widths (15, 30 and 45 m), both with fenced and unfenced regeneration plots, in balsam fir stands. After 8 years, shelterwood seed cutting did not allow the establishment of new balsam fir seedlings, nor the development of unbrowsed balsam fir seedlings. In the strip clearcutting, deer browsing suppressed growth of palatable species in all strip widths. This favoured the development of unpalatable species, especially white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss). Our study demonstrates that the use of silvicultural treatments alone is unlikely to restore balsam fir regeneration on Anticosti Island, as long as the deer population remains higher than 20 deer/km².