Conversion of an industrial cutaway peatland to a Betulacea family tree species plantation
Laen...
Kuupäev
2019
Kättesaadav alates
Autorid
Neimane, S.
Celma, S.
Butlers, A.
Lazdiņa, D.
Ajakirja pealkiri
Ajakirja ISSN
Köite pealkiri
Kirjastaja
Abstrakt
To evaluate the potential of establishing a deciduous tree plantation on an industrial
cutaway peatland over an 8 ha large experimental site was established in the central part of Latvia
and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) and black alder (Alnus glutionsa (L.) Gaertn.) tree species
were planted. As it is a harsh and unfavorable environment wood ash, otherwise a waste product,
was used as a fertiliser and liming material in three applications (5, 10 and 15 t ha-1
). In
comparison with control, fertilised soils had higher Ca, Mg, P amounts, whilst the most
substantial difference was seen in the amount of K. Application of wood ash also considerably
increased soil pH from 3.5 (Control) to 5.9 (15 t ha-1
). Even though showing reduced growth in
unfertilised soil both alder and birch seedling survival rate was higher than 80%. The highest
survival rate for birch was under wood ash treatment, while alder under 10 t ha-1 wood ash
fertiliser treatment showed the lowest survival rate i.e. 81%. In total, more than 60 naturally
occurring vegetation species were observed in the first and the second year of sites establishment
after fertilisation. Species as Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Populus tremula, Pinus
sylvestris, Salix spp. often occurred from natural vegetation regeneration. Already after one year
of vegetation succession increase in tree and shrub species cover was observed, suggesting
perhaps such areas can be naturally afforested thus creating a more heterogeneous forest stand.
In such a way sustaining economic use of land resources after peat extraction while providing
other ecosystem services.
Kirjeldus
Article
Märksõnad
afforestation, drained peatland, wood ash fertilization, articles