Regeneration of different coniferous stands in iceland after windthrow
In this master’s thesis, I investigated the stands of three conifers non-native to Iceland (Sitka spruce, Picea sitchensis, Norway spruce, Picea abies, and lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta), which were damaged by windthrow in 2015. The stands studied between 64°30’ N 21°24' W and 64°31' N 21...
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| Format: | Manuscript essay |
| Language: | English |
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2018-04-19
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| Summary: | In this master’s thesis, I investigated the stands of three conifers non-native to Iceland (Sitka spruce, Picea sitchensis, Norway spruce, Picea abies, and lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta), which were damaged by windthrow in 2015. The stands studied between 64°30’ N 21°24' W and 64°31' N 21°26' W are located in a narrow strip along the northern side of Lake Skorradalvatn in western Iceland, mainly on Dark Andosol soils. I analyzed the succession processes in 80 sample stands (24-30 plots for each species), including the occurrence of herbaceous species, and the appearance of regrowth in the sampling plots. Regeneration was successful in locations where the windthrown area was adjacent to or neighboured coniferous stands, or where mother trees capable of seed production were present. The average number of seedlings of spontaneous origin were as follows: Norway spruce 4000; Sitka spruce 7000, and lodgepole pine; 10000 seedlings/hectare. I prepared several proposals regarding the future management of the stands, which include development of heterogeneous stands that are more resilient. Further research is needed as only two years have elapsed since the windthrow event at the time of my measurements |
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