Expérimentation sur la compétition interspécifique par élimination sélective d'espèces forestières

Abstract

We conducted an experimental study of competition for water, heat, and space between woody species and herbaceous species by selective exclusion of a few species in a sugar maple stand. We found large differences in diameter and height increment for all three species under investigation: sugar maple, yellow birch, and beech. Large differences were also found in soil temperatures to a depth of 30 cm which were correlated with cover and growth increment. We concluded that there is indeed a severe competition between woody and herbaceous species for both heat and space.