THE EFFECT OF LEAF LITTER UPON ESTABLISHMENT OF WHITE SPRUCE BENEATH PAPER BIRCH

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of leaf smothering upon establishment of white spruce [Picea glauca] in Alaska. Treatment consisted of protecting seedspots from leaf litter of an over-story paper birch [Betula papyrifera] stand with hardware cloth screens for varying periods. Protection significantly improved survival through the 1st 4 growing seasons following germination of the spruce seed. After the 4th growing season, most seedlings were large enough to avoid being smothered or crushed by fallen leaves; additional protection through the 5th growing season was not significantly beneficial. It appears unlikely that more than an occasional white spruce can become naturally established beneath birch stands in this region.