Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to comparemoisture conditions and Scots pine (Pinussylvestris L.) seed germination percentages in fourtypes of seedbed substrates, (i.e., feather mosses,mineral soil, humus, and ground organic material). Twoexperiments were conducted, with and withoutirrigation, in the summer of 1996 in a stand innorthern Sweden. The moisture conditions weredetermined by periodically weighing seedsamples. When plots were not irrigated, no seedsgerminated, probably because conditions were too dryin the seedbeds, as indicated by the low seed moisturecontent (under 15%). However, during rainy days, seedmoisture contents were relatively high (20–45%). Onthe irrigated plots the seeds germinated on allseedbed substrates, with the best germinationoccurring in humus (about 40%). Seed moisturecontents were high and relatively consistent in allirrigated seedbed substrates (35–55%). Inirrigated plots temperature rather than moisture, wasa limiting factor, and germination was highest in thewarmest seedbed types which are generally regarded aspoor germination substrates. We suggest that seedbedsin areas scheduled for harvesting be prepared in thestand before clear-cutting, and that the preparationshould enhance not only the substrates's water-holdingcapacity, but its thermal conductivity as well.
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Oleskog, G., Sahlén, K. Effects of seedbed substrate on moisture conditions and germination of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seeds in a mixed conifer stand. New Forests 20, 119–133 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006783900412
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006783900412