Reforestation by Direct Seeding of Beech and Oak: Influence of Granivorous Rodents and Site Preparation

摘要: In southern Scandinavia there is a general desire to increase the amount of broadleaved forest using, for example, beech and oak, in order preserve biodiversity spread risk face climate change. realise this goal cheaper regeneration methods are needed. Although number uncertainties at present, direct seeding has potential fulfill role. Two greatest obstacles successful oak using seed removal by granivorous rodents competition from ground vegetation. These issues need be addressed before can become reliable method. The work described papers I, II IV thesis investigated influence site, sowing dates, rodent population densities, site preparation repellents on damage sown nuts acorns. Paper III describes study which examined effect different mechanical methods, growth young seedlings. Seedling establishment was more large sites surrounded mixed forests, compared smaller areas (I, II). Oak seedling than that beech. Fewer acorns were lost better following spring with summer sowing. all years, captured summer/autumn period spring. However, no clear correlation between numbers success could established. More traps close features providing cover, example slash piles remains stone walls. There relationships various treatments distribution removal. laboratory study, mink excrement found have as bank vole repellent, since it reduced consumption half water soaked seeds, also indicated. No decrease germination treated found, only minor negative (IV). seedlings summer, mounding treatment most beneficial (III). results indicate clear-cuts likely when situated coniferous forest, rather summer. addition, achieved through preparing mounding, removing seeds excrement. data collected difficult achieve beech, oak.