Browsing damage by roe deer on Norway spruce seedlings planted on clearcuts of different ages: 1. Effect of slash removal, vegetation development, and roe deer density

摘要: Abstract A two-year long field experiment was established in May 1993, on clearcuts ranging age from fresh to 4 years old at four sites southern Sweden. The aim of the study effect clearcut and removal slash (i.e., twigs, branches, tops harvested trees) browsing damage by roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus L.) planted Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst) seedlings. cover height vegetation, as well number plant species increased rapidly during first two after cutting, whereafter these variables continued increase, although more slowly. Hairy grass Deshampsia flexuosa made up about 90% vegetation cover. nitrogen concentration hairy highest two- three-year clearcuts. lower older Roe density with age. Browsing occurred winter frequency browsed seedlings 31.2% 1993–1994 period 24.8% 1994–1995 period. During both tended be one-year clearcuts, but not statistically significant p =0.058). level equal other ages. correlated quantity or quality associated quantity,