Reversing legacy effects in the understory of an oak-dominated

摘要: Current forests developed under conditions different from original forests, with higher deer densities, reduced fire frequency, denser canopies, and smaller canopy gaps. These alterations have led to understories dominated by species simulta- neously browse tolerant, shade sensitive leading difficulties in the regeneration of oak (Quercus spp.) some areas. We evaluated how three key processes — understory fire, gaps, browsing influenced tree east central West Virginia. were particularly interested response because they are dominant overstory maple (Acer spp.), black birch (Betula lenta L.), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) as these likely replace current forest. Single-process effects significant interactions among numerous. In general, caused reductions seedlings saplings red rubrum striped pensylvanicum increased yellow-poplar. Canopy gaps abundance saplings. Gaps together an increase relative Excluding browsers creating nearly doubled sapling importance values versus either treatment alone; however, remained low. Given control other two processes, should be considered when planning treatments such or prescribed fire.