Canadian Forest Service Publications
Germination and survival of black spruce on certain moss seedbeds. 1968. Arnott, J.T. s.n., S.l. Information Report Q-X-4. 8 p.
Year: 1968
Issued by: Laurentian Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 14825
Language: English
Series: Information Report (LFC - Québec)
Availability: PDF (download)
Abstract
Black spruce seed was sown on four moss seedbed types; (1) sphagnum-undisturbed; (2) sphagnum-compacted; (3) feather moss-undisturbed and (4) feather moss-scarified. These seedbed types, sampled from natural conditions, were placed in a controlled environment chamber. The patterns of germination and survival of black spruce seedlings were followed for 110 days. The germination of black spruce was successful on all moss-types but subsequent survival patterns differed. The undisturbed sphagnum moss quickly engulfed the newly-germinated seedlings and mortality subsequently was high. Mortality was much lower on the compacted sphagnum seedbed. Highest survival figures were obtained on the feather mosses but only as a result of the high humidity maintained throughout the experiment. Compaction and scarification of the sphagnum and feather moss seedbeds, respectively, increased total seedling survival.
