Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare naturally regenerated Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris (L.)) against seeded Scots pine in terms of benefits and differences. An inventory was performed at a number of different sites, 4 – 6 years after soil scarification and data on the number of new established plants, their height growth as well as ground-line diameter was collected. Information about site conditions such as altitude, quarter exposure and frost risk was also collected. A review of previous studies was conducted in addition to the field study. The variation in plant density, height and stem base diameter was analyzed. The results from this study suggested that seeded plants had a higher plant density than naturally generated plants but the difference was not statistically significant. This agrees with earlier studies reporting that seeded stands have higher plant density then naturally regenerated stands. Plants at north exposed sites were inferior in terms of the measured variables, which should be due to the colder microclimate.