Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Successful forest regeneration is essential for a sustainable future and a strong forest industry. Mechanical site preparation (MSP) is a common method used to improve seedling establishment, but effects may vary between tree species. My study investigated the effects of soil inversion on height and volume growth of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) at three sites along a latitudinal gradient in Sweden. Growth data from the Övergaards tree species experiment were analysed using Linear mixed-effects models. Mechanical site preparation significantly increased both height and volume growth in both species. Scots pine showed a stronger positive response than Norway spruce, notably in volume growth, indicating species-specific responses to soil inversion. The results suggest that soil inversion is an effective method for improving early seedling growth, especially for Scots pine, although additional studies are needed to evaluate long-term and climatic effects.