Tree regeneration after fire: Aspen removal experiment, Counts of seedling germination

This research was intended to address the general question of whether asexual stem regeneration of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) reduces rates of establishment and growth of potential invading conifer species during the initial years following fire. Interactions between aspen and conifers were studied under natural conditions in a burned aspen stand with a high potential for aspen re-sprouting. The study contributes to our understanding of whether competitive interactions between tree seedlings are likely to help maintain deciduous stands across disturbance cycles by reducing the potential for successful conifer establishment.

Counts of seedling germination (total seedlings observed) and net establishment (total seedlings surviving to the end of the experiment), by species. These counts are for seeded sub-plots only.

本研究旨在解答这一核心科学问题：北美颤杨（Populus tremuloides Michx.）的无性茎干再生，是否会降低火灾发生后初期阶段潜在入侵针叶树种的定植率与生长速率。研究在天然生境下，于一处具备较高杨芽萌发潜力的火烧杨林中开展了颤杨与针叶树的种间互作观测实验。本研究可为理解“林木幼苗间的竞争互作是否可通过抑制针叶树成功定植，从而在干扰周期内维持落叶林分稳定性”这一议题提供理论支撑。本研究按物种统计了幼苗萌发量（即观测到的总幼苗数）与净定植量（即存活至实验结束的总幼苗数），且该统计仅针对人工播种的小样方。