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Black Spruce Site Quality as Related to Soil and Other Site Conditions
Author(s) -
Lowry G. L.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1975.03615995003900010033x
Subject(s) - site index , humus , environmental science , soil water , black spruce , landform , nutrient , moisture , hydrology (agriculture) , taiga , soil science , geology , ecology , forestry , geography , geomorphology , biology , geotechnical engineering , meteorology
Site factors were studied in relation to site index in 125 black spruce ( Picea mariana Mill. BSP.) stands of eastern Canada. Site index was higher in the Continental than in the Atlantic Region, apparently due to differences in effective solar energy. In both regions site quality was related primarily to soil moisture and nutrients. Site index is better on freely drained, mesic mineral soils. These sites have modest humus accumulations. Soil analyses indicate that nitrogen and phosphorus limit tree growth over a broad range of site conditions. Few of the factors studied appear to have site index prediction value. However, many were suitable for site classification purposes. For extensive mapping of site productivity the primary framework should be landform and associated soils and geologic formations. Within this classification, moisture regime and nutrient regime may be included.