Effects of soil mechanical treatments combined with bramble and bracken control on the restoration of degraded understory in an ancient beech forest

S Godefroid, D Monbaliu, W Massant, Beatrijs Van der Aa, Bruno De Vos, V Quivy, N Koedam

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    Abstract

    This paper describes the ground floor vegetation that developed four years after tillage implements in an ancient beech forest in central Belgium. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to explore whether tillage has a lasting effect on soil compaction and soil moisture as well as on vegetation characteristics; and (2) to analyse whether two distinct tillage treatments (rotary plough vs. disc plough), combined with vegetation control when necessary, have the same effect on soil compaction, soil moisture and plant establishment. Of the 29 species recorded, 15 showed a significant recovery after soil loosening in the studied forest area. Interestingly, different tillage treatments did not have the same influence on plant establishment. Treatment effects on soil structure and/or moisture status can be considered as causing the observed growth response.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalAnnals of Forest Science
    Volume64
    Issue number3
    Pages (from-to)321-331
    Number of pages11
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

    Thematic list

    • Forest management
    • Oak- and beechwoods

    EWI Biomedical sciences

    • B430-sylviculture
    • B410-soil-science

    Taxonomic list

    • beech family (Fagaceae)

    Policy

    • forest and agriculture policy

    Geographic list

    • Zoniën Forest

    Technological

    • forestry technology
    • Bodembewerking
    • natuurlijke verjonging

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