Frost damage to planted Norway spruce seedlings—influence of site preparation and seedling type

Published source details Langvall O., Nilsson U. & Örlander G. (2001) Frost damage to planted Norway spruce seedlings—influence of site preparation and seedling type. Forest Ecology and Management, 141, 223-235.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Use herbicides after tree planting Action Link
	Mechanically remove understory vegetation after tree planting Action Link
	Prepare the ground before tree planting Action Link

Use herbicides after tree planting

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1988-1995 in boreal forest in Sweden (2) found no effect of herbicide treatment on frost damage to planted Norway spruce Picea abies seedlings. The percentage of seedlings with frost injuries was similar between treatments (site 1: 6-13%; site 2: 30-43%). Five blocks of four herbicide (glyphosate emulsion applied directly to the leaves of the ground vegetation whenever necessary through 1989-1993) and four control plots (4 × 4 m) were established in 1988 in each of two sites. Data were collected in each plot two growing seasons after planting of spruce seedlings.
Mechanically remove understory vegetation after tree planting

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1988-1995 in boreal forest in Sweden (Langvall, Nilsson & Örlander 2001) found no effect of mowing treatment on frost damage to Norway spruce Picea abies planted seedlings. Percentage of seedlings with frost injuries was similar between treatments (6-11% in site 1, 25-35% in site 2). Five blocks of four mowed (ground vegetation cut to <20 cm height when necessary 1989-1993) and four control plots (4×4 m) were established in 1988 in each of two sites. Data were collected in each plot two growing seasons after planting of spruce seedlings.
Prepare the ground before tree planting

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1988-1995 in boreal forest in Sweden (Langvall, Nilsson & Örlander 2001) found no effect of mounding treatment on frost damage to planted Norway spruce Picea abies seedlings. The percentage of seedlings with frost injuries (site 1: 6-11%; site 2: 27-38%) was similar between treatments. Spruce seedlings were planted in five blocks of four mounds (50 × 50 cm, 10–20 cm high soil mounds created in the year of planting) and four control plots (4 × 4 m) that were established in 1988 in each of two sites. Data were collected in each plot two growing seasons after planting.