Silviculture based on plant functional traits in boreal forests

Provision of fibre and timber is an essential ecosystem service. The importance of these natural products in reducing our carbon imprint will only increase the pressure on the forest resource in the future. An important element in ensuring sustainable forest management planning is the assumption of the regeneration of an equally productive forest stand on a harvested site. To ensure this occurs, different silvicultural techniques are used, depending on site conditions (e.g. soil types and understory composition) and desired tree species. Currently, indicator species are used as a guide to determine which silvicultural technique should be used in which site, however this approach is limited to relationships under current conditions and will be ineffective in a changing climate. In addition it is limited in its application to specific regions due to different understory plants in different regions. We propose to develop a decision-making tool for silvicultural interventions based on response and effect functional traits of understory species. The mechanistic approach used in developing the guide can incorporate changing conditions associated with climate change.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nicole Fenton;Yves Bergeron

Student:

Partner:

Rayonier A.M. Canada S.E.N.C.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Forestry; Natural Resources; Environmental Science and Technology

University:

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Program: