Engelmann spruce seed dispersal in the central Rocky Mountains

Robert R. Alexander; Carleton B. Edminster

Treesearch

Engelmann spruce seed dispersal in the central Rocky Mountains

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Robert R. Alexander, Carleton B. Edminster

Year:

1983

Type:

Research Note

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Res. Note RM-RN-424. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 4 p.

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Abstract

A mathematical expression was developed to estimate Engelmann spruce seed dispersal into clearcut openings. The pattern of seed dispersal is a rapid decline from within the windward stand to the stand edge and beyond into the opening. The amount of seedfall dispersed to the windward stand edge is about 80% of the seedfall under the uncut, windward stand. About 40% of the seedfall under the uncut stand is dispersed as far as 100 feet into the opening, and 10% as far as 300 feet. The initial rapid decline is followed by a gradual leveling-off, with about 1% of the amount of seed fall under uncut stands dispersed as far as 600 feet. The pattern of seedfall is strongly influenced by the direction of the prevailing winds, with little dispersal of seeds from the leeward stand.

Keywords

Picea engelmannii, seed dispersal, regeneration

Citation

Alexander, Robert R.; Edminster, Carleton B. 1983. Engelmann spruce seed dispersal in the central Rocky Mountains. Res. Note RM-RN-424. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 4 p.