The influence of cattle grazing and grass seeding on coniferous regeneration after shelterwood cutting in eastern Oregon.

Abstract

Natural regeneration was abundant, regardless of grazing and grass seeding treatments,after shelterwood cutting to three overstory densities (27, 73, and 119 square feet of basal area per acre) in mixed conifer stands in the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range in eastern Oregon. After 6 years, the number of tree seedlings ranged from about 3,800 per acre on the low-density plots to 39,000 per acre on the highdensity plots and consisted of about 84 percent grand fir (Abies grandis (Dougl. ex D. Don) Lindl.); 10 percent Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca (Beissn.) Franco); and 6 percent ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.), and western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.). Neither grazing nor seeded grasses decreased seedling establishment, but the grass did retard seedling height growth. The greatest number of seedlings were found on mineral soil seedbeds, but adequate stocking occurred where light to medium amounts of litter and slash were present. A residual overstory of about 30-40 square feet of basal area per acre appears adequate to provide natural regeneration within a 5-year period. Seeding 4 to 5 pounds of less competitive grasses and grazing up to 60 percent of current year's growth were compatible with tree seedling establishment.

Citation

Seidel, K.W.; Geist, J. Michael; Strickler, Gerald S. 1990. The influence of cattle grazing and grass seeding on coniferous regeneration after shelterwood cutting in eastern Oregon. Res. Pap. PNW-RP-417. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 32 p