Thesis
Early recruitment in curlleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius Nutt.)
(1998)
Abstract
Environmental conditions affecting emergence and seedling establishment of the tree Cercocarpus ledifoliuswere studied during the first summer. Natural emergence was highest in open interspaces, then under shrubs, and lowest under trees. Litter treatments had lower emergence than treatments without litter. However, litter favored seedling establishment and survival. Drought and herbivory affected seedling survival depending on environmental conditions of each year. The most favorable treatment-microhabitat combination was water supplementation and herbivory protection in the tree microhabitat for 1996, and in the open microhabitat in 1997. Soils under the three microhabitats differed in several factors affecting survival. This study shows there is a seed-seedling conflict in this species which probably extends into later stages. The tree microhabitat inhibits emergence, but improves first year survival. Later, however, it is too competitive for older juveniles, but because of the soil it is probably the best site for new adult recruitment.
Disciplines
Publication Date
1998
Degree
Master of Science
Field of study
Range Science
Department
Rangeland Resources
Advisor
Eugene W. Schupp
Citation Information
Ines Ibanez. "Early recruitment in curlleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius Nutt.)" (1998) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/eugene_schupp/172/