Growing Space Management in Boreal Mixedwood Forests: 22 Year Results

Boreal mixed forests of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and white spruce (Picea glauca) can provide higher outputs many ecosystem goods services, combined with resilience for changing environmental conditions. In this study, we examine the growth over a range stand compositions created by spot broadcast treatments broadleaves using manual chemical means, spacing, untreated control. Twenty-two growing seasons postharvest, treatment responses broadleaf densities spatial arrangements, reflected in significant differences heights diameters mixedwood component. At early seral stage, have generated diversity both tree species composition structure. Modeling structures different provided outcomes ranging from pure conifer to dominated when assessed merchantable volumes. Broadleaf manipulations changed relative proportion mixture, achieving variety potential landscape stand-level goals. Treatment were often not statistically until at least 16 years after initiation. Monitoring achievement management goals will require longer time periods than currently employed or monocultures.