%0 Research article
%T Mounding and scalping prior to reforestation of hydrologically sensitive deep-peated sites: factors behind Scots pine regeneration success
%A Pearson, Meeri
%A Saarinen, Markku
%A Minkkinen, Kari
%A Silvan, Niko
%A Laine, Jukka
%D 2011
%J Silva Fennica
%V 45
%N 4
%R doi:10.14214/sf.98
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/98
%X Watering up typically ensues after clearcutting forestry-drained  peatland forests. Thus, the effectiveness of maintenance drainage and  soil preparation procedures becomes paramount for establishing a new  generation of commercial forest. Mounding is the primary method of soil  preparation applied in regeneration sites lying on deep peat. As raised  planting spots, mounds are resistant to waterlogging and assumed to be  beneficial for organic matter (OM) decomposition via, e.g., increased  soil aeration and temperature, which would also enhance seedling growth.  In recent years, however, less intensive and cheaper alternatives like  scalping have been sought with some reported cases of success. Our case  study investigated the survival and growth of Scots pine outplants in  mounds, scalps, and unprepared microsites along a moisture gradient.  After three growing seasons, mounding accelerated neither seedling  growth nor OM decomposition relative to the unprepared treatment.  Survival in mounds was nonetheless superior overall. Scalps behaved as  water collecting depressions leading to a catastrophic regeneration  result. Based on our findings, water table level (WTL) overrides other  growth-controlling factors in excess moisture conditions. To combat  watering up coupled with greater than normal rainfall, we recommend  reforestation strategies which provide elevated, prepared planting spots  (i.e., mounds) or utilize unprepared, higher microforms.