Integrated establishment systems for the uplands

 

Summary

The integrated establishment systems research programme aims to provide management tools and advice encompassing all aspects of the tree establishment process through development of an increased knowledge and understanding of physiological processes and responses of seedling trees.  Our research portfolio includes investigation of tree nursery production systems, the development of plant quality assessment tools, the provision of best practice advice to promote sustainable site establishment practices and research into novel tree establishment techniques.  The underlying aim of this research effort is to maximise establishment success and value-for-money across the range of upland sites and forest types existing in the UK.

The effect of many individual factors upon establishment success are reasonably well understood (e.g. nutrition, weed control) but the interactions between such factors have only been studied to a limited degree. Recent surveys continue to indicate a widespread failure to achieve satisfactory planting density, particularly on second rotation restock sites. Currently a major effort is underway to address these concerns: we are developing a computer-based decision support system (EMIS) which provides guidance for managers by matching species to site factors and by highlighting the most appropriate silvicultural establishment strategies. Furthermore continued research is aimed at developing predictive models of tree establishment and growth for the UK, which will ultimately to allow ‘life-cycle’ cost-benefit analysis of establishment practices.

Research objectives

• To deliver a web-enabled decision support system (EMIS - Establishment Management information System) integrating all current best practice advice for upland restocking sites
• To use a seedling growth model to understand the interactions between factors which affect establishment success, building-up the model using existing data sets to gain a better understanding of those factors which are critical in the establishment process
• To direct future establishment research in response to our improved understanding obtained via the development of this suite of tools
• To critically examine the possibility that, on certain sites, establishment practice can have a long-term effect on growth and yield
• To develop and evaluate physiological and molecular tests of planting stock quality (especially with respect to containerised tree production systems) and investigate novel ecophysiological measurement systems and assess their ability to predict establishment success.

In the 1990s establishment research was a major component of the studies conducted at the Northern Research Station and comprised separate programmes on Nursery Techniques, Establishment Methods and Planting Stock Quality. Following major publications and technology transfer to these sectors these efforts are being rationalised. The emphasis of the programme is now delivery of operational tools for effective management and critical evaluation of existing knowledge to ensure future research efforts are targeted to areas where current understanding is incomplete. To date this principle has led to specific research projects aimed at:

• Developing our understanding of the correlation between measures of plant quality and establishment techniques to improve establishment success for the different climatic conditions encountered across upland Britain
• Assessing low-cost establishment techniques (e.g. direct seeding)
• Utilising new ecophysiological tools for the assessment of natural regeneration under CCF regimes
• Utilising recent technological developments in the field of remote sensing for the assessment of standing timber volume and quality
• Investigating developing technologies for reducing artificial nutrition and the utilisation of peat alternatives in nursery production systems
• Testing and improving guidelines for the establishment of new native woodlands
• Investigations of rooting under developing restock silvicultural practices
• Improving existing knowledge regarding the ecological preferences of native Oak species.

Funders and partners

This research is funded by the Forestry Commission Integrated Establishment Systems programme.

Additional funding is currently received from the European Commission which funds work in the COLDTREE and OAKFLOW projects.

Forestry Commission policy

British forestry policy supports the protection and expansion of Britain's forests, woodland and trees and promotes the production of high quality timber. There is an obligation to replant woodland which is felled and new planting is encouraged on land which is surplus to the requirements of agricultural production. New and existing woodlands should provide multiple benefits and must be sustainable.
Forestry Commission policy for sustainable forestry

Programme description

Major elements of the programme include understanding of the impacts of the following on establishment:

• Site Factors
  Soils, lithology, and climate.
• Stand Dynamics
  Establishment and development of seedling trees under a variety of different management regimes (e.g. direct seeding, CCF, single/mixed species assemblages)
• Vegetation
  Description of the site types colonised by competitive species and options for their effective control.

Publications

• Testing Plant Quality ^(131K) 
  Forestry Commission Information Note 11
• Nutrition Of Sitka Spruce On Upland Restock Sites In Northern Britain ^(490K)
  Forestry Commission Information Note 47
• Forest Tree Seedlings
  Forestry Commission Bulletin 121
• Cultivation Of Soils For Forestry
  Forestry Commission Bulletin 119
• Restocking of Upland Forests
  Forestry Commission Bulletin 76 
• Super Sitka for the 1990's 
  Forestry Commission Bulletin 103
• Forest Nursery Practice
  Forestry Commission Bulletin 111

Status

The current programme runs to 2007.

Contact

Mike Perks
Forest Research
Northern Research Station
Roslin
Midlothian EH25 9SY

Tel: 0131 445 2176
Fax: 0131 445 5124
Email: mike.perks@forestry.gsi.gov.uk