Effects of deer browsing, fabric mats, and tree shelters on Quercus rubra seedlings
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Authors: E. E. Stange, and K. L. Shea
Date: 1998
Journal: Restoration Ecology
Volume: 6
Number: 1
Pages: 29-34
Summary of Methods: Stange and Shea determined the significance of deer (Odocoileus virginianus) browsing on planted northern red oak (Quercus rubra) seedlings and how the use of fabric mats and tree shelters affected growth and survival of these seedlings. Browsing by deer occurred on 68.6% of the seedlings growing without tree shelters, whereas only 3.6% of the trees were browsed by mice (Peromyscus sp.) or voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and 2.5% were browsed by rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Seedlings grown with mats had a greater frequency of deer browsing and a greater chance of dying than seedlings grown without mats. The use of plastic tree shelters effectively prevented deer browsing and reduced the mortality rate from 34.6% to 3.2%. The results indicate that fabric mats should not be used in restoration projects with large deer populations. The authors suggest that because of the high price of tree shelters that other measures such as planting seedlings away from forest edges be used to prevent deer browsing.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: northern red oak, quercus rubra, deer browsing, reforestation, growth, seedling survival, fabric mats
Annotation: None
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