homogenisation proposed by Staley et al. (2013) was
the more likely explanation.
Birch Regeneration
Surrounding trees that provide intermediate cover
for these birch saplings may have a nursing effect
through protection from grazing mammals (Smit
et al., 2007) and through the sharing of nutrients
with surrounding mature trees of the same species
through the assistance of mycorrhizal networks
(Gorzelak et al., 2015). This intermediate canopy
openness may allow these protective and alimentary
supplementations to improve the growth of
such birch saplings without limiting their rate of
photosynthesis.
In response to P. ramorum and P. kernoviae research
observing their long-term persistence in tree root
vegetation after management (Fichtner et al.,
2011), post-P. ramorum procedures maximise larch
uprooting procedures wherever possible, but this
was not achieved in lower Springpool Wood. This
may leave P. ramorum infection dormant within root
networks while showing no visible symptoms.
Unfortunately, because of the dramatic nature of
clear felling in Springpool, many vulnerable trees
were suddenly exposed to prevailing winds that
they previously hadn’t grown in the presence of and
may lack the capacity to sufficiently adjust their root
networks to withstand (Brown et al., 2015).
Although birch sapling frequency was not
significantly different between the Zones, a possible
relationship was observed between intermediate
canopy disturbance and increased birch sapling
vigour and presence. The division of the study area
was unrefined in its segregation of different forms
and intensities of P. ramorum management; canopy
openness proved to be the superior measure of
ecological disturbance with regards to woodland
regeneration. Likewise, the ecological state of the
Zones before management adds to the uncertainty in
conclusions drawn from the study.
Further study using permanent quadrates will be
essential for inspecting the longitudinal effects
of management on ground flora diversity and the
frequency of young birches, among other species.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Sarah L. Taylor for her guidance during
the experimental portion of the study, alongside
her assistance in data analysis and organisation.
Thanks also to Caroline Roper, Ally Westley Rebekah
Stevenson and Aaron Nagar for their indispensable
support. This project was funded by the Keele
University Life Sciences faculty.
Conclusion
This study supports the assertion that P. ramorum
management strategies performed in Springpool
Wood were successful in their capacity to eradicate
the pathogen from the woodland without being
significantly detrimental to ground flora species
richness. However, the potential damage caused to
remaining trees with a low tolerance to windthrow
may result in slowing forest regrowth and
development.
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