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Introduction:

Red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) is an important renewable hardwood resource in coastal British Columbia. An increasing interest in this resource has developed the need for information on the effects of red alder-conifer management on the survival, growth and yield of conifer plantations.

Objectives:

• To document the effects of differing amounts of red alder on the growth of conifers, under different site conditions.
• To improve understanding of both the competitive and beneficial effects of red alder when grown with conifers.

Studies:

1. Additive Study
2. Replacement Series Study

Progress and Major Findings:

Marking of plot boundaries and installation of additional signs is required to prevent accidental brushing of the research plots. During 1995 red alder in a portion of one plot (plot 7) at East Wilson Creek was cut by a brushing crew. In this plot approximately 50% of the cut trees resprouted during 1996. Dead trees were replaced with seedlings in November 1996.

Fill planting has been done during the first 5 years to ensure that no major gaps exist in treatment plots. Experience to date indicates a need for good manual screening of planting spots for red alder, since survival is poor when seedlings are planted in undisturbed soil organic horizons (LFH). In addition, red alder seedlings are seriously damaged by any overtopping vegetation.

Fifth year height growth of red alder was similar for the 3 sites planted in 1992 (East Wilson, Gough, and Waterloo). Year three height of red alder at Holt Creek is substantially smaller than that observed at the other sites. This difference results largely from differences in seedling quality and size at the time of planting. Red alder seedlings planted in 1994 were substantially smaller and of poorer quality than those planted in 1992.

References and Publications (Click on Highlighted References to Obtain an Electronic Copy in PDF Form):

Comeau, P. and D. Sachs. 1992. Simulation of the consequences of red alder management on the growth of Douglas-fir using FORCYTE-11. B.C. Ministry of Forests, Victoria. FRDA Report 187. 45 p.

Comeau, P.G., G.J. Harper, and B. D'Anjou. 1995. Effects of red alder on stand dynamics and nitrogen availability--E.P. 1121. For. Can. and B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C. FRDA Memo No. 223.

Comeau, P.G., B. D'Anjou, and G. Harper. 1993. BC-B03 Effects of red alder density on conifer growth and nitrogen availability. B.C. Min. For., Victoria. FRDA Memo No. 215.

Comeau, P.G., G. Harper, B. Biring, and K.D. Thomas. 1996. Effects of Red Alder on Stand Dynamics and Nitrogen Availability (EP-1121). In Silviculture of Temperate and Boreal Broadleaf-conifer Mixtures. P.G. Comeau and K.D. Thomas (editors). B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C.

Comeau, P.G., G.J. Harper, B.S. Biring, and K.D. Thomas. 1996. Field studies of red alder-conifer mixtures. In Proc. Designing Mixedwood Experiments Workshop, Mar. 2, 1995, Richmond, B.C. P.G. Comeau and K.D. Thomas (editors) . B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C. Work. Pap. No. 20. 61 p.

Comeau, P.G., G. Harper, B. Biring, P. Fielder and B. Reid. 1997. Effects of Red Alder on Stand Dynamics and Nitrogen Availability FRBC Project HQ96400-RE (MOF EP 1121.01). B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C. Extension Note 09.

Parchomchuk, J. 1996. Selection of a competition index for mixed stands of red alder with western redcedar and Douglas-fir in coastal B.C. Unpublished co-op program work-term report. 15 pages.

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Last Updated: May 27, 1998.