E.P. 1179 - Evaluation of forest vegetation community dynamics, biodiversity and wildlife forage values 8 years after herbicide and manual brushing treatments on the Bush River Brushing Trial site

Objectives:

• To document and compare vegetation diversity, vegetation community development, conifer development and wildlife forage values within the Bush River herbicide/manual brushing trial 8 years after treatment.

Location:

Bush River

Contacts:

• George Harper

Publications:

• Evaluation of Forest Vegetation Community Dynamics on the Bush River Brushing Trial Site
• Evaluation of forest vegetation community dynamics, biodiversity and wildlife forage values 8 years after herbicide and manual brushing treatments on the Bush River Trial site

Abstract:

The total number of plant species present varied considerably over all plots, independent of treatment. Total number of species are higher in glyphosate than in other treatments due to the ability of invading plant species to colonize on exposed sites. The initial reduction of shrub and herb cover of naturally occurring species following herbicide application probably allows for the establishment of such "invaders". The plant species treated with glyphosate exhibited generally poor vigour, even 8 years after treatment. Excellent vigour ratings were more frequent in the manual and control treatments than in the glyphosate sites. Shrub and herb heights in the glyphosate treatment were consistently lower than in all other treatments (Figure 2). Also, conifers on the glyphosate plots were 35% taller than on all other treatments (Figure 3). Apparently, glyphosate is a useful tool for controlling brush competition, and for releasing regenerating conifers. This study confirms previous research that documented increased height, vigour and crown diameter of conifers with the application of glyphosate. The percent cover for conifers in the glyphosate treated area is more than 100% greater than that of the control and manual treatments. This equates to increased photosynthesization, increased volume, and increased fibre production.

Web Presentation:

• http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/forprod/fordyn/projects/ep1179/ep1179.htm