Jack Pine Revegetation Trial

The 5 year trial was initiated as a “proof-of-concept” experiment to revegetate former laydown areas on sandy materials with jack pine (Pinus banksiana) seed through three separate seeding treatments, with the objectives of (1) evaluation of jack pine revegetation success via seeding based on the establishment of desired, self-sustaining communities, (2) compare treatment effectiveness to jack pine establishment in natural burn areas, and (3) collect data to provide information for the adaptive management of revegetation programs. Growth rates were compared between three seeding treatments: (1) broadcast seeding of jack pine seed, (2) scattering of untreated, intact jack pine cones, and (3) scattering intact jack pine cones and applying a heat treatment on site (black polyethylene covering for 24 hours).

Broadcast seeding appears to be the most effective treatment, with more seedlings established five years post-reclamation than five years post-burn. The heated cones treatment was not as effective but produced similar numbers of seedlings to natural burned sites. Treatments were ineffective if there was a high abundance of graminoid species present (i.e., if the site has been heavily seeded to grass), also suggesting negative competitive influences on established jack pine seedlings. Vegetation control on sites dominated by graminoid species and early successional species could improve seedling establishment and growth rates, and removing grass seeding as a reclamation protocol in this area could save seeding and vegetation control costs.