Résumé :
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The results illustrate that the method of incorporation is a critical factor in successfully regenerating central hardwood tree species via direct seeding. Disking provided a forty fold increase in successful establishment when compared with the control plots, and a three fold increase when compared with double-dragging. The results further illustrate that, under the conditions of this one-year case study, early-season herbicide application was not beneficial. This may have been due to the coincidence of the prolonged period of tree seedling emergence, heavy midsummer rains, and early broadleaved weed canopy closure with midseason senescence in the herbicide-free plots. It is obvious that annual and seasonal variation in weather can greatly influence the success of cultural treatments. Therefore, multi-year studies employing a variety of planting sites, a statistically valid experimental design, established uniformity of seed distribution by sowing, quantification of seed predation and viability, and additional herbicide regimes will be necessary to more accurately establish the practicality of methods for direct seeding of central hardwood forest species. Nonetheless, results indicate that such direct seeding techniques as disking are superior to others and show promise for regenerating central hardwood forest stands.
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