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[ID: 182] Testing the viability of SeedPADs on clearcuts throughout Sweden
PI: Matej Domevscik
We analysed survival, growth and biomass of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) SeedPAD seedlings on 13 clearcuts across Sweden with an aim to understand the driving environmental variables. SeedPADs (SPs) are an alternative method to replant clearcuts after harvest aimed at reducing environmental impact while preserving commercial viability. They comprise of a single seed of P. sylvestris protected by a layer of vermiculate and wrapped in polysaccharide foil, which readily dissolves in water. SeedPADs, along with seedling control, were planted in spring/summer of 2017, then surveyed for survival and height in 2018 and survival, height and biomass in 2019. Among several variables tested, wind speed and precipitation came out significant. Maximum wind speed in the first six weeks after planting showed negative effect, reducing the survival of SeedPADs by up to 32% at 9.6 m/s. The wind effect was evident only on SeedPADs with control seedlings unaffected. Maximum precipitation in the first 6 weeks after planting also showed a positive effect, increasing survival by up to 35% at 31.3 mm/m2/day. For seedling control, higher survival was also measured with increasing altitude and latitude. Overall SeedPADs had a lower average survival of 0.49 ± 0.18, compared to seedling control of 0.7 ± 0.17. SeedPADs were found to be a viable alternative method to pre-grown seedlings under certain conditions, providing a more cost effective solution for replanting and including reduced environmental impact.