Why does Spruce not Invade the High Elevation Beech Forests of the Great Smoky Mountains?

Fuller RD. 1977. Why does Spruce not Invade the High Elevation Beech Forests of the Great Smoky Mountains?. University of Tennessee

Beech litter in degrading produces at least four acids, possibly making the soil toxic to the extent that it inhibits the growth of spruce seedlings. Animal destruction of the leaf litter and damping-off may also cause an increase in seed and seedling mortality.

Type
Academic
Authors
Fuller, Robert
Date of Issue
1977
Publisher
University of Tennessee
Units
GRSM
Keywords
American beech (Fagus grandifolia), Great Smoky Mountains National Park NC TN, GRSM-01748, Litter (Detritus), Plant Studies, Thesis, Toxins

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