The effects of reindeer grazing on the natural regeneration of Pinus sylvestris
1993
Helle, T. (Skogsforskningsinstitutet, Rovaniemi (Finland). Research Station) | Moilanen, H.
The effects of winter grazing by semi-domesticated reindeer on the natural regeneration of Scots pine were studied in north-eastern Finland. A total of 50 regeneration areas subjected to long-term grazing intensity varying from heavy to none were investigated. During the previous year reindeer had damaged an average of 7.6% of the seedlings; 88% of all mechanical damage were caused by reindeer. The damage frequency was related to the intensity of grazing, and was maximally 60%. 46% of the damaged seedlings were less than 50 cm in height, and the most common type of damage was branch breakage. Fungal diseases were responsible for the death or poor condition of the seedlings in 80% of the cases, as compared to 12% for reindeer. Grazing slightly increased the incidence of Scleroderris canker, but was associated with a low incidence of snow blight, most probably due to packing of the snow. Grazing had no effect on the number of seedlings capable of developing, whilst plants between the age of 13-24 years grew faster in heavily grazed than in ligthly grazed lichen vegetation.
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