Dr. Simon Landhausser completes his presentation on aspen as a keystone species in land reclamation in Alberta's boreal forest. He talks about establishment of aspen from seed. Mineral soil contact is essential and the Ah horizon is preferred. Balsam popular in contrast will establish in any part of the soil profile. He offers some practical techniques for stripping well sites and restoring soil and root propagules to maximize aspen germination. He explains why aspen suckers do not make their way up through grass thatch.
Dr. Simon Landhausser is associate professor and NSERC Industrial Chair. Forest land reclamation and applied forest ecology, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta. His presentation (divided in two parts) was the keynote address at the Edmonton Lunch and Learn session of the Alberta chapter of the Canadian Land Reclamation Association, March 28, 2013.
