TREATMENT OF SEEDING AND PLANTING SITES 203 



18. TREATMENT OF THE VEGETATION 



Vegetation is seldom entirely absent from the seeding or plant- 

 ing site. Artificial regeneration is most easily attained under an 

 open overwood or nurse crop. It is most difficult on areas cov- 

 ered with grass or other dense surface vegetation. 



Overdense vegetation is harmful to artificial regeneration for 

 one or more of the following reasons: 



a. Because of its more vigorous growth it overtops and sup- 

 presses the young plants. 



b. It increases the danger from insect and fungous attacks. 



c. Through competition it decreases the soil moisture avail- 

 able for the young plants. 



19. Treatment of Recently Cut Areas 



Areas that have been recently cut are usually clear of grass 

 and other forms of herbaceous vegetation and shrubs that are 

 particularly harmful to reproduction. Such areas are, therefore, 



FIG. 34. Planting white pine on a recently felled area. The tops and 

 other litter on the ground. Near New Haven, Conn. 



easily regenerated by seeding or planting. The exposing of the 

 soil to the sun causes a rapid decomposition of the humus and 

 a large amount of soluble plant food is liberated. The plants 

 quickly become established and make rapid juvenile growth. They 

 should be set in the mineral soil beneath the litter which not 



