Influence of Red Alder Density on Growth of Douglas-fir and Western Redcedar 20-year Results

This document examines a twenty-year study in British Columbia regarding the complex relationship between red alder and two conifer species, Douglas-fir and western redcedar. While alder is often removed by foresters because it competes for light and space, it also provides essential benefits by naturally fertilizing the soil with nitrogen. The findings suggest that maintaining a specific density of 100 to 200 alder trees per hectare can actually support conifer growth, particularly on nutrient-poor sites. The authors conclude that traditional forestry assessment methods may be inadequate, recommending a larger plot radius to more accurately measure how these different tree species interact and compete over time.