Effects of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo Silvestris) scratches on hardwood regeneration in two Southeastern Ohio forests. (Reptiles and Birds 09:00 AM, Saturday, April 5, 2003 Brewer/Frost Science 108 Dr. Danny J. Ingold-Presiding).

Rinkes, Zachary L. ; McCarthy, Brian C.

10:00

Scratches by the wild turkey have the ability to impact seed germination in the forest understory by removing the leaf litter layer. This litter mat plays an important role with respect to impedance, light availability, and water availability- all important factors for successful forest regeneration. The primary objective of this study was to aid foresters and wildlife managers by examining the impacts that turkey scratches may have on seed germination at two forests in southeastern Ohio (Raccoon Ecological Management Area (REMA) and Zaleski State Forest). These forests have heterogeneous forest floor conditions due to various management regimes (Burned, Thinned/Burned, Thinned, and Undisturbed). Exclosures (N=8) were erected in each unit and contained a litter removal treatment (scratched) and control (non-scratched) plot. Seeds of Quercus alba, Q. velutina, Fagus grandifolia, and Acer rubrum were planted into each plot. A 4-way ANOVA detected no significant (P > 0.30) difference in germination between sites or among silvicultural units, but a significant difference was found among species (P < 0.01) and species x treatment interaction (P < 0.01). Q. alba, Q. velutina, and F. grandifolia had better germination success (P < 0.05) in the unscratched plots, while A. rubrum did not respond to the scratching treatment. The nut species may require a microenvironment with adequate litter to promote optimal germination.

ZACHARY L. RINKES [email protected] AND BRIAN C. MCCARTHY [email protected], DEPT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANT BIOLOGY, OHIO UNIVERSITY, ATHENS OH 45701