Some Forest Types of Central Newfoundland and their Relation to Environmental Factors

The forest vegetation of central Newfoundland (Forest Section B-28a) is described using the methods of the Zürich-Montpellier School. Problems were encountered, however, and most associations had to be characterized by means of differential rather than characteristic species. The aim of this study was to develop a forest site classification for central Newfoundland. Most of the forest types recognized correspond to sub-associations. The association of the black spruce moss forests could not be subdivided into silviculturally important types solely on a floristic basis. Under undisturbed conditions, the balsam fir forests occupy the better sites, whereas, the black spruce forests are restricted to the nutrient-poor soils, and alder swamps cover the nutrient-rich and wet soils. Logging does not alter this distribution very much but fire results in the occupation of many balsam fir sites by black spruce types. White birch, pin cherry and aspen forests, always a result of fires, generally occur on the better soils. The dynamics of the individual forest types and their relation to environmental factors, especially soil conditions, is discussed in the text and illustrated in diagrams.