164
which cons1
soil properties and processes under the contrasti water re­
of the com­
gimes and the ve ation changes to be of greatest interest. So
binations of forest c·
py and crop species must be uni
to this system. I
think this is an importan istorical account but wou expect the readership
to be very specialist. I have li d it said that rna would hljve preferred this
extensive management scheme n to have en undertak n, preferring the
unmanaged condition of the origina
ystem. Some part of the area may
revert back to the original state ov
e ye
to come, givin scope for a third
volume.
l
The Forestr)' Authority
R<•search Division
, ice llv/1 Lodge
Ji.H;a}!fl.' G U 10 4L/1
UK
MIXED-SPECIES WOODLANDS .
The Ecology c {Mixed-Species Stands t!{Trees, M.G.R. Cannell, D.C. Mal­
cohn and P.A. Robertson (Editors), Blackwell Scientific, Oxford, 1992,
viii+312 pp., price US$ 89.95, ISBN 0-632-03148-4.
This book is the proceedings af a symposium, held in 1990, organized by
the Forest Ecology Group of the British Ecological Society and co-sponsored
by Division S2.01 of the International Union of Forest Research Organiza­
tions. In Britain and other developed nations, public desires for greater nat­
uralness in managed forests than that provided in young conifer plantations
have stimulated interest in broadleavcd trees and mixed species stands of
broadleaves and conifers. Foresters and other scientists often suggest that
mixed species stands offer several advantages over monocultures, but specific
data on comparisons and critical analyses thereof arc ran:. This proceedings
provides a review of biological research and current thinking on many aspects
of mixed species woodlands of both planted and natural origin.
An introductory chapter ( Rackham) describes the characteristics and pos­
sible causes of several tree distribution patterns (mixtures, mosaics, and
clones) in European forests. Four chapters arc concerned with growth, yield,
and silviculture. These include an overview of current knowledge on mixed
species stand modeling and suggestions for future work (Burkhart and Tham),
a study of stemwood production and leaf area efficiency in pure and mixed
stands of Pinus contorta and Abies lasiocarpa (Smith and Long), and a review
of mixed species silviculture in Germany ( Kenk). In addition, the benefits
165
and problems of mixed species plantations throughout the United Kingdom
were examined (Kerr, Nixon, and Matthews); beneficial effects of Larix and
Pinus on height gmwth and nitrogen status of
' several broadleaves and Picea
were nice!;,: documented.
Several papers examined nutrient relations and below-ground interactions.
Effects and potential uses ofNrfixing trees in mixed species stands were thor­
oughly reviewed (Binkley); possible interactions and benefits associated with
mycorrhizal fungi were described and implications for mixed species forests
were discussed (Percy, Bell, and Amaranthus). Long-term field experiments
provided.the bases for two chapters on nitrogen relations and other processes
in mixed-species plantings. Basic processes by which Larix and Pinus may
enhance growth and nitrogen status of Picea were examined; increased root­
ing volume, micn bial activity, and differing mycorrhizal populations were
implicated (Mort;an, Campbell, and Malcolm).
An assessment of the long-term species mixture trial at Gisburn warrants
special mention (Brown). This study, established in 1955, included all six
two-species mixtures of Norway spruce, Scots pine, black alder, and sessile
oak, plus their monocultures and unplanted control areas. Three types of mix­
ture effects were manifested: mutual cooperation (all mixtures with pine),
compensation (alder-spruce, alder-oak), and mutual inhibition (oak­
spruce); underlying mechanisms such as N and P nutrition, litter decompo­
sition, rooting patterns, and inhibitory substances were explored and related
to the mixture effects. Unfortunately, windthrow losses led to termination of
the study and felling of the plantings in 1988/1989.
Papers on canopies and microclimate (Barkham) and ground vegetation
(Simmons and Buckley) complemented each other; differing effects of ho­
mogeneous vs. heterogeneous mixtures (i.e. intimate, row, and group plant­
ings) were discussed. Another chapter described objectives and approaches
in management of semi-natural mixtures in the United Kingdom (Kirby and
Patterson) and outlined key questions for future research and debate. The
last five chapters were concerned with beneficial and detrimental aspects of
mixed species stands on wildlife populations - birds (Smith), squirrels
(Kenward, Parish, and Robertson), soil invertebrates (Butterfield and Mal­
vida), and insects (Watt). A chapter on insect conservation in mixed wood­
lands (Young) was organized around the author's interest and knowledge of
butterflies. It appears that most of the observed declines in butterfly popula­
tions have been related to non-intervention (non-management) policies or
decreased coppice management and subsequent shading of woods. In contrast
to the contentious activities that now seem to dominate conservation issues
in many paris of the world, it was refreshing to see practical suggestions for
conserving species and maintaining commercial use of the woodlands. The
book concludes with summary reports of group discussions on six topics: ( I )
created by scanning the
identified by the software
some mistakes may remain.
166
competition, yield prediction, and silviculture; (2) canopy interaCtions; ( 3)
nutrient relations; ( 4) plant habitats; (5) vertebrates; ( 6) insects.
The book has been well-edited and nicely organized; related topics are
grouped together and short running titles or author names appear at the top
of each page. The few typographical errors that occur do not hinder under­
standing. Most tables and ligures are easily read and understood. A glossary
of terms would have been a nice addition for the international audience of
readers.
New information presented in this book is heavily weighted to work in the
United Kingdom. Despite this emphasis (and to some degree, because of it),
I recommend the book to all forest scientists and managers who wish to
broaden their understanding of mixed species stands..
DEANS. DEBELL
USDA Forest Service
Pacific Northwest Research Station
o vmpia
Washington
USA
·
CANDSCAP'-5
The D -�;_n ofForest Landscapes, by Oliver W.R. Lucas, Oxford Un·
Press, 1'9 I, 381 pp., price £95, ISBN 0-19-854280-1.
rsity
··•·
The focus of t · s book is the design of forested landscap
hat are visually
pleasing. The auth argues, using data to support his
umerit, that beauty
is not unique to the e
are universal concepts
of good design. The boo overs the clements of esign- shape, visual force,
scale, diversity, unity and t spirit of the R ce. The book is filled with nu­
merous useful color photogra s and dr ings (an average of over one per
page) illustrating these design ele en m the context of forested landscapes.
The book is well organized and wri
starting with general design principles,
followed by chapters relating t se pri ·pies to forested landscapes and for­
est management activities "ncluding sele ion of species, dearcutting pat­
terns, forest road plac ent, and roadside anagement. The penultimate
chapter covers the g iculars of making designs ow to usc drawings, maps,
and models) ;m aying out designs (instructions o
Ianting boundaries and
cutting boun ries that field personnel can follow). T final chapter covers
project m agement and the integration of forest operati s with forest de­
sign. T economics of design is also discussed albeit in very neral terms.
Th ook is parochial in the sense that its focus is British ian capes and