Growth and Survival of South Florida Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) on Restored Farmlands in Everglades National Park

Abstract

This article describes the natural re-establishment of south Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa) on former farmlands within Everglades National Park. Restoration of these farmlands involves removal of all existing vegetation and underlying disturbed soils, followed by natural recruitment—there is no planting or seeding. Four years after restoration, 3,013 seedlings greater than 4 inches (10 cm) in height occurred on the 31-acre (12.5-ha) site. The majority of seedlings were within 82 feet (25 m) of an undisturbed rockland pine habitat and at elevations of 3.5 feet (1.1 m) or higher. Ground elevation affected both mortality rates and growth. Seedlings at lower elevations had higher mortality rates and slower growth rates during the first three years. Hydrological conditions, which are related to ground elevation, appear to affect pine seedlings in two ways. First, surface water tends to cause higher mortality of recently germinated pine seedlings at lower ground elevations and slow the initial growth of the surviving seedlings. Second, at higher elevations, the depth to the water table appears to limit germination.