Mortality of western larch seedlings in relation to seedbed characteristics at the dry end of its ecological range

The effects of different seedbeds on western larch (Larix occidentalis) germination and seedling mortality were assessed in a grandfir/ninebark (Abies grandis/Physocarpus malvaceus) habitat type in northern, Idaho,  U.S.A. Two plots were established on each off our sites, and 150 western larch seeds (66% viable) were distributed on each of 16 randomly applied seedbed modification combinations (burned or mechanical scarified, mineral soil or duff, shaded or non-shaded, caged or non-caged for protection from predation).