The ALTER network, initiated in 2011, aims to design and evaluate site preparation methods before planting and to quantify the technical and environmental performance of these different methods. Sites are monitored for approximately 10 years. The network consists of 9 experimental sites, 6 of which are currently active, all located at sites with acidic soils and vegetation dominated by eagle fern or mullein, with major challenges for successful planting. Each experimental site has plots planted with oak (sessile or pedunculate) or pine (Scots, maritime or laricio). Each site compares different site preparation modes (multi-function subsoiler, reversible scarifier, herbicides, local modes) and control plots. Each plot contains about 100 plants and is repeated 2 to 3 times per site. The plants and accompanying vegetation are monitored annually the first few years. Crop profiles have been carried out for some at 5 sites. The sites are also used for studies on plant diversity and soil organic carbon.
visit of experimental trials
mechanical site preparation, plantation,
Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Pinus nigra spp. laricio, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus pinaster