bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective Communication of Technology in Logging: A Portable Timber Bridge Example
Authors: Shiau Ren-Jye , Smith Robert L. , Shaffer Robert M. , Cesa Edward T.
Published: August 2019

Communication channels for effective transfer of portable timber bridge technology to loggers were investigated within the eastern half of the United States. Loggers received most technology information by personal contact with other loggers, followed by personal contact with industry foresters. However, this study identified different preferred channels (e.g., personal contact, logger education programs, or trade shows) of receiving new technology information by loggers in different U.S. regions. Loggers indicated that the best method for transferring technology was by word of mouth (logger to logger), followed by field demonstrations. Loggers who had utilized portable timber bridge technology indicated that the most important factor in the decision was ease of operation, followed by environmental considerations. This study indicated that loggers have become aware of the benefits of utilizing portable timber bridges. However, loggers indicated that initial cost, availability of product information, and promotional efforts were the major reasons for the low utilization rate. Traditional methods, such as word of mouth (logger to logger) and field demonstrations are still effective for transferring new technology to loggers. South. J. Appl. For. 26(1):5–12.
An Assessment of First and Second Rotations Average Dominant/Codominant Height Growth for Slash Pine Plantations in South Georgia and North Florida
Authors: Rose Charles E. , Shiver Barry D.
Published: August 2019

A slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) successive rotation plantation study was established in 1978–1979 for the north Florida and south Georgia flatwoods. The second rotation duplicated the first rotation seed source, site preparation, planting method and density. The comparison between the two rotations is based on the mean dominant/codominant height differential across a range of soil types and ages. There is a significant rotation 1 minus rotation 2 mean dominant/codominant height difference across the sites for all ages. Rotation 1 is 1.9 and 5.4 ft higher for mean dominant/codominant height at ages 2 and 20. The height differential is generally more significant for the spodosol soil type than the nonspodosol soil type. Rotation 1 generally experienced more favorable precipitation, for both the amount and timing of the precipitation within a year, than rotation 2. Rotation 2 experienced drought events and high growing season average temperatures during the first two growing seasons, while rotation 1 was near normal for this period. The evidence suggests that a main contributor to the decrease in mean dominant/codominant height across the spectrum of plots and age classes is the generally less favorable climatic growing season conditions experienced by rotation 2 relative to rotation 1. South. J. Appl. For. 26(2):61–71.
Decline in Values of Slash Pine Stands Infected with Fusiform Rust
Authors: Bridgwater F.E. , Smith W.D.
Published: August 2019

Losses in product values due to fusiform rust, caused byCronartium quercuum (Berk.) Miyabe ex Shirai f. sp.fusiforme, were estimated from four, 25-yr-old slash pine,Pinus elliotii Engelm., plantations planted in southern Mississippi over a range of sites with different growth potential and expected rust infection levels. The percentage of infected stems ranged from 25% to 62% at age 25. The conversion-return method (Davis 1966) was used to take into account logging, transportation, and milling costs. Estimated stand values between infected and noninfected stands were compared to determine the losses in product value due to fusiform rust. Decline in estimated stand stumpage values ranged from 5.6% to 15.5% at age 25. Stand stumpage values at age 25 declined 0.26% per 1% increase in stem rust infection at both ages 5 and 25. The strong linear relationship between the percentage of stems infected at age 5 and decline in stand stumpage values provides a useful tool for land managers who need to estimate the reduction in value of slash pine stands at harvest based on rust infection at age 5. Combining this information with estimates of losses from rust-associated mortality and reduced growth of infected stems (from other studies) permits land managers to estimate the value of slash pine stands at harvest at early ages and decide among management alternatives. South. J. Appl. For. 26(3):134–139.
A Loblolly Pine Seedling-Grade by Genotype Study
Authors: South David B. , Rakestraw James L.
Published: August 2019

A loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedling grade study was established in January 1987 on a Coastal Plain site at Bellville, Georgia. The factorial study involved three seedling grades (Wakeley's Grade 1, 2, and 3) and three half-sib families (#5, 25, 56). Trees were measured at ages 8 and 13 yr. Both family and seedling grade affected survival, height, and diameter at age 8 yr. Survival among families varied by as much as 3 percentage points while there was a 10 percentage point difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 seedlings. Only family was related to height and diameter at age 13. Volume gains from planting Grade 1 seedlings instead of Grade 3 seedlings varied by family but there were no significant interactions between family and seedling grade. Differences in height among families and among seedling grades decreased over time. At age 8, there was a 5.3 ft difference between the tallest and shortest family but by age 13, the difference declined to 3.7 ft.Overall, planting family 56 instead of family 25 resulted in an additional 645 ft3/ac by age 13. Planting Grade 1 seedlings instead of Grade 3 seedlings produced an additional 303 ft3/ac. Per acre volume differences among families were greater at age 13 than at age 8. In contrast, differences among seedling grades were about the same at age 8 and 13 yr. The overall mean annual increment (MAI) for this study was 207 ft3/ac/yr. In comparison, the MAI for Grade 1 seedlings of family 56 was 239 ft3/ac/yr. South. J. Appl. For. 26(3):153–158.
Monetary Benefits in a Southern Silvopastoral System
Authors: Husak Amanda L. , Grado Stephen C.
Published: August 2019

In many regions of the United States, agroforestry has become an important land use alternative. In the South, silvopasture, which combines spatial and temporal growth of timber and livestock, is the most common form of agroforestry. An economic analysis was undertaken to demonstrate the monetary and wildlife benefits that can be accrued from a silvopastoral system in the southern United States. Wildlife-related activities as well as annual and periodic cash flows from timber and livestock sales were included in the analysis. Land expectation value (LEV), equivalent annual income (EAI), and rate of return (ROR) were compared for a silvopastoral system and four traditional southern monocultural systems. The profitability of silvopastoral systems is comparable to other land use systems. Silvopasture further provides opportunities for incorporating wildlife-related activities through hunting leases and possesses both quality and quantity of wildlife habitat not available in other systems. On average, the inclusion of hunting leases increases LEVs from 3.1 to 30.6% per acre over a range of lease and interest rates. Finally, results of this and other studies suggest that silvopasture is an environmentally and economically feasible alternative to traditional land uses. South.J. Appl. For. 26(3):159–164.
II. Early Loblolly Pine Stand Response to Tillage on the Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain of Georgia: Tree Allometry, Foliar Nitrogen Concentration, Soil Bulk Density, Soil Moisture, and Soil Nitrogen Status
Authors: Will R.E. , Wheeler M.J. , Markewitz D. , Jacobson M.A. , Shirley A.M.
Published: August 2019

The effects of machine planting, disking, bedding, and bedding + subsoiling on the allometry and foliar nitrogen status of 3-yr-old loblolly pine trees (Pinus taeda L.) and soil properties were assessed for a range of sites on the Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain of Georgia. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of these soil tillage practices on the mechanisms that drive stand growth differences that result from site preparation. Although tillage increased growth, the tillage treatments studied did not appear to affect plant biomass partitioning between roots and shoots or foliar nitrogen concentration. Increased available soil N, measured from a one-time estimate of available N and laboratory incubation, was not related to the observed increase in tree growth. Extractable NH4 from the soil on the slowest growing, no-till treatment trees was significantly greater than those of the other treatments. No treatment differences were found for total soil N, extractable NO3, or total N mineralized. Bulk density and soil moisture were lower on the beds and in the disk plots, the treatments with the greatest growth. Therefore, soil N availability, foliar N concentrations, and biomass partitioning did not appear to drive the tillage mediated growth differences. Rather, improved soil physical conditions likely resulted in a greater volume of soil exploited and hence, larger trees. South. J. Appl. For. 26(4):190–196.
Natural Recovery of Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Cavity Trees After Hurricane Hugo
Authors: Williams Thomas M. , Lipscomb Donald J.
Published: August 2019

Cavity trees of red cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) were monitored on Hobcaw Forest prior to Hurricane Hugo and through April 1996. There were 194 cavity trees in 28 clusters on the forest prior to Hurricane Hugo and 194 in 28 clusters again in April 1996. During that period, 135 cavity trees died: 74 from hurricane wind, 25 from saltwater intrusion, and 36 from wind, lightning, and insects not associated with the hurricane. Five clusters of cavity trees were destroyed or went inactive, and five new clusters were produced by budding. During the period, woodpeckers established new cavities in 135 trees for a complete recovery of cavity trees that had been lost to the hurricane. This recovery occurred without use of cavity inserts, drilled cavities, or translocation of birds. Retrospective comparison of the prehurricane forest to the Private Landowner Guidelines (Costa 1992) showed that habitat met most of the parameters in those guidelines prior to the hurricane. After all hurricane-induced mortality, clusters remained active despite available forage well below the 3000 ft2 of total basal area in large pines recommended in the guidelines. In fact, two clusters were produced by budding from clusters with less than the recommended potential forage. Survival of adequate longleaf pine for new cavities appeared to be the most important factor in recovery. South. J. Appl. For. 26(4):197–206.
Tree-Length System Evaluation of Second Thinning in a Loblolly Pine Plantation
Authors: Visser Rien , Stampfer Karl
Published: August 2019

A productivity study and system evaluation was carried out on a tree-length operation working in a second thinning of loblolly pine near Greenville, North Carolina. The average tree volume was 8.1 ft3 and the average dbh was 8.4 in. The machines studied in the system were the Tigercat 720B feller-buncher, the Tigercat 630 skidder, and the tracked loader Tigercat 245. The goal was to reduce the standing timber from 225 trees/ac down to 92. Standard time-study methodology and multivariance statistical analyses were used to capture and evaluate the data. The key productivity parameters identified for the feller-buncher was piece volume and number of trees in the bunch, and for the skidder extraction distance, average piece volume and number of bunches picked up to make a turn. The ability of the loader to process increasing number of trees as average tree volume decreased, and the increased difficulty of delimbing the larger trees resulted in no significant variance for average piece size. Productivity functions were developed for the feller-buncher and the skidder. The system evaluation discusses the productivity balance between the machines for the given range of piece size as well as potential operational improvements based on in-field observations. South. J. Appl. For. 27(2):77–82.
Growth and Yield Relative to Competition for Loblolly Pine Plantations to Midrotation—A Southeastern United States Regional Study
Authors: Miller James H. , Zutter Bruce R. , Zedaker Shepard M. , Edwards M. Boyd , Newbold Ray A.
Published: August 2019

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations were studied across 13 southeastern sites grown for 15 yr with near-complete control of woody, herbaceous, and woody plus herbaceous components during the first 3–5 yr. This multiple objective experiment (the COMProject) documents stand dynamics at the extreme corners of the response surface that encompasses most competition conditions common to pine plantations. This is the second of two companion reports. Merchantable pine volume after 15 yr with early, near complete competition control reached 2,350–4,415 ft3/ac by site compared to 1,132–2,965 ft3/ac on the no controls. With control of both woody and herbaceous competition, 15 yr volumes were increased by 23–121% and gains increased as hardwoods and shrubs increased on the no controls. Early woody control increased merchantable pine volume on 11 sites by 14–118%, while herbaceous control yielded somewhat less on average, a 17–50% increase on ten sites. No gains and some volume losses occurred when control of one component released severe competition from an enhanced remaining component, otherwise gains were generally additive for control of both components. Pine volume was decreased by about 1% for each 1 ft2/ac of hardwood basal area (BA) present at age 15. Annual measurements determined that culmination of current annual increment (CAI) with control of both competition components occurred in yr 8–11 at 250–470 ft3/ac/yr. CAIs for pine height, BA, and volume were decreased by about 5–27% when growing season rainfall (March–October) was less than 36 in. Mean annual increment had not culminated for any treatment at any location by yr 15 and ranged from 195–250 ft3/ac/yr with both woody and herbaceous control. Fusiform rust mainstem galls [Cronartium quercuum (Berk.) Miyabe ex Shirai f. sp. fusiforme (Hedge. & Hunt) Burdsall & Snow] in high severity areas increased additively with control of both components, more so with herb control. Contrary to the widespread assumption that hardwood out-compete pine, the hardwood proportion of stand BA decreased from yr 5–15 on sites where hardwood BA in yr 5 exceeded 10 ft2. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):237–252.
Crown-Diameter Prediction Models for 87 Species of Stand-Grown Trees in the Eastern United States
Authors: Bechtold William A.
Published: August 2019

The mean crown diameters of stand-grown trees were modeled as a function of stem diameter, live-crown ratio, stand basal area, latitude, longitude, elevation, and Hopkins bioclimatic index for 87 tree species in the eastern United States. Stem diameter was statistically significant in all models, and a quadratic term for stem diameter was required for some species. Crown ratio and/or Hopkins index also improved the models for many species. Coefficients of variation from the regression solutions ranged from 18 to 35%, and model r-square values ranged from 0.15 to 0.88. Simpler models, based only on stem diameter and crown ratio, are also presented. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):269–278.
Growth, Survival and Physiological Effects of Hexazinone and Sulfometuron Methyl Applied Overtop of Longleaf Pine Seedlings
Authors: Ramsey Craig L. , Jose Shibu
Published: August 2019

A field study was conducted in Santa Rosa County, FL to evaluate the effects of two herbicides, hexazinone and sulfometuron methyl, on longleaf pine seedling (Pinus palustris Mill.) survival, growth, and physiological functions over a 2 yr period (2001–2002). An old-field site was planted with 1-yr-old container-grown seedlings in January 2001, and herbicides were band-applied overtop of the seedlings in April 2001. Hexazinone rates were 0.56 and 1.12 kg ai/ha, and the sulfometuron methyl rates were 0.21 and 0.42 kg ai/ha. Volumetric soil moisture was also measured in May, July, August, and October in each treatment. At the end of the first growing season (2001), survival was not improved by any of the herbicide applications. However, root collar diameter (RCD) increased for hexazinone applied at 0.56 and 1.12 kg ai/ha, and sulfometuron methyl applied at 0.42 kg ai/ha at the end of the first growing season compared to the control. At the end of the second growing season, RCD was 28.7, 30.9, 30.5, 32.1, and 33.3 mm for the control, sulfometuron methyl applied at 0.21 and 0.42 kg ai/ha, and hexazinone applied at 0.56 and 1.12 kg ai/ha, respectively. Also, the percentage of seedlings out of the grass stage at the end of the study was 72, 74, 79, 81, and 89% for the control, sulfometuron methyl applied at 0.21 and 0. 42 kg ai/ha, and hexazinone applied at 0.56 and 1.12 kg ai/ha, respectively. Foliar responses, such as net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration were measured in October 2001. There was no evidence of herbicide injury on foliar physiological functions relative to the control seedlings 6 months after treatment. During 2001, soil moisture was related to hexazinone and sulfometuron methyl application rates in May and July, but not in August or October. Averaged across May and July, soil moisture increased from 5.4% in the control to 7.6 and 7.5% in the highest hexazinone and sulfometuron methyl treatments, respectively. Based on seedling survival, growth, and herbicide costs, the most effective treatment was hexazinone applied at 0.56 kg ai/ha. South. J. Appl. For. 28(1):48–54.
Quantifying Forest Soil Physical Variables Potentially Important for Site Growth Analyses
Authors: Kush John S. , Pitt Douglas G. , Craul Phillip J. , Boyer William D.
Published: August 2019

Accurate mean plot values of forest soil factors are required for use as independent variables in site-growth analyses. Adequate accuracy is often difficult to attain because soils are inherently widely variable. Estimates of the variability of appropriate soil factors influencing growth can be used to determine the sampling intensity required to secure accurate mean plot values. A study was conducted to determine the plot means and variation of bulk density, texture, and gross moisture weights within plots associated with the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forest type in south Alabama. Included in the study were three different soil series (Troup, Norfolk, and Esto), at each of three topographic positions (lower, mid, and upper slope). Soil texture was the most variable among the properties studied and gross moisture weights the least variable. Results provide a means of estimating forest soil sampling intensity for use in site growth analyses. South. J. Appl. For. 28(1):5–11.
Biomass Partitioning and Root Architecture Responses of Loblolly Pine Seedlings to Tillage in Piedmont and Coastal Plain Soils
Authors: Schilling Erik B. , Graeme Lockaby B. , Rummer Robert
Published: August 2019

In the southeastern United States, site preparation methods often involve surface and subsurface tillage used singly or in combination. However, growth responses to these treatments are often inconsistent across sites and physiographic regions. In an effort to gain insight into how pine growth is affected by tillage, the effects of two treatments, machine planting and combination tillage (i.e., disking, subsoiling, and bedding), were examined in terms of biomass partitioning and root system architecture of loblolly pine seedlings (Pinus taeda L.) on Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain sites in Alabama and Georgia. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of combination tillage on root system development and examine whether potential effects were related to aboveground measures. Seedling allometry indicated that for all sites and both physiographic regions, machine planting and combination tillage treatments resulted in similar biomass partitioning above- and belowground. Furthermore, on both Piedmont and Coastal Plain sites, root architecture was primarily influenced by the presence of the subsoil “rip” regardless of treatment. These conclusions suggest that compared to machine planting, combination tillage did not affect biomass partitioning on the functional rooting zone of these young pines to a degree that was biologically significant. South. J. Appl. For. 28(2):76–82.
Silvicultural Management Within Streamside Management Zones of Intermittent Streams: Effects on Decomposition, Productivity, Nutrient Cycling, and Channel Vegetation
Authors: Lockaby B. G. , Governo R. , Rummer B. , Colson C.
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this watershed study on three intermittent streams was to evaluate responses ofriparian processes to three streamside management zone (SMZ) treatments; no harvest, clearcut, and partial harvest(50% basal area removal). Riparian response variables measured included litterfall, leaf litter decomposition, understory vegetation, soil temperature and water chemistry. However, due to drought conditions, insufficient water chemistry data were collected to support quantitative assessment of treatment effects. Comparisons of mass loss rates (k) indicated that decomposition on the control treatment was the most rapid. Understory vegetation surveys showed statistically greater mass of forbs and grasses within the clearcut SMZ. Results suggest that no harvest or a partial harvest within SMZs along intermittent streams are preferable because these treatments maintain carbon inputs to streams. South. J. Appl. For. 28(4): 211–224.
Smoothed Versus Unsmoothed LiDAR in a Double-Sample Forest Inventory
Authors: Parker Robert C. , Mitchel A. Lee
Published: August 2019

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data at 0.5- and 1-m postings were used in a double-sample forest inventory on Louisiana State University's Lee Experimental Forest, Louisiana. Phase 2 plots were established with differential global positioning system (DGPS). Tree dbh (>4.5in.) and two sample heights were measured on every 10th plot of the Phase 1 sample. Volume was computed for natural and planted pine and mixed hardwood species. LiDAR trees were selected with focal filter procedures from smoothed and unsmoothed LiDAR canopy surfaces. Dbh-height and ground-LiDARheight models were used to predict dbh from LiDAR height and compute Phase 2 estimates of ft2 basal area and ft3 volume. Phase 1 LiDAR estimates were computed by randomly assigning heights to species classes using the probability distribution from ground plots in eachinventory strata. Phase 2 LiDAR estimates were computed by randomly assigning heights to species-product groups using a Monte Carlo simulation for each ground plot. Regression coefficients for Phase 2 estimates of ft2 and ft3 from the smoothed versus unsmoothed surfacesof high- and low-density LiDAR were computed by species group. Regression estimates for combined volume were partitioned by species-product distribution of Phase 2 volume. There was no statistical difference (α = 0.05) between smoothed versus unsmoothed for high- and low-density LiDAR on adjusted mean volume estimates (sampling errors of 9.52 versus 8.46% for high-density and 9.25 versus 7.65% for low-density LiDAR). South. J. Appl. For. 29(1):40–47.
SOFRA and RPA: Two Views of the Future of Southern Timber Supply
Authors: Adams Darius , Mills John , Alig Ralph , Haynes Richard
Published: August 2019

Two recent studies provide alternative views of the current state and future prospects of southern forests and timber supply: the Southern Forest Resource Assessment (SOFRA) and the Fifth Resources Planning Act Timber Assessment (RPA). Using apparently comparable data but different models and methods, the studies portray futures that in some aspects are quite similar and in others markedly different. This article focuses on what the differences and commonalities between the reports suggest about the key factors that help shape our views of the future of southern timber supply. What inputs and assumptions make important differences in projections of the South's timber supply future? We find that there are five major areas to watch: (i) gross land area shifts from forest to urban and from agriculture to forest (not just net timberland area change); (ii) the sensitivity of pine plantation investments to expected timber prices; (iii) the responsiveness of southern timber demand to prices; (iv) age or date of the starting inventory and the definition of timber harvest (what products are included); and (iv) the basic yield assumptions and the timing of the yield impacts from improved management and timberland area change. South. J. Appl. For. 29(3):123–134.
A Comparison of Tree Health Among Forest Types and Conditions at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia
Authors: Applegate Jason R. , Steinman Jim
Published: August 2019

Fort A.P. Hill's Range and Training Land Assessments (RTLA) program initiated long-term monitoring of installation forests to assess forest health and ensure optimal sustainability of forest resources for military training activities. A subset of forest health indicators developed by the USDA Forest Service Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) and Forest Inventory and Analysis programs were used to assess forest health on Army training lands at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia. Indicators of tree crown condition and tree damage condition were taken in forested areas where military training occurs, “tactical concealment areas (TCAs),” and on continuous forest monitoring (CFM) plots established in control stands where military training is absent. A higher percent of trees with high crown dieback, low crown density, and multiple types of stem damage were observed within TCAs than on CFM plots. The results are indicative of possible long-term changes to forest health from military training activities. The FHM forest health indicators proved to be an effective and useful approach to assess tree conditions. South. J. Appl. For. 29(3):143–147.
Long-Term Effects of Drainage, Bedding, and Fertilization on Growth of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) in the Coastal Plain of Virginia
Authors: Fox Thomas R. , Kyle Kevin H. , Andrews Lisa J. , Aust W. Michael , Burger James A. , Hansen Gerald H.
Published: August 2019

A site preparation study was established in 1968 at three locations in the Coastal Plain of Virginia. Three treatments were installed in a randomized complete block design: (1) chop, (2) bed, and (3) ditch. In 1978, four fertilizer treatments were superimposed on the site preparation study: (1) check, (2) phosphorus (P) only, (3) P + nitrogen (N), and (4) P + N + lime, converting it into a split-plot design. At age 33 years, height of the dominant loblolly pine in the ditch treatment was significantly greater than in the other site preparation treatments. However, there were no differences in stand density, diameter at breast height (dbh), basal area, or volume because of site preparation. This contrasts with the data collected at age 21 years, when total volume in both the bed treatment and the ditch treatment was greater than in the chop treatment. Changes in water table depths through time were the probable cause for decreased response to bedding and ditching. There was a large response to fertilization through age 33 years in this study. The P + N + lime treatment had significantly greater dbh, basal area, and volume than the other fertilizer treatments, which significantly increased pine stumpage value. The size of the growth response was greater at age 33 years than it was at age 21 years. Soil and foliage analysis suggests that the sustained growth response at this site was due to the added Ca. South. J. Appl. For. 29(4):205–214.
Hardwood Plantation Management
Authors: Malac Barry F. , Heeren Robert D.
Published: August 2019

Until recently forest management was aimed primarily at maintaining the integrity of existing pine stands and converting low-value hardwood stands to higher-yielding stands of pine. What is the rationale behind the change in emphasis from intensive pine silviculture to even more capital-intensive silviculture of hardwood plantations? We attempt to answer this question and to give some of the reasons for deciding in favor of hardwood plantations. Among the most significant of these is an economic evaluation which shows the plantation management system capable of producing more than 50 percent more volume at one-third the cost of natural regeneration.
High Quality Logs: Saw or Sell?
Authors: Screpetis George D.
Published: August 2019

The break-even point for sawing or selling veneer class logs is determined to be higher than generalist assumed by foresters and mill owners. The efficiencies of the mill operator and the sale of chips can raise the net return from sawing logs above that ordinarily accepted in selling the same logs for veneering.
Applying Best Management Practices on Florida's Forestlands
Authors: Greis John G.
Published: August 2019

In 1976 Florida's Department of Environmental Regulation appointed a Technical Advisory Committee to identify best management practices (BMP's) to prevent nonpoint pollution from forest management activities. The committee has completed an assessment of silviculture-related sediment production, which pointed to access roads as the most serious potential pollution hazard, and has developed a systematic technique of rating inherent site sensitivity to forest management activities. A public education program utilizing federal, state, and industrial resources and stressing voluntary compliance, is envisioned as the most effective means of attaining substantial compliance with the program.
Southern Pine Beetle Infestation Affects Esthetic Values of Forest Landscapes
Authors: Buhyoff Gregory J. , Leuschner W. A. , Wellman J. D.
Published: August 2019

Viewers preferences for forest landscapes suffering from varying stages of southern pine beetle (SPB) infestation were measured. Subjects with different forestry backgrounds evaluated slides of SPB-damaged areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Half were told they were viewing SPB damage; half were not. Results indicate that people prefer undamaged landscape, preferences do not differ according to forestry backgrounds, foreknowledge of SPB damage influenced viewers negatively, and most esthetic impact occurs before 10 percent of the forested area shows insect damage. We present management recommendations based on these findings.
Timber Haul Road Construction in Southern Mountains
Authors: Groves Franklin D. , Baughman Ronald K. , Hundley M. Eugene , Sherman Roger L.
Published: August 2019

Weyerhaeuser Company and Westvaco Corporation combine to discuss haul road construction in mountainous terrain of Arkansas and West Virginia. Road design, adoption of standards, construction techniques—these and other components are found to be equally important in building cost-effective roads that are environmentally acceptable. Costs range from $5,000 to $35,000 per mile of completed road, depending on steepness and difficulty of terrain.
Rainfall and Frequency of Ferbam Sprays Important for Fusiform Rust Control
Authors: Rowan S. J.
Published: August 2019

Slash pine seedlings were exposed to 0, 1/4, 1/2, 1, or 2 inches of artificial rain 2, 24, 48, or 96 hours after a ferbam spray was applied at the rate of 200 gallons per acre. All seedlings were artifically inoculated with basidiospores of Cronartium quercuum f. sp. fusiforme two to three hours after the rain. Results indicate that ferbam should be applied every second day after 1/4 to 1/2 inch of rain, every day if more than 1/2 inch of rain occurs within 24 hours after ferbam application, and every third day if there is no rain. Ferbam sprays need not be reapplied on the same day, even after 2 inches of rain, but it is important to respray seedlings the next day.
A New Diameter Distribution Model for Unmanaged Loblolly Pine Plantations in East Texas
Authors: Lee Young-Jin , Coble Dean W.
Published: August 2019

A parameter recovery procedure for the Weibull distribution function based on four percentile equations was used to develop a diameter distribution yield prediction model for unmanaged loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations in East Texas. This model was compared with the diameter distribution models of Lenhart and Knowe, which have been used in East Texas. All three models were evaluated with independent observed data. The model developed in this study performed better than the other two models in prediction of trees per acre and cubic-foot volume per acre (wood and bark, excluding stump) across diameter classes. Lenhart’s model consistently underestimated the larger-diameter classes because it was developed originally with data mostly collected in young plantations. Knowe’s model overestimated volume in sawtimber-sized trees, which could lead to overestimations of volume in older loblolly pine plantations found in East Texas. An example also is provided to show users how to use this new yield prediction system. These results support the recommendation that forest managers should use growth and yield models designed and/or calibrated for the region in which they are implemented.South. J. Appl.For. 30(1):13–20.
An Individual-Tree, Merchantable Stem, Green Weight Equation for Loblolly Pine Pulpwood in Arkansas, Including Seasonal Effects
Authors: Doruska Paul F. , Patterson David W.
Published: August 2019

An individual-tree, merchantable stem (3-in. top), outside-bark, green weight equation was developed for loblolly pine pulpwood trees in southeast Arkansas. Trees were sampled from the same eight stands over the four seasons of the year; therefore, stand-to-stand variation did not impact results. Specific gravity did not differ within stem position across seasons. However, seasonal differences in moisture content led to different weight scaling factors by season, the largest weight scaling factor occurring in spring. As a result, the weight equation is parameterized differently based on season of the year. Stand origin (natural regeneration versus plantation) did not significantly impact weight scaling factor. The fitted equation explained 97% of the variation present in the data and possessed a mean absolute error of 24.1 lb per tree. Assuming the climatic conditions during the project were typical; up to a 6% difference in estimated merchantable stem weight occurs based on season of the year. Use of this equation and these results should assist those inventorying, buying, and selling loblolly pine pulpwood by weight in southeast Arkansas and nearby surrounding regions.
Timing of Chopper Herbicide Site Preparation on Bedded Sites
Authors: Lauer Dwight K. , Quicke Harold E.
Published: August 2019

Vegetation control after different application timings of Chopper herbicide (active ingredient imazapyr) relative to bedding was examined at four lower Coastal Plain study locations. Two bedding regimes, midseason and late-season, were examined at each location. Midseason bedding occurred between May and July and late-season bedding occurred between September and November. Results indicate that many of the historical application timing limitations placed on imazapyr are not necessary. Chopper herbicide in combination with methylated seed oil can be applied as early as February and as late as November, up to the day before bedding and immediately after bedding. Seasonal timing of application also was found to have a major impact on pine growth. For those treatments that provided good vegetation control, earlier season treatments resulted in the best pine growth. Optimal application timings were (1) June through September at least 3 weeks after midseason bedding, (2) February to the day before midseason bedding, and (3) February through July followed by late-season bedding. An exception is that if deciduous woody species such as hardwood or blackberry are targeted, early season applications (February–April) should not occur until these species have leafed out. The optimal timing windows are wide, allowing forest managers plenty of flexibility in scheduling operations. Use of optimal timing windows has the potential to substantially increase productivity without increasing costs.
Planting Oaks in Group Selection Openings on Upland Sites: Two Case Studies from Arkansas
Authors: Heitzman Eric , Grell Adrian
Published: August 2019

Two upland sites in Arkansas were studied to test the performance of 1-0 northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and white oak (Quercus alba L.) seedlings planted in group selection openings. Both red and white oak seedlings were planted at one location in the Ozark Mountains,and only red oak seedlings were planted at a second site along Crowleys Ridge. Holes were dug with power augers and seedlings were planted by hand. At the time of planting, the mean height of red oak and white oak seedlings at the Ozark site were 3.4 and 1.9 ft, respectively. Red oak seedlingsat Crowleys Ridge averaged 3.0 ft tall when planted. After 4 years at the Ozark site, 77% of red oak and 86% of white oak were alive. After 3 years at Crowleys Ridge, red oak survival was 80%. Seedlings at both sites grew slowly. Mean 4-year height increment at the Ozarksite was 2.1 ft for red oak and 2.5 ft for white oak, and mean 3-year height increment for red oak at Crowleys Ridge was 1.6 ft. Three years after planting in the Ozark Mountains and 2 years after planting at Crowleys Ridge, naturally regenerating competition had suppressed over one-thirdof the red oak and about one-half of the white oak. This necessitated a release treatment around planted seedlings at both sites. Oaks that decreased in total height over a given growing season were common. Most seedlings that decreased in height had been pulled over or crushed by other vegetationor exhibited top dieback. South. J. Appl.For. 30(3):142–146.
Hedging Urea for Forestry Applications in the US South
Authors: Mendell Brooks C.
Published: August 2019

This article introduces hedging with futures contracts as a risk management strategy in forestry. It tests and indicates the feasibility of using newly available urea futures contracts traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to hedge urea, the most common nitrogen fertilizer usedin forest management. A significant direct price movement relationship exists between urea cash prices and urea futures. In detailing how to implement this hedge, net realized urea prices are calculated for two fertilization seasons for the US South in 2004 and 2005. Both hedges reduce thegap between expected costs and actual out-of-pocket costs relative to unhedged urea purchases. These results suggest that urea futures contracts can effectively reduce price risk, defined as unexpected price changes, for forestry applications. The newness of the urea futures contract, whichbegan trading in May 2004, limits the ability to assess the long-term impacts on the SD of net realized cash costs for urea over longer time frames. South. J. Appl. For. 30(3):142–146.
Improving the Rooting Capacity of Stem Cuttings of Virginia Pine by Severe Stumping of Parent Trees
Authors: Rosier Christopher L. , Frampton John , Goldfarb Barry , Blazich Frank A. , Wise Farrell C.
Published: August 2019

Two experiments were conducted to develop a protocol for rooting stem cuttings from 5-year-old Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.). The first experiment tested the effects of stumping treatment (none and ¼, ½, and ¾ original height remaining), auxin type[indole-3-butyric acid or 1-napthalene acetic acid (NAA)], and auxin concentration (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 mM) on adventitious root formation. Stumping refers to the process of cutting back the stem combined with partial crown removal. The second experiment quantified the effects of crown position on the rooting of stem cuttings from stumped and nonstumped trees. Rooting percentage increased and percentage of mortality decreased as the severity of the stumping treatment increased. Auxin concentration significantly affected every rooting trait except root angle. Overall,cuttings from trees stumped to ¼ original height and treated with 4 mM NAA rooted in higher percentages (74%) and produced more primary roots (5.5) with greater total root lengths (601 mm) than the other treatments. The original crown position, particularly height, significantly affected rooting percentage. Primary needle length significantly increased as the severity of the stumping treatment increased and was positively correlated with rooting capacity. South. J. Appl. For. 30(4):182–187.
Reforestation Tax Incentives Under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004
Authors: Straka Thomas J. , Greene John L.
Published: August 2019

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 made significant changes in the reforestation tax incentives available to private forest owners. Owners can now deduct outright reforestation costs up to $10,000 per year for each qualifying timber property and amortize any additional amount over 8 tax years. To assess the financial benefit the new incentives provide to forest owners, the authors developed spreadsheets that calculate after-tax Bare Land Value (BLV) for a representative southern pine management plan under three tax situations: no reforestation incentives, the incentives under previous law, and the incentives under the current law. They found that compared to no tax incentive, the current law chiefly benefits owners with high non-timber income, increasing BLV by an amount equivalent to a reforestation cost share of roughly 25 to 30% as opposed to 5 to 15% for owners with low or median income. Compared to previous law, the current law chiefly benefits owners of large forest holdings, increasing BLV by an amount equivalent to a reforestation cost share of roughly 10 to 20%. For owners of small forest holdings, however, BLV decreased by an amount equivalent to a 5 to 10% increase in reforestation costs. These findings are significant as Congress likely intended that the new incentives continue to benefit primarly “small woodland owners” with modest incomes and forest holdings.
Tree Nutrition and Forest Fertilization of Pine Plantations in the Southern United States
Authors: Fox Thomas R. , Lee Allen H. , Albaugh Timothy J. , Rubilar Rafael , Carlson Colleen A.
Published: August 2019

The growth of many pine plantations in the southern United States is limited by soil nutrient availability. Therefore, forest fertilization is a common silvicultural practice throughout the South. Approximately 1.2 million ac of pine plantations were fertilized in 2004. In the last 10 years, considerable advances have been made in identifying the ecophysiological basis for stand growth and the response to fertilizer additions. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the nutrients that most commonly limit growth of southern pine. On wet clay soils in the lower Coastal Plain and on some well-drained soil in the upper Coastal Plain, severe P deficiencies exist. On these soils, P fertilization with 25–50 lb of P per acre at the time of planting produces a large and sustained growth response, on the order of 50 ft3 ac−1 yr−1 (1.5 tn ac−1 yr−1) throughout the rotation. On most other soils in the South, chronic deficiencies of both N and P exist. On these sites, soil nutrient availability often is adequate early in the rotation when tree demand is small. However, around the time of crown closure, N and P frequently become limiting. Fertilization with both N and P in these intermediate aged stands typically increases growth for 8–10 years. The growth response to a combination of 25 lb of P per acre plus 200 lb of N per acre averages around 55 ft3 ac−1 yr−1 (1.6 tn ac−1 yr−1) for an 8-year period. The amount of leaf area in the stand is the main factor determining the current growth rate of the stand and the potential growth response after fertilization. When stand leaf area index is less than 3.5, light capture by the stand is restricted and growth is negatively affected. In many of these stands, fertilization will increase leaf area because of increased soil nutrient availability and thus increase growth. The financial return after fertilization depends on the growth response that occurs, the cost of the fertilizer treatment, and the stumpage value of the timber produced. Using a growth response of 55 ft3 ac−1 yr−1 over 8 years, a fertilizer cost of $90 ac−1, and stumpage values from the first quarter of 2006, the internal rate of return from midrotation fertilization of a loblolly pine plantation with N and P would be approximately 16%.
The Southern US Forest Bioenergy Encyclopedia: Making Scientific Knowledge More Accessible
Authors: Gan Jianbang , Rauscher H. Michael , Smith C.T. , Ashton Sarah , Biles Larry , Cassidy Daniel , Foster Darwin , Howell Matthew R. , Hubbard William G. , Jackson Ben , Mayfield Chyrel , Mead Donald J. , Silveira Semida , Taylor Eric
Published: August 2019

Production of forest biomass in sustainably managed forests in the southern United States has great potential to improve forest health, make energy supplies more secure, and increase the social and economic welfare of rural communities. The awareness and access of landowners and forestry and natural resource professionals to new knowledge and market development opportunities must be increased, and new technological advances in knowledge dissemination systems can be very useful in this connection. The Encyclopedia of Southern Bioenergy was developed within The Forest Encyclopedia Network (www.forestencyclopedia.net/) to facilitate the transfer of useable knowledge from scientific experts in bioenergy and bio-based products to natural resource professionals, landowners, and the general public. Using the encyclopedia as a base, a team of bioenergy and extension education experts has developed several new educational products. These materials are designed as components of an overall biomass training program for the South that is being disseminated through the Southern Regional Extension Forest network.
A Mixed-Effects Model for the dbh–Height Relationship of Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata Mill.)
Authors: Budhathoki Chakra B. , Lynch Thomas B. , Guldin James M.
Published: August 2019

Individual tree measurements were available from over 200 permanent plots established during 1985–1987 and later remeasured in naturally regenerated even-aged stands of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) in western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. The objective of this study was to model shortleaf pine growth in natural stands for the region. As a major component of the shortleaf modeling effort, an individual tree-level dbh–total height model was developed in which plot-specific random parameters were fitted using maximum-likelihood methods. The model predicts tree height on the basis of dbh and dominant stand height (which could be obtained from a site-index model). The mixed-effects model approach was found to predict the total height better than the similar models developed previously for this species using ordinary least-squares methods. Moreover, such a model has the appeal of generalization of the results over a region from which the plots were sampled; and also of calibration of parameters for newly sampled stands with minimal measurements.
Hurricane Katrina Impacts on Mississippi Forests
Authors: Oswalt Sonja N. , Oswalt Christopher , Turner Jeffery
Published: August 2019

Hurricane Katrina triggered public interest and concern for forests in Mississippi that required rapid responses from the scientific community. A uniform systematic sample of 3,590 ground plots were established and measured in 687 days immediately after the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast. The hurricane damaged an estimated 521 million trees with more than 2.5-cm dbh and killed approximately 54 million trees statewide. Sixty-nine percent of tree mortality occurred in 17 counties in southeastern Mississippi, and 45% of trees killed were loblolly pine trees. Total tree mortality was less than 1% of the statewide population.