bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Assessment with Current Deployment Strategies for Fusiform Rust-Resistant Loblolly and Slash Pines
Authors: Bridgwater Floyd , Kubisiak Tom , Byram Tom , McKeand Steve
Published: August 2019

In the southeastern USA, fusiform rust resistant loblolly and slash pines may be deployed as 1) ulked seed orchard mixes, 2) half-sibling (sib) family mixtures, 3) single half-sib families, 4) full-sib family mixtures, single full-sib families from 5) “bulking up” or producing large numbers of controlled cross seeds, or as 6) clones of individual genotypes. These deployment types are respectively less genetically variable and less well buffered against environmental stress, but provide respectively greater genetic gains from higher selection intensity. Currently, bulked seed orchard mixes are deployed by all state organizations and many smaller companies, but about half the 1.1 billion loblolly and slash pines deployed annually are planted in half-sib family blocks. The most aggressive landowners plant virtually all of their land with a small number of half-sib families. Full-sib families and/or clones are currently planted on a small fraction of the total area regenerated, but research and development seeks to make the deployment of full-sib families and clones economical to increase the genetic gains from applied tree improvement programs. Resistance to fusiform rust currently being deployed is likely due to resistance based on both major genes and genes of small, cumulative effects. However, major genes for resistance to fusiform rust have been discovered using molecular genetic techniques, and deployment strategies are currently being developed. “Boom and bust” cycles of pathogens on other crops when major genes were deployed against them create concerns that these same problems might arise when deploying major genes for resistance against fusiform rust. We assessed the risk that fusiform rust might overcome one to few major genes for resistance if they are deployed widely and strategies to mitigate the risk that this will occur. We concluded that the deployment strategies currently in widest use (bulked seed orchard seedlings and half-sib family blocks) robustly resist fusiform rust infection. Plantations are probably sufficiently genetically buffered to present little risk of cataclysmic failure, as current resistance is likely to be based on both major and minor genes. Furthermore, these same deployment strategies are likely to provide robust protection against risk factors other than fusiform rust. We concluded that deploying pine cultivars with known genes for major resistance to fusiform rust in regions where their associated virulence genes are absent or in low frequencies is a practical near term strategy and that deploying a mosaic of different resistance genes may mitigate the presumed greater risk of deploying full-sib family blocks or clones. South. J. Appl. For. 29(2):80–87.
Multivariate Probit Modeling of Decisions on Timber Harvesting and Request for Assistance by African-American Forestland Owners
Authors: Gan Jianbang , Kebede Ellene
Published: August 2019

This study identifies factors influencing the decisions to harvest timber and request assistance by African-American forestland owners in Alabama's Black Belt. A multivariate probit model is estimated using landowner survey data to predict the landowners' interrelated behavior in timber harvesting and request for technical and financial assistance. The size of forestland holdings, existence of management plans, and occupation of landowners are significantly related to timber harvesting. Landowners who have a management plan are more likely to seek technical and financial assistance. In addition, importance of timber production and contribution of forestland to household income affect the landowners' request for technical assistance, while age influences their decisions to seek financial assistance. Timber harvesting is positively correlated with seeking technical assistance, which is positively associated with seeking financial assistance. In general, these landowners tend not to seek assistance. Our results show some similarities as well as differences between African-American forestland owners and general nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) owners. More successes in reaching out to African-American forestland owners would be achieved through incorporating their uniqueness and constraints in future program design and implementation and by initially targeting those who have a management plan or a desire to develop one, rely more on forests for income, and are more inclined to timber production. South. J. Appl. For. 29(3): 135–142.
Timber Inventory of Large Acreages Using Stratified Two-Stage List Sampling
Authors: Borders Bruce E. , Shiver Barry D. , Clutter Michael L.
Published: August 2019

We present two-stage list sampling estimators and methodology that are useful in a forest inventory context. The advantages of this sampling method are discussed and illustrated with an inventory of a 3,419-acre timber tract. In this example, two-stage list sampling resulted in strata level and tract level estimates that were very close to estimates from a more intensive cruise that used twice as much field sampling effort. South. J. Appl. For. 29(3):152–157.
Collection and Care of Sycamore Seeds
Authors: Bonner F. T.
Published: August 2019

Seeds of low quality will yield seedlings of low quality (and high production expense) in the nursery. No treatments exist that can turn poor seeds into good ones. To help insure a supply of good sycamore seed, remember these key points: (1) delay collections until fruits are mature; (2) dry fruits properly for extraction; (3) clean the extracted seeds well, and because of the fine hairs, take safety precautions to avoid inhalation; (4) upgrade the seed lot; (5) store seeds at 0° to 5° C. and 5- to 10-percent moisture content; and (6) have seeds tested properly.
Limiting Canker Disease Losses of Sycamore in the Midsouth
Authors: McCracken F. I. , Burkhardt E. C.
Published: August 2019

Several fungus-caused canker diseases of sycamore in the Midsouth have been identified and the potential economic loss they represent has been assessed. Losses in localized areas may be sufficient to concern managers of sycamore stands and plantations. Descriptions of the most destructive cankers to aid in detection and procedures to reduce losses are presented.
Ten-Year Results of Thinning and Clearcutting in a Muck Swamp Timber Type
Authors: McGarity R. W.
Published: August 2019

Thinnings and a clearcut treatment were imposed on a 60-year-old muck swamp stand. After 10 years, the uncut control produced more merchantable volume per acre than the thinned plots, and had essentially the same percent mortality of residual trees. On an individual-tree basis, crop trees grew faster as thinning intensities increased Clearcutting and cull control produced good regeneration development, averaging 89 percent desirable species Cypress has outgrown the gum component across all treatments.
Stump Management Increases Coppice Yield of Sycamore
Authors: Belanger Roger P.
Published: August 2019

Stumps of American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) saplings cut during the dormant season produce larger and heavier sprouts after four years than those cut during the growing season. Stumps should be cut no more than 6 inches high to facilitate sprouting taproot development, and maneuverability of harvesting equipment. Coppice yields increase as stump diameter increases.
Site Preparation and Fertilization of Slash Pine on a Wet Savanna Soil
Authors: Pritchett W. L.
Published: August 2019

Pine production on wet savanna soils is very low without site preparation and phosphorus fertilization. After eight years, flat disking has increased tree heights only 1.0 feet over tree heights on burned-only plots. Bedding improved heights by 4.1 feet over burned-only treatment during this period. Because of improved growth and better survival, per-acre volume on bedded plots was almost double that of burned-only plots. Applications of 20 and 80 pounds of phosphorus increased heights by an average of 83 and 89 percent. The effects of bedding and fertilization are largely additive. Total understory vegetation biomass was not increased by treatments, but the proportion of desirable forage species greatly improved.
Predicting the Incidence of Fusiform Rust in Five- to Ten-Year-Old Slash and Loblolly Pine Plantations
Authors: Schmidt R. A. , Squillace A. E. , Swindel B. F.
Published: August 2019

Fusiform rust (caused by Cronartium fusiforme Hedgc. and Hunt ex Cumm.) is a major problem—in some instances the limiting factor—in the intensive management of slash (Pinus elliotti Engelm.) and loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) pine throughout much of their natural and planted range. Optimum management requires knowledge of present and future rust incidence for plantations early in their rotation. Presented here are a set of disease progress curves which enable the manager to predict future rust incidence and to adjust present rust incidence to a common age to facilitate comparisons among plantations.
Comparison of Height-Measurement Techniques in a Dense Loblolly Pine Plantation
Authors: Rennie John C.
Published: August 2019

Ninety-four trees were measured by two crews with six height-measurement methods in a loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) pine plantation. The Suunto clinometer with tape was most precise; however, it was also biased. Two methods using the Christen hypsometer were faster than the three methods based on measured horizontal distance and a method using a vertical pole and a hypsometer. In addition to technique selection, crew selection, training, and supervision were important.
Camera-Mount Assembly for Small-Format Aerial Photography
Authors: Mason Garland N. , Mathews M. L.
Published: August 2019

A camera-mount assembly is described for single- or dual-camera acquisition of 35 or 70 mm supplemental aerial photography from light aircraft.
Selection Thinning Increases Slash Pine Size and Quality
Authors: Parker J. Andrew
Published: August 2019

A single selection thinning of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) from 117 to 75 ft.2/A of basal area at age 12 increased mean d. b. h. one inch and sawtimber and pole volume 21 percent over the unthinned check at age 27. Total merchantable cubic-foot volume was not significantly affected by thinning over a wide range of treatments; however, repeated cutting to 50 ft2/A of basal area appeared to reduce merchantable volume. Volume advantage of the unthinned plots disappeared, due to high mortality (1,058 ft3/A) between age 17 and 27. Thinning to a stocking of 50 ft2/A reduced mortality to 22 percent of the check.
Sex Differences in Green Ash
Authors: Talbert John T. , Heeren Robert D.
Published: August 2019

A disproportionately large number of first-generation selections from natural stands of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) have been male. A study was undertaken to determine if male and female green ash differed in several important economic characteristics. Only straightness differences could be shown to be statistically significant, and, even for this trait, several opinions were needed to detect male superiority. Sufficient variation should exist in natural stands to allow inclusion of superior individuals of both sexes in a tree-improvement program.
Chloropicrin as a Soil Fumigation Treatment in Southern Pine Nurseries
Authors: South David B.
Published: August 2019

Because of concerns over the ozone layer, the annual amount of methyl bromide used for soil fumigation for crop production is decreasing. A promising alternative soil fumigation treatment involves applying 300 lb/ac of chloropicrin (CCl3NO2) under a plastic tarp. Although this soil fumigant does not control weeds as well as an equivalent amount of methyl bromide, chloropicrin is an effective strategy for controlling many soilborne pests. The total amount of chloropicrin used for fumigation in southern pine nurseries will likely increase as use of methyl bromide fumigation declines.
Stratified Light Detection and Ranging Double-Sample Forest Inventory
Authors: Parker Robert C. , Evans David L.
Published: August 2019

An industrial application of a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) individual-tree, stratified double-sample forest inventory of approximately 18,000 ha of southeastern pine plantations was accomplished with an 9:1 ratio of 0.02-ha phase 1 LiDAR and phase 2 ground plots in ages 6 to 28 years. Phase 2 ground inventory data of tree dbh and sample tree heights for 2 trees per plot were used to obtain dbh-height relationships and volumes of standing trees. Phase 1 LiDAR data with 1.9 points per m2 were used to obtain ground–LiDAR height relationships for phase 2 matching LiDAR trees and phase 1 estimates of basal area and volume. A conventional ground inventory of 971 ground plots by private contractors applying standard company field specifications resulted in an overall sampling error of ±2.7% (α = 0.05) for a single-phase volume estimate and ±2.2% for the double-sample volume estimate. Sampling error was defined as one-half the 1-α confidence interval expressed as a percentage of the mean. Reducing the phase 2 ground sample to 15 plots per age class stratum achieved sampling errors of approximately ±15% for half the strata, with a combined error of ±3.9%. Adjusting the LiDAR-ground height bias of approximately 1.8 m resulted in more realistic volume estimates compared with the industry's continuing forest inventory volumes. The double-sample volume estimates were obtained at a cost of approximately $3.88/ha of timberland inventoried as compared with $1.67/ha for the conventional inventory.
Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners and the Southern Pine Beetle: Factors Affecting Monitoring, Preventing, and Controlling Infestations
Authors: Molnar Joseph J. , Schelhas John , Carrie Holeski
Published: August 2019

The southern pine beetle (SPB;Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann) has been a major source of timber and income loss to nonindustrial private forest landowners in the southern region of United States. Efforts to promote forest health through prevention and control must identify new ways to reach the sociologically diverse and spatially dispersed nonindustrial private landowners in this region. This study examined the knowledge levels, perceptions, and forest management practices among a sample of 205 southern forest landowners contacted in a mail survey. Results show that respondents with personal value commitments to conservation and wise use of forestland took more monitoring, prevention, and control actions. Membership in forest landowner associations, familiarity with public assistance programs, and use of more sources of forest management advice defined a context for increased awareness, interest, and desire to manage the SPB. Furthermore, two aspects of the landowner situation seemed to enhance the propensity to take SPB prevention and control actions. Recent SPB-caused timber losses in the county and the presence of a written management plan were associated with greater prevention efforts. An established consideration of what treatments and purposes a piece of property was to receive seemed to lead to better responsiveness to forest health risks such as the SPB. Although plans to harvest timber seemed to enhance vigilance about the SPB, involving forest holders in a broader community of landowners seems to be a central means for stimulating the vigilance and commitment necessary to intervene early in the development of forest health problems before larger losses ensue.
A Survey of Land Managers on Wildland Hazardous Fuels Issues in Florida: A Technical Note
Authors: Wolcott Leslie , O'Brien Joseph J. , Mordecai Kathryn
Published: August 2019

Due to a rapidly expanding human population in Florida, fire management has become hampered by urban encroachment, smoke management issues, and forest fragmentation. For these and other reasons, fire has been excluded from many stands, resulting in the buildup of dangerous fuel loads. These fuel loads have begun to result in recurrent destructive wildfires. Already, different communities are responding to these dangerous fuel loads in various ways. As part of a larger project to synthesize best management practices for hazardous fuel management in pine flatwoods and pine rocklands in Florida, a survey was distributed to a variety of land managers in Florida to investigate fuel management practices already in place. This note summarizes responses to this survey.
Compatible Stem Taper, Volume, and Weight Equations for Young Longleaf Pine Plantations in Southwest Georgia
Authors: Brooks John R. , Jiang Lichun , Clark Alexander
Published: August 2019

Outside and inside bark diameter measurements were recorded from tree disks obtained at 0-, 0.5-, 2.0-, 4.5-, 6.0-, 16.6-, and at 4-ft-height intervals above 6 ft to a 2-in. diameter outside bark top diameter on 42 longleaf pine trees selected from intensively managed longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) plantations in Dougherty and Worth Counties in southwest Georgia. Trees were sampled from unthinned, cutover stands in their 11th and 14th growing season, which are currently part of an existing growth and yield study. Sample trees ranged from 2 to 7 in. in diameter and from 18 to 40 ft in total height. Parameters for a segmented polynomial taper and compatible cubic foot volume and weight equation were simultaneously estimated using a seemingly unrelated nonlinear fitting procedure to volumes based on a generalized Newton formula and an overlapping bolt methodology. Average error was approximately 0.25 in., 0.04 ft3, and 2.5 lb for taper, volume, and weight estimation, respectively.
Multitemporal Analysis Using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) Bands for Forest Cover Classification in East Texas
Authors: Raines Jason C. , Grogan Jason , Hung I-Kuai , Kroll James
Published: August 2019

Land cover maps have been produced using satellite imagery to monitor forest resources since the launch of Landsat 1. Research has shown that stacking leaf-on and leaf-off imagery (combining two separate images into one image for processing) may improve classification accuracy. It is assumed that the combination of data will aid in differentiation between forest types. In this study we explored potential benefits of using multidate imagery versus single-date imagery for operational forest cover classification as part of an annual remote sensing forest inventory system. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery was used to classify land cover into four classes. Six band combinations were tested to determine differences in classification accuracy and if any were significant enough to justify the extra cost and increased difficulty of image acquisition. The effects of inclusion/exclusion of the moisture band (TM band 5) also were examined. Results show overall accuracy ranged from 72 to 79% with no significant difference between single and multidate classifications. We feel the minimal increase (3.06%) in overall accuracy, coupled with the operational difficulties of obtaining multiple (two), useable images per year, does not support the use of multidate stacked imagery. Additional research should focus on fully utilizing data from a single scene by improving classification methodologies.
Biological, Economic, and Management Implications of Weighted Least Squares
Authors: VanderSchaaf Curtis L. , South David
Published: August 2019

An assumption of ordinary least squares (OLS) is constant variance across the domain of a regressor. Often, however, the random error term variance is not constant when modeling biological data and therefore weighted least squares (WLS) is commonly used to estimate parameters. Less emphasis is placed on observations of the dependent variable with larger variances when using WLS, which is thought to produce more “efficient” parameter estimates. Statisticians often use WLS instead of OLS when the random error variance is not constant. However, as natural resource managers, we are often most interested in values of the dependent variable where the variance is greatest. What then are the biological, economic, and management implications of using WLS versus OLS in natural resource modeling? In this article, parameters of the combined-variable volume equation were estimated for individual trees in loblolly pine plantations using both OLS and WLS. A growth-and-yield model was used to predict stand development over time of two planting densities (303 and 1,090 seedlings/ac) and individual tree volumes were predicted using OLS and WLS parameter estimates. Economic analyses were then conducted. Our results show that the choice of OLS or WLS can have a substantial impact on predicted economic returns. Thus, when using WLS, landowners may decide to invest in additional management treatments that may, in fact, not be economically feasible. This study provides further evidence that landowners need to be aware of model structures when basing harvest-age decisions on growth and yield projections.
Accuracy of Subsampling for Height Measurements in Loblolly Pine Plots
Authors: Carlson Colleen A. , Fox Thomas R. , Burkhart Harold E. , Allen H. Lee , Albaugh Timothy J.
Published: August 2019

Estimating heights in research and inventory plots is costly. We examined the feasibility of subsampling tree heights as opposed to measuring all trees. Four sampling intensities (75, 50, 25, and 10%) and four sampling strategies (systematic sampling, simple random sampling without replacement, stratified sampling across the diameter distribution, and sampling the first trees in each plot) were investigated. Data from 600 loblolly pine plots in fertilizer trials in the southeastern United States were used. The application of a height–dbh regression to predict the heights of unmeasured trees was also investigated. Sampling the first trees generally resulted in poorer estimates than the other sampling schemes. Systematic and simple random sampling performed similarly. A 50% sampling intensity with either systematic or simple random sampling and a height–dbh regression predicting the heights of unmeasured trees estimated more than 90% of plots to within 2.2% of the observed plot height and more than 94% of plots to within 2.5% of the observed volume, and they were more accurate than the stratified sampling at the same intensity. Systematic sampling is easy to implement, requiring no prior plot knowledge. We conclude that a 50% systematic sampling combined with a height–dbh regression will reduce costs without compromising accuracy.
Recovery of Planted Loblolly Pine 5 Years after Severe Ice Storms in Arkansas
Authors: Bragg Don C. , Shelton Michael G.
Published: August 2019

Following a severe ice storm, one of a landowner's first considerations regarding the future of their damaged stands should be on the recovery potential of injured crop trees. The ice storms that struck Arkansas in December 2000 provided an opportunity to monitor 410 injured loblolly pines (Pinus taedaL.), representing a wide range of damage in 18–20-year-old plantations. Five-year mortality rates were <3% for trees with low to moderate injury, 16% for major damage, and 55% for critical damage. Of the most seriously affected pines, root-sprung trees had the highest periodic mortality rate (85%). Annualized diameter growth was significantly affected by the tree's dbh class (positively) and intensity of damage (negatively). This research suggests that pines with low to moderate levels of damage can prove to be acceptable growing stock, whereas critically injured individual trees are not. Trees with major damage could be either retained or salvaged, depending on residual stand stocking, the operability of the salvage, and existing market conditions. Finally, recommendations from this study should enable landowners to better respond to their loblolly pine plantations damaged by ice storms.
Forest Landowner Participation in State-Administered Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Cost-Share Programs
Authors: Rossi Frederick J. , Carter Douglas R. , Alavalapati Janaki R.R. , Nowak John T.
Published: August 2019

Healthy pine trees in low-density stands offer the best defense against the southern pine beetle (SPB), helping to ensure that timber resources and other benefits of forests are protected against infestations. Through the SPB prevention cost-share program, landowners of nonindustrial private forestland are able to receive a financial incentive for improving forest health by proactively undertaking forest management practices. In this study, two surveys were used to analyze this program: (1) a survey of enrollees in the SPB prevention cost-share program, and (2) a survey of forest landowners who have not participated in a cost-share program. Data are used to examine similarities and differences in the two samples (e.g., background awareness of the SPB, sources of their information about the SPB). Information obtained from cost-share program enrollees is also presented to characterize their participation and to provide an overall evaluation of the program. Data indicate that the SPB prevention cost-share program is very successful in terms of the satisfaction of its customers (i.e., the actual program participants).
Perceptions of Foresters of Wind Damage in Mississippi Forests
Authors: Merry Krista L. , Bettinger Pete , Grebner Donald L. , Hepinstall-Cymerman Jeffrey
Published: August 2019

A survey of registered foresters in Mississippi was conducted to gauge their perception of various factors that influence stand damage resulting from hurricanes. A review of the literature suggests that tree diameter, height, age, and species are influential factors on a stand's susceptibility to wind damage. In addition, stand density, recent management activities, soil conditions, recent weather conditions, and the proximity to open areas are also noted in the literature as influential factors on these site-specific studies. Although scientific opinion on the importance of these factors varies, the perceptions of foresters familiar with strong wind events provide critical feedback that is often consistent with research results. The perceptions of foresters are valuable because they are derived from direct or indirect field experience, and they can be helpful in designing more effective research studies, in developing organizational policies, and in broadening our understanding of what makes a forest more resistant to hurricane-related damage. The results of our survey were generally consistent with the available literature, but some differences were found between the registered foresters' perceptions of hurricane damage and factors suggested by site-specific studies previously reported in the literature.
Leaf Area of Overstory and Understory in Pine Plantations in the Flatwoods
Authors: Peduzzi Alicia , Allen H. Lee , Wynne Randolph H.
Published: August 2019

Leaf area index (LAI) was measured in summer and winter for the overstory and understory in 7- and 10-year-old loblolly and slash pine plantations on poorly drained, somewhat poorly drained, and moderately well-drained soils. LAI and vegetation indices (simple ratio [SR], normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI], vegetation index, and enhanced vegetation index) were also calculated using Landsat imagery. LAI values observed for the overstory were low in most of the plots (around 2 m2 m−2 in slash pine and around 3 m2 m−2 in loblolly pine), whereas the understory LAI was very high (around 2 m2 m−2), which can be attributed to the lack of canopy closure observed in all plots. No significant differences were found in the understory LAI values across soil drainage classes. Total LAI (overstory LAI plus understory LAI) values were weakly correlated with the vegetation indices. The LAI values estimated using Landsat data were typically half of the values estimated on the ground. Significant correlations were observed between the vegetation indices (SR and NDVI) and stand and site factors, suggesting that the satellite-derived indices were more related to the stand biophysical parameters than to in situ LAI estimates.
Landowner Motivations for Owning Woodland on the Tennessee Northern Cumberland Plateau
Authors: Kaetzel Brandon R. , Hodges Donald G. , Fly J. Mark
Published: August 2019

There has been a dearth of evidence in recent years by which to assess what motivation landowners have for owning woodland. Only recently, in the past 5 years, has there been a fresh attempt to answer this question. It has become increasingly important to understand landowner motivations for owning woodland with the substantial increase of nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) landowners and the decreasing sizes of tracts of land. This report uses results of a 2005 survey on the Tennessee Northern Cumberland Plateau to assess what motivations landowners have for owning their woodland. Principal components analysis is used to assign motivation categories, and multinomial logistic regression is used to assess what characteristics classify landowners into their respective motivation categories. Results show that landowners can be classified into one of three motivation categories: privacy, utility, and heritage. This knowledge is beneficial to resource managers as they attempt to disseminate information to landowners on how to best achieve their objectives.
Optimal Cross-Sectional Sampling Strategy for Red Oak Borer (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Scars within Northern Red Oaks
Authors: Haavik Laurel J. , Stephen Frederick M.
Published: August 2019

We used dendrochronological techniques to develop an optimal sampling strategy for the purpose of investigating the history of red oak borer (Enaphalodes rufulus [Haldeman]) population patterns within northern red oaks (Quercus rubra L.). We cut the entire length of three northern red oak tree boles into cross-sections, sanded top and bottom surfaces of each cross-section, and dated all scars within each bole. Our goal was to devise a strategy to reduce the amount of bole sampled without compromising the data necessary to accurately estimate historical population patterns of red oak borer. When we tested four possible sampling strategies and compared them with the entire-tree data sets from which they originated, we found no statistical differences in the distribution of scar counts by year. We also assessed processing time and found that compared with sampling an entire host bole, sampling strategies that include the lower 20% or 30% of boles would reduce labor efforts by 55–63%. We suggest that development of similar sampling methods for other bark or wood-boring species may be possible if the relationship between insect life history and annual tree-ring formation, as well as the general spatial and temporal distribution of insect evidence within trees, is known.
Economics of Ethanol Production Using Feedstock from Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) Plantations in the Southern United States
Authors: Nesbit Tyler S. , Alavalapati Janaki R.R. , Dwivedi Puneet , Marinescu Marian V.
Published: August 2019

A growing interest in cellulosic biofuels, coupled with the economic challenges faced by nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) owners of the Southern United States, presents a unique opportunity to useforest biomass as a feedstock for developing bioenergy markets. This study uses a cost-benefit analysis framework to calculate the profitability for three simulated NIPF slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantations under multiple feedstock production levels. Also, the unit cost of cellulosic ethanol production considering both the two-stage dilute sulfuric acid (2SDSA) and proposed synthesis gas ethanol catalytic conversion (SGECC) processes is calculated through a discounted cash flow methodology. The results show that the bioenergy market opportunity increases land values by $28.56–37.50/ac. The calculated unit cost of production is found to be $2.39/gallon under the 2SDSA process and $1.16/gallon for the SGECC process. The overall analysis indicates that ethanol production from Southern slash pine plantations offers a promising option for biofuel production, but that further advancements are necessary in the ethanol conversion phase.
Forest Biomass Supply for Bioenergy Production and Its Impacts on Roundwood Markets in Tennessee
Authors: Guo Zhimei , Hodges Donald G. , Abt Robert C.
Published: August 2019

The use of forest biomass as an alternative source for bioenergy production has become a significant issue in Tennessee. This study used the Sub-Regional Timber Supply model to analyze the regional aggregate forest biomass feedstock potential and the impacts of additional pulpwood demand on the regional roundwood market through 2030. Two scenarios examined the impacts of building a biorefinery facility of 20 and 50 million gallons annual capacity in the state in 2015. The third scenario investigated the impacts of an Energy Information administration (EIA) reference case. The projection results suggest that there is sufficient hardwood pulpwood supply for a 50 million gallon biorefinery facility in Tennessee. It is possible to meet the increased demand of the EIA reference case without affecting the hardwood pulpwood market in the short run, but not in the distant future. The additional demand for softwood pulpwood will affect the softwood market substantially, but the impacts on the hardwood market are comparatively small. Hence, it is more feasible to increase the use of hardwood pulpwood for renewable energy rather than softwood pulpwood. These results will be very helpful in sustainably supplying forest biomass for bioenergy production in Tennessee.
Landowner Willingness to Supply Timber for Biofuel: Results of an Alabama Survey of Family Forest Landowners
Authors: Paula Ana Luiza , Bailey Conner , Barlow Rebecca J. , Morse Wayde
Published: August 2019

A key factor determining the potential for development of cellulosic bioenergy in the southeastern United States (the South) will be the availability of feedstock, which in turn depends on landowner willingness to direct timber production to biomass rather than existing markets or nonmarket uses. Most timberland in this region is owned by family forest landowners whose forest management objectives are varied. This study evaluates the conditions under which family forest landowners from Lee County, Alabama, would be willing to supply wood biomass energy feedstock for a prospective local biofuel industry. Using standard survey methodology, a questionnaire was mailed to every family forest landowner of 20 or more acres of forestland in Lee County, resulting in 363 valid responses and a response rate of 41%. Results indicate that most family forest landowners are willing to supply both timber and harvest residues for production of biofuels and that such willingness is positively correlated with the number of acres owned, the existence of an effective market, and the opportunity to contribute to local economic development and global climate change. Three-quarters of all respondents indicated willingness to manage their land for biomass production, compared with 43% of respondents who actively manage their land at present.
A Modified Stand Table Projection Growth Model for Unmanaged Loblolly and Slash Pine Plantations in East Texas
Authors: Allen Micky G. , Coble Dean W. , Cao Quang V. , Yeiser Jimmie , Hung I-Kuai
Published: August 2019

Four methodologies to project future trees per acre by diameter class were compared to develop a new modified stand table projection growth model for unmanaged loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) plantations in East Texas. The new models were fit to 92,882 observations from 153 permanent plots located in loblolly pine plantations and 33,792 observations from 71 permanent plots located in slash pine plantations throughout East Texas. The new models were validated with 12,750 observations from 22 permanent plots and 3,724 observations from 9 permanent plots located in loblolly and slash pine plantations, respectively. The validation data were used to select between the four methodologies. The results indicated which of the new models produced the best results, based on error indexes calculated for trees per acre and basal area per acre at the stand table and diameter class levels across a range of projection lengths. We recommend that this new model be used by forest managers for projecting stand tables in East Texas loblolly and slash pine plantations. An example is also provided to show users how to use the new modified stand table projection model.
Costs of Hazard-Reduction Burning on Southern National Forests
Authors: Vasievich J. Michael
Published: August 2019

Prescribed burning plans from national forests on the southern coastal plain provide sufficient data to estimate the costs of burns that were completed as planned. Estimated costs over a 4-year period in 1976 dollars ranged from $4.82 per acre for a 50-acre burn in a 12-year rough to $0.35 per acre for a 2,400-acre burn in a 4-year rough. Cost per acre was strongly influenced by the size of burn and age of rough (years since last burn).
Growth and Survival of Planted Northern Red Oak Seedlings in West Virginia
Authors: Wendel G. W.
Published: August 2019

The survival and growth of planted northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings were studied in relation to top pruning, fertilizing, mulching, and the age and size of seedlings at planting time. Top pruning at one and two years after planting suppressed growth. Fertilizer—N, P, and combinations—and mulches did not produce a significant growth response. Seedlings of above average height at planting time retained their height advantage during the study. Survival of all ages of stock was high. Many seedlings attained a height of more than 6 feet seven years from seed, regardless of treatment, and it is expected that 30 to 50 percent of these will reach maturity.
Site and Stand Conditions Associated with Southern Pine Beetle Outbreaks in Arkansas—A Hazard-Rating System
Authors: Ku Timothy T. , Sweeney James M. , Shelburne Victor B.
Published: August 2019

Since 1969, the southern pine beetle (SPB, Dendroctonus frontalis, Zimm) has spread northwest through 24 southern Arkansas counties. Analysis of trees in 984 infested plots indicated that attacked trees were in a stressed state with smaller crowns, thinner bark, and slower growth than unattacked trees. Comparison with 509 uninfested plots showed trees on infested plots had slower growth rates, thinner bark, and occurred on sites with lower site index and less slope. Disturbance, notably lightning and logging, significantly increased a stand's susceptibility to beetle attack. Undisturbed infested plots were significantly younger with smaller stand d.b.h. and higher basal area than undisturbed uninfested plots. All factors which reduced radial growth predisposed stands to SPB attack, but high stand density had the most significant influence. The hazard-rating system presented indicates a pine stand's susceptibility to attack. Reduction of basal area to below 100 square feet per acre in carefully conducted thinning operations is the recommended practice to minimize SPB losses.
Long-Term Effects of Early Pruning and Thinning Treatments on Growth of Natural Longleaf Pine
Authors: Sparks Robert C. , Linnartz Norwin E. , Harris Harold E.
Published: August 2019

Pruning and thinning a young natural stand of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) in southwest Louisiana had little influence on height. However, diameter growth was reduced substantially as pruning intensity or stocking rate increased up to 25-percent live crown and 200 stems per acre, respectively. Improved diameter growth at lower stocking rates was not sufficient to equal the total basal area increment of 200 trees per acre.
Photographic Perceptions as an On-Site Tool for Designing Forest Trails
Authors: Hammitt William E. , Cherem Gabriel J.
Published: August 2019

Hiking of forest trails is a popular forest recreational activity. Accordingly, trails need to be designed to provide for the needs of trail users. Two photographic methodologies were used to provide forest resource managers with a tool for incorporating hiker perceptions and preferences into the design of trails. Visitor-produced photographs and on-site rating of trail environment photographs can provide necessary user information for designing more rewarding trail experiences. Additionally, they offer a source of public involvement in the design process which seems highly agreeable to participants.
Prescribed Burning and Nutrient Cycling Relationships in Young Loblolly Pine Plantations
Authors: Kodama H. E. , Van Lear D. H.
Published: August 2019

Prescribed burning of young unthinned plantations of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in the South Carolina Piedmont significantly reduced the quantity of individual nutrients in the L layer, but not the F + H layers of the forest floor. Burning reduced the weight of the L layer by 60 percent but the weight of the combined F + H layers was unaffected by the relatively fast-moving strip-head fires. Nutrient losses by ash convection from the L layer during the prescribed fire ranged from 3.6 lbs/ac for P to 23.1 lbs/ac for N. Some impaction of nutrients released in burning on pine canopies was detected by analysis of throughfall and stemflow. However, quantities of nutrients intercepted and released by the canopy are small when compared to nutrient transfer by leaf fall and precipitation. The canopy and stems markedly altered the nutrient concentrations of intercepted precipitation.
Cubic-Foot Volume of Loblolly Pine to Any Height Limit
Authors: Cao Quang V. , Burkhart Harold E.
Published: August 2019

Flexible methods for computing the contents of various portions of tree boles are necessary with today's changing utilization standards. Equations are presented for estimating the cubic-foot volume of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees to any desired height. The procedure involves predicting total stem volume and converting total volume to merchantable volume.
Three Species of Eucalyptus Tested in Puerto Rico: Five Years after Outplanting
Authors: Figueroa Julio C. , Whitmore Jacob L.
Published: August 2019

As part of an international trial of provenances, three species of Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) were tested in Puerto Rico on two sites, one a combination of Tanama clay and Coloso silty clay loam, the other a Mayo sandy loam. Both sites represent large reforestable areas in Puerto Rico. Five provenances each of E. deglupta Blume and E. urophylla Blake and two provenances of E. alba Reinw. ex Blume were outplanted in 1971. Five years after outplanting, mean heights averaged from 10.3 m to 17.9 m, with the tallest tree over 26 m. D.b.h. averaged from 9.2 cm to 16.8 cm, and survival ranged from 23 to 92 percent. E. deglupta and E. urophylla grew quite well on both sites, with variation due both to site and to provenance. E. alba growth was less impressive.
Early Results of a White Ash Provenance Test in Central Alabama
Authors: Duba S. E. , Goggans J. F. , Clausen K. E. , Patterson R. M.
Published: August 2019

A provenance test of white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) seedlings was established during January 1976 in the Tuskegee National Forest in Alabama. The seedlings were representative of the southern portion of the species' range. At the end of the third growing season, family survival ranged from 84 to 100 percent. Overall survival averaged 97 percent. Provenances and families within provenances differed in height after two and three years in the field. The family component of variation is increasing in proportion with age. The southernmost origins of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana (3.26 m) and Hardin, Texas (2.98 m) had the tallest average heights. The East Baton Rouge and Hardin sources are assumed to be tetraploid (2N = 92). There seems to be both a north-south relationship and a ploidy-level relationship to the height-growth pattern. Seedlings from the southernmost sources should perform satisfactorily in south and central Alabama.
Thinning Eastern White Pine in the Southern Appalachians
Authors: Della-Bianca Lino
Published: August 2019

Standing volumes and 80-year growth trends and yields are given for three eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) study plots in the Old Orchard Plantation at Biltmore, North Carolina. The site 71 plot was thinned seven times and its yield compared with two unthinned plots, one each on site 75 and site 56. Site strongly influenced stand densities, average stand diameters, and stand volumes. Results showed that on site 71 at age 75 a heavy thinning from 184 to 126 ft²/A of basal area appreciably increased diameter and volume growth of eastern white pine. Between age 72 and 80, ingrowth on site 56 substantially contributed to board-foot yield.
Effects of Fertilization on Healthy and Pitch Canker-Infected Pines
Authors: Fisher R. F. , Garbett W. S. , Underhill E. M.
Published: August 2019

The addition of large amounts of nitrogen plus phosphorus fertilizer to a slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii Engelm.) stand infected with pitch canker increased mortality and decreased tree growth. The addition of nitrogen or phosphorus alone, small amounts of nitrogen plus phosphorus, or nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and micronutrients together neither increased mortality nor decreased tree growth.
Use Patterns and Impacts of Innertube Floating on a Mountain Stream
Authors: Hammitt William E. , McDonald Cary D.
Published: August 2019

The amount of innertube floating on a mountain stream, use patterns, and the degree of ecological and social impacts resulting from this recreational activity were investigated. Both observational and survey research techniques were employed. Results indicate that although use appears fairly high, users perceive no crowding and feel no need to control numbers of floaters. However, major ecological impacts were present in the form of stream bank erosion and alteration of stream morphology. Management implications concerning the use observed and the impacts occuring are discussed.
Site Preparation Effects on Soil Bulk Density and Pine Seedling Growth
Authors: Stransky J. J.
Published: August 2019

Soil bulk density was sampled the first and third growing seasons after site preparation and pine planting on three clearcut pine-hardwood forest sites in eastern Texas. Bulk density was measured 10 cm below the surface of mineral soil using a surface moisture-density probe. Plots that had been KG-bladed and chopped had significantly higher bulk density than those that were burned or left untreated. After 5 years the survival, height, and diameter growth of pines averaged highest on the mechanically treated plots, probably because competition from other woody stems was much less than in the untreated and burned plots.
Predicting Fertilizer Response in Established Loblolly Pine Plantations With Basal Area and Site Index
Authors: Duzan Howard W. , Allen H. Lee , Ballard R.
Published: August 2019

In a wide range of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations, very few of which were suffering from severe nutrient deficiencies, response to fertilization was related to stand conditions. Gross and net volume increment equations were developed using basal area, site index, and fertilizer treatment as predictor variables. Response to fertilization was calculated as the difference between growth estimates for control and fertilized stands at given levels of basal area and site index. Predicted 5-year volume response from fertilization with 100 lbs N/A + 50 lbs P/A is given for a range of basal area and site index levels for both the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions. The information provided will enable the forest manager to choose stands with the greatest potential for response, and to determine the economic benefits of fertilization.