bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Washing Roots Reduces Vigor of Loblolly Pine Seedlings
Authors: Carey William A. , South David B. , Williford M. , Britt J.
Published: August 2019

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings were lifted from two nurseries in Georgia, and the roots were washed using equipment built for that purpose. Seedlings then received two levels of storage and were outplanted not far from the nursery of origin (one loam soil and one sandy soil). Immediately after washing, root weights and the length of fine roots did not differ among wash treatments from either nursery. Survival was excellent for all treatments on the loam soil, but a single wash reduced survival by 5 to 10% when seedlings were planted in sand. Washing slowed the rate of budbreak and early height growth. Bud growth of seedlings planted in a stress pit (containing sand) was correlated with both root growth 1 month after planting (r = 0.36,P = 0.0003) and survival 2 months after planting (r =0.62,P = 0.01). Among seedlings outplanted on a sandy site, initial height growth also correlated with survival (r = 0.49,P = 0.007). South. J. Appl. For. 25(1):25–30.
Predicting Response of Southeast Texas Loblolly Pine to Fertilization
Authors: Ngono Gregoire , Fisher R.F.
Published: August 2019

The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), vector analysis, and critical level approaches are diagnostic tools commonly used for assessing nutrient status of trees by foliar analysis. This study evaluated the relative merits of the three approaches for identifying N and P deficiencies in stands of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in southeast Texas.

Only 25% of the time did all three approaches select the same stands as N deficient, and only once did they agree that a stand was N sufficient. The three approaches agreed 25% of the time that stands were P deficient and 13% of the time that stands were P sufficient. No method was universally accurate in predicting response across soil groups.

The critical level approach proved best for identifying all responsive sites, and it would be useful if the cost of fertilization was deemed low in comparison with the cost of lost growth when responsive sites are not fertilized. The DRIS approach failed to identify some responsive sites, but a high proportion of the sites it predicted would respond, did respond. It would be useful if the cost of fertilization were deemed high in comparison with the cost of lost growth when responsive sites are not fertilized. The vector analysis approach proved most useful because of its ability to predict response to N and P when added together. Soil group alone was a reasonable predictor of response to fertilization. South. J. Appl. For. 25(2):84–87.
Hand-Lifting Improves Field Performance of Loblolly Pine Seedlings
Authors: Greene Thomas A. , Danley S. Tannis
Published: August 2019

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings were lifted from two Georgia nurseries and planted on six sites in Georgia and Alabama during the winter of 1997/1998. Survival, height, and groundline diameters were measured after two growing seasons. Hand-lifted seedlings from both nurseries were taller than machine-lifted seedlings across all sites by 7–14 cm, resulting in stem volume index increases of 19–30% over 2 yr. Survival of hand-lifted seedlings was higher (P < 0.05) for the nursery using a two-row belt lifter. Seedlings from outer drills at this nursery were 10 cm taller and produced 21% more stem volume after 2 yr than seedlings from inner drills. South. J. Appl. For. 25(3):131–135.
Effects of Nursery Characteristics on Field Survival and Growth of Loblolly Pine Rooted Cuttings
Authors: Frampton John , Isik Fikret , Goldfarb Barry
Published: August 2019

Morphological characteristics of rooted cuttings and seedlings of four open-pollinated loblolly pine families cultured at the G.H.W. Weyerhaeuser Nursery near Washington, North Carolina were assessed after lifting. Cuttings were visually assigned to nine grading classes and six putative cull classes. The nine grading classes represented a factorial of three root collar diameter classes (small [4–6 mm], medium [6–8 mm] and large [8–10 mm]) and three root quality classes (poor, fair, and good). Putative cull classes included runts, poor foliage coverage, jumbos, “dog-legged” (one horizontal root at a right angle to the stem), multiple leaders, and excessive sweep.After assessment, the rooted cuttings and seedlings were established in a randomized block design on a coastal site in southern Beaufort County, North Carolina. Five years after establishment in the field, survival, height, diameter, presence or absence of fusiform rust incidence, number of leaders, and sweep were assessed. Analyses of variance were conducted to detect differences among the putative cull classes. Nursery rooting cutting morphological traits were regressed on fifth year field traits. Iterative logistic regression was performed between the nursery traits (continuous variables) and survival (binary variable).Overall, fifth year survival of the rooted cuttings was higher than that of the seedlings (77 versus 42%, respectively), and their stem volume was not significantly different from seedlings (0.259 versus 0.285 m3). For the four open-pollinated families studied, these results indicate that no culling standards are needed for rooted cutting planting stock to perform at least as well as seedling planting stock. However, eliminating cuttings with poor foliage coverage (less than 2.5 cm) and culling or pruning rooted cuttings with multiple leaders is recommended to reduce the number of forked trees in the field. South. J. Appl. For. 26(4):207–213.
Effects of Herbaceous Competition Control on Wildlife Habitat Quality in Piedmont Pine Plantations
Authors: Keyser P.D. , Ford V.L. , Guynn D.C.
Published: August 2019

Wildlife biologists have become increasingly concerned about the effects of herbaceous competition control in pine plantations on wildlife habitats. Data from a study designed to test the effectiveness of herbaceous weed control with different site preparation methods were re-analyzed to assess effects on various measures of wildlife habitat quality. Three rates of Oust® (0, 2, and 4 oz/ac) were applied in mid-April the first year to planted loblolly pine seedlings at seven locations (each a complete randomized block design) in the Virginia Piedmont. Site preparation methods used were pile only (two locations), burn only, chop and burn, pile and disk, and Velpar® and burn (two locations). Results were re-analyzed to assess effects of these methods on total herbaceous vegetation coverage, forage coverage, the ratio of forage/cover, species richness, and species diversity. Although total herbaceous coverage and species richness declined in the first year after application on many locations, vegetation rebounded in the second and/or third year. Few significant differences were observed in forage coverage, the ratio of forage to cover, or species diversity. By the third year, few differences remained among treatment levels. Mechanical site preparation appeared to have less impact on all measures than chemical site preparation. South. J. Appl. For. 27(1):55–60.
Soil Scarification Effects on Oak Reproduction in Two Mixed-Oak Bottomland Stands of Southern Illinois
Authors: Lhotka John M. , Zaczek James J.
Published: August 2019

This study investigated whether soil scarification during the presence of oak mast could increase oak seedling establishment and decrease poison ivy cover in two mixed-oak bottomland stands that lacked adequate advanced oak reproduction. Study sites were located along the Saline River in southern Illinois and designated as Cherrybark Bottoms, with an overstory dominated by cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.), and Post Oak Flat, which contained an even mixture of post oak (Q. stellata Wang.) and cherrybark oak. Scarification was completed in November of 1999 using a small farm tractor with a pull-behind field disk to incorporate acorns into the soil. One growing season after scarification, Cherrybark Bottoms had significantly more oak seedlings in the scarified plots (7,243 ha-1) than in controls (453 ha-1). Likewise, Post Oak Flat had a significantly greater density of oak seedlings in scarified plots (8,715 ha-1) when compared to control plots (679 ha-1). In addition, scarification decreased poison ivy [Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze] cover in both stands. Results suggest that, in the presence of abundant acorns, scarification may increase the establishment of new oak seedlings in mixed-oak bottomland forests. South. J. Appl. For. 27(3):164–171.
Modeling Forest Type Transitions in the Southcentral Region: Results from Three Methods
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Mills John R. , Teeter Lawrence
Published: August 2019

In recent years much interest has developed about the dynamics of forest type transitions, especially the transitions of land to and from southern pine plantations. This article presents 50-yr-forest type projections developed from two approaches to specifying the type transition matrices. One approach used transition matrices derived with remeasured plot data for six forest types using USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis data. These data tracked transitions that occurred either naturally or artificially on inventory plots during one remeasurement cycle. The second approach relied on expert opinion surveys that predicted trends in the future of forest management. The transition matrices were developed from the responses regarding managers' intentions to regenerate stands following harvest. The survey was developed for the 2000 Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act Timber Assessment (2000 RPA). The timber inventories in eight states in the southcentral United States are projected with these methods of handling type transitions, and the results are compared to the 2000 RPA, which used a combination or hybrid approach to type transitioning. All three techniques conclude the area of planted pine is expected to increase well into the future. They are contradictory, however, in predicting the area other forest types will occupy, especially natural pine and upland hardwoods. Projections based on recent history give us one result; projections based on managers' intentions show another. South. J. Appl. For. 27(3):190–197.
Initial Effects of Reproduction Cutting Treatments on Residual Hard Mast Production in the Ouachita Mountains
Authors: Perry Roger W. , Thill Ronald E.
Published: August 2019

We compared indices of total hard mast production (oak and hickory combined) in 20, second-growth, pine-hardwood stands under five treatments to determine the effects of different reproduction treatments on mast production in the Ouachita Mountains. We evaluated mast production in mature unharvested controls and stands under four reproduction cutting methods (single-tree selection, group selection, shelterwood, and clearcut with wildlife tree retention) during the first 6 yr after initial harvest. Mean Whitehead mast production indices were greater in shelterwoods and clearcuts with wildlife tree retention than in unharvested stands 5 of the 6 yr of study, indicating individual trees in these stands produced greater amounts of hard mast. Stand production values for the 6 yr combined indicated group selections generally produced the greatest amounts of total hard mast, probably because competing pines in the matrix were thinned and hard mast-producing tree densities were unchanged after harvest. However, wide variation in residual density of mast trees existed among stands of the same treatment. Our results indicate hard mast production can be affected by different silvicultural treatments and managers should consider the importance of residual mast production along with other objectives when determining silvicultural treatments to apply. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):253–258.
Effect of the Growth Regulator Uniconazole on Biomass Allocation of Bareroot Loblolly Pine Seedlings
Authors: Barnes Andrew D. , South David B.
Published: August 2019

Improving seedling performance by reducing seedling height can be an important aspect of nursery management. The plant growth regulator uniconazole was applied to regulate height growth of nursery-grown loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings. Tests involving a foliar spray (0,0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 kg ai/ha) or a wick application (0, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 ppm) were conducted in Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. The wick applicator consisted of a perforated plastic pipe covered with a sponge cylinder supplied by a reservoir. With both application methods, as the rate of uniconazole increased, seedling height, root-collar diameter, and biomass decreased. Compared to the controls, uniconazole decreased the percentage of seedlings with root-collar diameters greater than 4.7 mm. At lifting there was no difference among rates for root/shoot ratio, but root/shoot ratios of uniconazole treated seedlings increased significantly after outplanting. Eighteen months after outplanting, there were no treatment effects on seedling height or survival. Wick applications of uniconazole merit further research because of soil persistence and costs associated with spray applications. South. J. Appl. For. 28(1):41–47.
The Impact of a Mill Policy to Discourage Overweight Log Trucks
Authors: Conradie Ian P. , Greene W. Dale , Clutter Michael L.
Published: August 2019

In Jan. 2002, Rayonier adopted a new truck weight policy at their Georgia mills to discourage gross overloading of trucks. Under this policy, logging contractors were paid a minimal amount per ton for weights exceeding 44 tons. To evaluate the effectiveness of this policy, we compared the weights of all trucks delivering wood to three company mills in Jan. 2001 (before the new policy) with the weights of all trucks delivering to the same three mills in Jan. 2002 (the first month the policy was used). This policy was very effective in a short amount of time. The percentage of trucks with gross vehicle weights exceeding 44 tons dropped from 5.56 to 3.01% after the new policy took effect and this improvement was seen within a week. We also observed other improvements in trucking performance. The percentage of loads within 5% of the legal limit increased from 45.8 to 57.4% through dramatic reductions in the percentage of underloaded trucks. In fact, after the new policy took effect, average gross vehicle weight and the average truck payload both increased due to this reduction in the percentage of underloaded trucks. South. J. Appl. For. 28(3):132–136.
Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria May Reduce Fusiform Rust Infection in Nursery-Grown Loblolly Pine Seedlings
Authors: Enebak S.A. , Carey W.A.
Published: August 2019

Fusiform rust caused by Cronartium quercuum f.sp. fusiforme (Hedg. & Hunt ex Cumm.) is the most damaging stem disease of Pinus spp. in the southern United States. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have induced systemic resistance in many host-pathogen systems. To determine whether rhizobacteria could induce systemic resistance to fusiform rust infection, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings were evaluated for rust resistance following preemergence seed and post emergence foliar sprays with three bacterial strains. Treated seed was sown in one bare root nursery in Alabama and one in Georgia, and seedlings were examined for size differences and rust galls at the end of one season. Treatment with bacteria at the time of sowing did not affect rust galls or seedling growth at the Alabama nursery but reduced galls and increased seedling growth at the Georgia nursery. Bacterial treatment T4 resulted in significantly fewer galls and strains T4 and SE34 resulted in larger seedlings compared to nontreated controls. This is the first report of a reduction in fusiform rust by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and although nursery × treatment interactions exist, the current findings suggest that induced systemic resistance is possible. South. J. Appl. For. 28(4):185–188.
The Future of Tree Improvement in the Southeastern United States: Alternative Visions for the Next Decade
Authors: Byram T.D. , Mullin T.J. , White T.L. , van Buijtenen J.P.
Published: August 2019

The tree improvement programs founded in the southeastern United States 50 years ago have been the prototype for many silvicultural research programs around the world. During that time, they have been directly or indirectly responsible for much of the remarkable progress in forest productivity seen in the southeastern United States. They have also exported plant material, ideas, and trained professionals to many other parts of the world. These programs, models for collaborative research and development, are now entering a critical period fraught with both promise and peril. Extraordinary progress in both forest genetics and tree improvement is achievable during the next 10 years. Advances in physiology, genomics, and molecular biology provide tools to make rapid improvements in vegetative propagation, selection efficiencies, deployment strategies, and the possibility of creating crop trees with novel characteristics. This article discusses four main areas of concern that influence the future of tree improvement: economics, societal expectations, rate of scientific advancement, and organizational infrastructure. Key to the economic concerns are the restraints that arise from the fact that wood and fiber products are temporarily abundant in the global market. Under these conditions, tree improvement is restrained to adding value either by lowering production costs or by making qualitative changes capable of transforming the output into higher value specialty products. Key to the societal expectations is how tree improvement practitioners address the limits set by society on acceptable technology. We have a responsibility to shape public and corporate policies by helping evaluate the risks and benefits of alternative technologies. We have more control of the advancement of science and its silvicultural application. Nevertheless, advances in science occur at irregular intervals and are impossible to predict. The one area of our future that we collectively control is the infrastructure by which we organize our efforts. Criteria for successful infrastructure will be those that support continuity of effort, maximize return from limited resources, and foster cooperative research while simultaneously promoting the development of proprietary intellectual property. South. J. Appl. For. 29(2):88–95.
Effects of Dazomet, Metam Sodium, and Oxamyl on Longidorus Populations and Loblolly Pine Seedling Production
Authors: Fraedrich Stephen W. , Dwinell L. David
Published: August 2019

Dazomet, metam sodium, and oxamyl were evaluated for nematode control and production of loblolly pine seedlings in a field infested by a Longidorus sp. Fumigation with dazomet or metam sodium reduced population densities of Longidorus to nondetectable levels early in the growing season but population densities subsequently increased to levels found in untreated control plots by the end of the growing season. Oxamyl had no effect on Longidorus population densities. Seedlings in dazomet-treated plots had significantly greater root and shoot weights than seedlings in control and oxamyl-treated plots within 6 weeks of seed sowing. At the end of the growing season, seedlings in the control and oxamyl plots were very stunted with poorly developed root systems. Seedling shoot length and root collar diameter in dazomet-treated plots averaged 27.4 cm and 4.0 mm, respectively, but in nonfumigated control plots these variables averaged 10.5 and 2.5 mm, respectively. Although dazomet and metam sodium were effective in reducing Longidorus populations for the first seedling crop after fumigation, production of a second crop without additional treatment would be inadvisable based on the increased population of Longidorus by the end of the first growing season. South. J. Appl. For. 29(3):117–122.
Identifying Intensively Managed Pine Plantation Acreage in the South
Authors: Straka Thomas J. , McCullough S. Derek , Dubois Mark R.
Published: August 2019

Long-term timber supply projections are a function of many factors including the intensively managed southern pine plantation area. A survey of southern forestry herbicide distributors was developed to determine the acreage of southern pine plantations that included herbicide applications in the management regime. Survey techniques are discussed and herbicide-treated pine plantation acres are reported by subregion, type of sale (turnkey or direct), and type of treatment (site preparation, pine release, or herbaceous weed control) for 2001 and 2002. The survey methodology produced technically acceptable results; however, the marketing and competitive aspects of the data proved to limit survey participation. A usable survey method is described with a potential for future timber supply modeling application. South. J. Appl. For. 29(3):163–166.
Survival and Growth of Seed Trees 20 Years after a Natural Regeneration Cut in the Piedmont of Georgia
Authors: Logan Stephen R. , Boyd Edwards M. , Shiver Barry D.
Published: August 2019

An experiment was installed in 1982 to compare six methods of natural regeneration in the Piedmont of Georgia. These methods include (1) clearcut with seed in place; (2) clearcut with seed in place and preharvest burn; (3) seed tree; (4) seed tree with preharvest burn; (5) shelterwood; and (6) shelterwood with preharvest burn. Because of endangered species regulations in the years after establishment of the study, no seed trees were cut and the seed tree and shelterwood plots have grown into two-story stands. Individual tree and stand characteristics were analyzed to determine the effects of burning and regeneration method on the remaining seed trees after 20 years. Diameter at breast height (dbh) growth was greater on seed tree plots than on shelterwood plots, but burned plots had increased dbh growth on shelterwood plots and decreased dbh growth on seed tree plots. Total height growth also exhibited an interaction between the burning and regeneration method but with an opposite effect. Total height growth decreased on burned shelterwood plots but increased on burned seed tree plots. Shelterwood plots had approximately double the basal area and merchantable green weight of the seed tree plots. The economic analysis indicates the seed tree method leads to greater financial returns and is less sensitive to discount rate variations than the shelterwood method. South. J. Appl. For. 29(4):173–178.
Germination Temperatures For Container Culture Of Southern Pines
Authors: Barnett James P.
Published: August 2019

Peak germination of unstratified longleaf, short-leaf, loblolly, and slash pine seeds occurred at 75° F. Longleaf seeds germinated better at lower temperatures and less successfully at higher temperatures than those of slash, loblolly, and shortleaf pine. Stratification broadened the range at which slash, loblolly, and shortleaf germinated satisfactorily. Improvement in germination was greater at temperatures below 75° than above 75° Temperatures of 95° resulted in low germination under all conditions.
Cold-Hardiness of Containerized Loblolly Pine Seedlings: Its Effect on Field Survival and Growth
Authors: Mexal John G. , Timmis Roger , Morris William G.
Published: August 2019

Loblolly pine seedlings grown in the greenhouse for 92 days in 64 ml Leach cells were hardened outdoors for 0, 14, 28, or 42 days. Those seedlings outplanted in November after cold-hardening for 14 days did not survive temperatures below -4°C (25°F). Seedlings cold-hardened for 42 days were hardier and their survival and height growth better the following season than trees hardened for 14 days or less. Seedlings kept in the greenhouse under an 8-hour photoperiod survived as well as seedlings hardened outdoors during a 42-days period. But seedlings held in the greenhouse under the natural photoperiod (∼11.5 hours) were unable to survive temperatures below -6°C (21°F). Results suggest that a short photoperiod may be substituted for cold temperatures to induce hardiness. For a successful fall planting of containerized seedlings, seedlings must be cold-hardened for at least 42 days, either outdoors or under shortened photoperiod.
Wildlife Food Plants Following Preparation of Longleaf Pine Sites in Southwest Georgia
Authors: Buckner James L. , Landers J. Larry , Barker James A. , Perkins Carroll J.
Published: August 2019

Frequency of herbaceous wildlife food plants was evaluated on clearcut longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) sites in southwestern Georgia for three years following no treatment, single- or double-chopping, prescribed burning, and combinations of chopping and burning. Legumes (Fabaceae) were reduced following chopping, but increased after prescribed burning. Composites (Asteraceae) were favored by chopping and further increased when burning preceded chopping. Frequency of grasses (Poaceae) on chopped sites was low the first year after treatment but comparable to that on untreated sites by the third year. Species composition of grasses was significantly altered by chopping but not by burning. As a group, herbaceous food plants responded best on chopped plots, especially on those previously burned.
The Federal Estate Tax: A Potential Problem for Private Nonindustrial Forest Owners in the South
Authors: Tedder Philip L. , Sutherland Charles F.
Published: August 2019

As land and timber prices continue to escalate due to inflation and real cost increases, the federal estate tax could ultimately change forestland ownership patterns of the southern United States. In some cases, only a fraction of the original tract may be passed to a surviving family member, with the balance sold to pay the estate tax. However, sound management of financial and forest resources could offset this problem. Alternatives to harvesting timber to fund the tax are presented.
Conifer Plantation Grazing and Fire Hazard Implications
Authors: Wilson Carl C. , Collins Edwin H.
Published: August 2019

Fire losses occur in young conifer plantations in the southern United States each year primarily because of the hazardous grass and weeds surrounding the trees. Yet, the usual hazard-reduction technique of prescribed fire can't be used safely until the pine plantations reach at least six to eight feet in height. Cattle grazing will not only lessen the fuel hazard, but will also provide desirable forage without damaging the young trees if the livestock are well-managed.
Location of Full-Tree Centers of Gravity for Appalachian Hardwoods
Authors: Oderwald R. G. , Stuart W. B. , Ford E. C.
Published: August 2019

Center-of-gravity locations and whole-tree weights are useful parameters in both machine design and application. Information on the location of the center of gravity for Appalachian hardwood species is provided for both winter and summer condtions.
Growth and Yield to Age 37 in North Mississippi Loblolly Plantations
Authors: Williston H. L.
Published: August 2019

Loblolly pine plantations on site 80 and site 90 (base age 50) were thinned three times at five-year intervals to basal areas of 70 and 100 square feet per acre beginning at age 17. Total production per acre after 20 years of management was: site 90, 70 ft.2—5,274 cubic feet or 16,925 board feet (International 1/4-inch rule); site 90, 100 ft.2—6,215 cubic feet or 18,910 board feet; site 80, 70 ft.2—4,390 cubic feet or 10,643 board feet; and site 80, 100 ft.2—4,692 cubic feet or 9,230 board feet. Heavy thinning reduced cordwood yield 15 percent on site 90 and 6 percent on site 80.
Status of Growth and Yield Information in the South
Authors: Farrar Robert M.
Published: August 2019

An overview of the status of stand growth and yield information for the South. Included are: a chronological review of the development of prediction systems for southern timber types; state-of-the-art examples from the literature; and an assessment of future needs in growth and yield information.
Capital Budgeting Techniques for Forestry: A Review
Authors: Fortson James C. , Field Richard C.
Published: August 2019

The key steps in the financial analysis of proposed capital expenditures are presented as well as the conditions under which the net present value or internal rate of return is the appropriate decision criterion. Factors which affect the choice of the discounting interest rate for cash flows are also reviewed.
Comparison of Height-Accumulation Volumes Using the Spiegel Relaskop and Wheeler Pentaprism
Authors: Hansen Gerald D. , Wiant Harry V.
Published: August 2019

Height-accumulation data were collected using the Spiegel Relaskop and the Wheeler Pentaprism. Mean tree volumes calculated for the instruments mounted on a tripod were not significantly different. When the instruments were held by hand, however, mean Pentaprism and mean Relaskop volumes differed significantly. Mean volumes for tripod-mounted and hand-held Relaskops differed significantly as well. Volumes of individual trees varied widely with the different instrument-support combinations. Time was saved with the Relaskop.
Young Sweetgum Responds to Early Merchantable Thinning
Authors: McGarity R. W.
Published: August 2019

Thinnings to 45 and 66 square feet of merchantable basal area were imposed on a 13-year-old natural sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) stand having 90 square feet of merchantable basal area. Twelve years later, volume growth per surviving residual tree is significantly better in both thinning treatments than in the control.
Release of Young Yellow-Poplar and Black Cherry—10-Year Results
Authors: Smith H. Clay
Published: August 2019

Yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera L.) and black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) seedling-origin crop trees were released seven years after clearcutting. Ten years after the release, height and diameter growth, clear bole length, survival, crown class, and potential as a crop tree, were evaluated for released and unreleased trees. Based on this evaluation, the selection and releasing of young crop trees to a dominant crown-class position using the methods described here, is not recommended at this time. Because grapevines caused considerable tree damage, early treatment of grapevines is recommended.
Container Type and Volume Influences Adventitious Rooting and Subsequent Field Growth of Stem Cuttings of Loblolly Pine
Authors: LeBude Anthony V. , Goldfarb Barry , Blazich Frank A. , Wright Jeff A. , Cazell Ben , Wise Farrell C. , Frampton John
Published: August 2019

Container type and size can influence rooting success, development, and subsequent field growth of loblolly pine rooted cuttings. To evaluate differences between containers, a series of two experiments were conducted comparing rooting in commercially available Jiffy forestry peat pelletsof various sizes to a rigid plastic container system considered to represent a commercially obtainable optimum. A third experiment was conducted to compare the effect of three volumes of Ray Leach Cone-tainers on rooting percentage and root system quality. The same three families were usedin experiments 1 and 2 where dormant and succulent cuttings were rooted, respectively. Succulent cuttings from a different set of three families were used in experiment 3. Rooted cuttings from experiments 2 and 3 also were field planted and evaluated for the effect of container type and sizeon 1st-year growth. In the first two experiments, rooting percentages of the best treatments (Jiffy pellets, 25–65, 30–65, 36–65, 36–75, and 42–65 mm) were equal to the controls, indicating that the peat pellets offer a practical alternative to rooting in rigidcontainers. Rooting percentages, however, declined in larger Jiffy pellets (42–80 mm and 50–95 mm pellets), but root masses of rooted cuttings were quite large. In the smaller Jiffy pellets, roots tended to grow into adjacent pellets resulting in lower root mass after the pelletswere harvested for planting. Lower root mass at preplanting equated to less root mass after 1 year in the field, despite the fact that the root systems were more horizontally developed than those produced in rigid containers. Rooting percentages and morphology were under genetic control andthere were statistically significant family × container interactions. Because these interactions were caused primarily by changes in magnitude rather than changes in ranks, a few of the containers could be used to optimize production for the limited number of genotypes tested here. Alternativemethods of producing rooted cuttings in Jiffy pellets are compared briefly with production systems in rigid containers and some important considerations are discussed. South. J. Appl.For. 30(3):142–146.
The Importance of Scale in Using Hierarchical Census Data to Identify the Wildland–Urban Interface
Authors: Zhang Yangjian , Wimberly Michael C.
Published: August 2019

Census data in combination with GIS are increasingly being used to analyze urban expansion and develop models for identifying landscape change in the urban fringe. Census data are aggregated along the large-to-small-unit gradient of county, tract, census block group (CBG), and census block. The multiple scale availability often confounds the selection of an appropriate level of data in research pertinent to using census data. This study addressed the modifiable areal unit problem of census data through comparing spatial pattern and area of wildland-urban interface (WUI) determined at different levels of census aggregation (county, census tract, CBG, and census block). Total WUI area in each single year decreased along the shrinking census unit gradient from county to census block. Area converted from wildland to WUI between 1990 and 2000 decreased along the census gradient of the tract, CBG, census block, county level. The number of WUI patches decreased, and area of WUI patches increased along the decreasing census gradient of county, tract, CBG, block. In contrast to 60% of WUI blocks falling inside WUI CBGs or tracts, more than 80% of WUI tracts fell inside WUI counties, and 76.8% of WUI CBGs fell inside WUI tracts. WUI at the block level showed a different spatial pattern from those at the tract and CBG levels in that it represented more spatial detail. County-level data tended to overestimate WUI area while underestimating area converted to WUI. The study concluded that coarse sale data, such as those at the county level, were suitable for detecting a regional pattern. Fine-scale data, such as those at the census block level, need to be used in addressing issues at a landscape pattern.
A New Tree Classification System for Southern Hardwoods
Authors: Meadows James S. , Skojac Daniel A.
Published: August 2019

A new tree classification system for southern hardwoods is described. The new system is based on the Putnam tree classification system, originally developed by Putnam et al., 1960, Management and inventory of southern hardwoods, Agriculture Handbook 181, US For. Serv., Washington, C, which consists of four tree classes: (1) preferred growing stock, (2) reserve growing stock, (3) cutting stock, and (4) cull stock. Tree classes under the Putnam system are used as a basis for planning partial cuttings and for developing marking rules in southern hardwood forests. However, there are critical problems associated with field use of this system: (1) the reserve growing stock class is too broad and poorly defined; (2) in most partial cutting operations, the timber marker must decide which reserve growing stock trees to cut and which ones to leave; (3) the timber marker must try to mark the stand to some prescribed, quantitative level of residual density; and (4) the timber marker often is forced to either leave low-quality trees or cut high-quality trees to maintain the target residual density uniformly across the stand. Overall stand quality often is compromised through use of the Putnam tree classification system and through strict adherence to the concept of stand density management. Our new tree classification system consists of five classes used only for sawtimber-sized trees: (1) preferred growing stock, (2) desirable growing stock, (3) acceptable growing stock, (4) cutting stock, and (5) cull stock; and two classes used only for poletimber-sized trees: (1) superior poletimber stock and (2) inferior poletimber stock. Data from one of our hardwood thinning studies are used to illustrate differences between the Putnam and the new tree classification systems. Potential uses and adaptations of the new tree classification system are described also.
A New Diameter Distribution Model for Unmanaged Slash Pine Plantations in East Texas
Authors: Coble Dean W. , Lee Young-Jin
Published: August 2019

A parameter recovery procedure for the Weibull distribution function based on four percentile equations was used to develop a new diameter distribution yield prediction model for unmanaged slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) plantations in East Texas. This new model was similar in structure to the model of Lee and Coble (Lee, Y.J., and D.W. Coble. 2006. A new diameter distribution model for unmanaged loblolly pine plantations in east Texas. South. J. Appl. For. 30(1):13–20) in their work with East Texas loblolly pine plantations. The new model was compared with the diameter distribution model of Lenhart (Lenhart, J.D. 1988. Diameter distribution yield prediction system for unthinned loblolly and slash pine plantations on non-old-fields in east Texas. South. J. Appl. For. 12(4):239–242. 1988), which was developed for slash pine plantations in East Texas, as well as to two other models developed using iterative techniques suggested and inspired by Cao (Cao, Q. 2004. Predicting parameters of a Weibull function for modeling diameter distribution. For. Sci. 50(5):682–685). The model developed in this study was preferred over Lenhart (Lenhart 1988) and the other two models in prediction of total trees per acre, basal area per acre, quadratic mean diameter, and cubic-foot volume per acre (wood and bark, excluding stump). An example also is provided to show users how to use this new yield prediction system. We recommend that the model developed in this study be used to estimate growth and yield of East Texas slash pine plantations.
Validation of an Integrated Estimation of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) Leaf Area Index (LAI) Using Two Indirect Optical Methods in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Iiames John S. , Congalton Russell , Pilant Andrew , Lewis Timothy
Published: August 2019

Quality assessment of satellite-derived leaf area index (LAI) products requires appropriate ground measurements for validation. Since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration launch of Terra (1999) and Aqua (2001), 1-km, 8-day composited retrievals of LAI have been produced for six biome classes worldwide. The evergreen needle leaf biome has been examined at numerous validation sites, but the dominant commercial species in the southeastern United States, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), has not been investigated. The objective of this research was to evaluate an in situ optical LAI estimation technique combining measurements from the Tracing Radiation and Architecture of Canopies (TRAC) optical sensor and digital hemispherical photography (DHP) in the southeastern US P.taeda forests. Stand-level LAI estimated from allometric regression equations developed from whole-tree harvest data were compared to TRAC–DHP optical LAI estimates at a study site located in the North Carolina Sandhills Region. Within-shoot clumping, (i.e., the needle-to-shoot area ratio [γE]) was estimated at 1.21 and fell within the range of previously reported values for coniferous species (1.2–2.1). The woody-to-total area ratio (α = 0.31) was within the range of other published results (0.11–0.34). Overall, the indirect optical TRAC–DHP method of determining LAI was similar to LAI estimates that had been derived from allometric equations from whole-tree harvests. The TRAC–DHP yielded a value 0.14 LAI units below that retrieved from stand-level whole-tree harvest allometric equations. DHP alone yielded the best LAI estimate, a 0.04 LAI unit differential compared with the same allometrically derived LAI.
Avian Community Response to Midrotation Herbicide Release and Prescribed Burning in Conservation Reserve Program Plantations
Authors: Sladek Brandon , Burger L. , Munn Ian
Published: August 2019

Former agricultural lands converted to pine (Pinus spp.) plantations in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) have potential to provide early successional (ES) habitat for many regionally declining pine/grassland and shrub-successional bird species if actively managed with appropriate disturbance regimes. One such regime is use of the selective herbicide Imazapyr (Arsenal Applicators Concentrate) and prescribed burning, which is permitted on CRP lands and cost share payments are available. This study quantified combined effects of Imazapyr and prescribed fire on the breeding season avian community characteristics and pine volume growth in thinned, midrotation afforested loblolly pine (Pinus taedaL.) plantations in Mississippi. Herbicide treatments were applied in fall of 2002 and winter burns were conducted during winter and early spring of 2002–2003. ES bird species richness was significantly greater in the treated plots compared with controls for both 2003 and 2004. Ten individual species exhibited treatment effects. These responses by ES bird species indicate that midrotation CRPplantations can provide needed ES habitat if treated with appropriate disturbance regimes.
A Stand-Development Approach to Oak Afforestation in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley
Authors: Lockhart Brian Roy , Gardiner Emile , Leininger Theodor , Stanturf John
Published: August 2019

Oak (Quercus spp.) afforestation in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley has involved planting 1-year-old bareroot seedlings on a relatively wide spacing in single-species stands or planting light-seeded species with oaks to form mixed-species stands. In the former case, the developing single-species stands have limited future management options because they do not provide structures that favor quality wildlife habitat or quality sawtimber production. In the latter case, species mixtures are being planted with little knowledge of subsequent stand development, leading to an inability to predict future stand composition for management purposes. In this article, we present a system to determine bottomland tree planting mixtures that will create single-cohort, mixed-species stands with a component of high-quality bottomland oak. Using individual species ecological life-history characteristics, such as early height growth pattern, relative twig diameter and durability, and developmental patterns in natural stands, bottomland species are rated for their ability to provide beneficial training effects that will lead to the development of quality oak boles. Incorporating such a system to determine species value in mixtures should provide an increased number of future options to meet explicit management objectives and promote improved restoration of bottomland hardwood ecosystems.
Genetic Variation of Wood Density and Its Relationship with Drill Resistance in Shortleaf Pine
Authors: Gwaze David , Stevenson Aaron
Published: August 2019

Wood density is an important wood quality trait, but inexpensive, reliable, and rapid methods for assessing it are lacking. A new device called the Resistograph has the potential for rapid assessment wood density of standing trees. The relationship between wood density and drill resistance measured by a Resistograph was investigated in a shortleaf pine (Pinus echinataMill.) population in Missouri at the age of 25 years. At the individual-tree level the linear relationship between wood density and drill resistance (amplitude) was weak and positive (R2= 0.23) but was stronger (R2 = 0.47) at the family mean level. Genetic relationship between the two traits was moderately strong (r A = 0.74). Individual-tree heritability estimates for both traits were high (h2 = 0.47 for wood density and h2 = 0.64 for amplitude). The efficiency of using the Resistograph to indirectly select for improvement of wood density was 86% at individual-tree level, suggesting that the Resistograph could reliably be used to assess wood density in live shortleaf pine trees.
Estimating Forest Site Productivity Using Spatial Interpolation
Authors: Bridges Christopher A.
Published: August 2019

Highly productive timberland is threatened in many areas throughout the Southeastern United States. Tools are needed that can provide reliable, landscape-level estimates of forest site productivity. This technical note describes a simple technique that integrates Forest Inventory and Analysis data with spatial interpolation methods to map regional forest site productivity. A case study of West Tennessee timberland indicates that highly productive forest sites may be associated with the conditions of West Tennessee bottomlands. Results illustrate the applicability of this method for the study of timber supply, land resource analysis, and regional forest conservation planning. Future research will evaluate the consistency between this and other methods of site assessment.
Sensitivity Analysis on Long-Term Fiber Supply Simulations in Georgia
Authors: Liu Shangbin , Cieszewski Chris J. , Lowe Roger , Zasada Michal
Published: August 2019

We used long-term simulation analysis in a spatially explicit forest management model called OPTIONS to investigate the impact of the rotation age, intensive management practices, and harvesting limits on wood production, harvesting opportunities, and long-term resource sustainability. The initial forest inventory is compiled from data sets of the US Forest Service Forest Inventory Analysis Unit, various GIS data, Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper imagery, and simplified assumptions about the spatial distribution of different forest cover types. We determined the parameters of the model from published and unpublished literature and from interviews with experts in the area of forest management in the southeastern United States. The sensitivity analyses reveal the impacts of the individual factors of the rotation age, intensive management practices, and harvesting limits and of the interaction of these factors on the sustainability of the forest resources. The results of the analyses suggest that the current timberland in Georgia can easily sustain the current level of harvesting with the current level of intensive management practices for different choices of the rotation ages. The volume available for harvesting would increase with an increasing rate of transition to intensively managed plantations (IMPs) regardless of the level of harvesting limits and rotation age. To ensure sustainability of forest resources under an increasing harvest scenario, part of new plantations would be required to convert to intensive management. The higher the harvesting limit, the more intensively managed plantations needed. The patterns of the changes in the volume available for harvesting by species groups were different for cases of keeping current harvesting limits and IMP levels versus applying increasing harvesting limits and an increasing transition rate to IMPs. Harvestable volumes are significantly different among each level of the three analyzed factors: transition rate to IMPs, rotation age, and harvesting limits. The study informs land use and policy decisionmakers about potential sensitivities of Georgia forest resource productivities to changes in forest practices-related rules and regulations.