bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slash Pine Response to Spot Applications of Hexazinone Pellets for Release from Oak Competition
Authors: Long Alan J. , Flinchum D. Mitchell
Published: August 2019

Hexazinone formulated as pellets was applied at three rates (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 lb ai/ac) in a 3-yr-old slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) plantation in northern Florida to determine herbicide effects on oak competition and subsequent diameter, height, and volume growthof the pines. All three rates significantly reduced the number of oaks, with the reduction linearly related to application rate. Pine growth increased as rate increased and hardwood stocking decreased, although growth for the 0.6 and 0.9 lb/ac rates were not significantly different. Treatmenteffects on growth rates lasted through the first 6 years after herbicide application. The results support the use of the lowest recommended label rates for control of oaks with dry formulations of hexazinone on well-drained sandy soils. South. J. Appl. For. 16(3):133-138.
Response of Nine-Year-Old Plantation Sweetgum to Nitrogen Fertilization in Mississippi
Authors: Nelson L. E. , Switzer G. L.
Published: August 2019

Nine-year-old planted sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) consisting of four half-sib seed sources were refertilized with nitrogen in 1981 at the beginning of the tenth field-growing season. Increases in periodic annual height, diameter at breast height, basal area, stem volume (ob),and woody biomass increments of all four half-sib seed sources from applied nitrogen were observed during the 9 years following application. Periodic annual stem volume (ob) increments averaged over all half-sib seed sources were 120, 152, 192, and 266 ft³/ac/yr for the 0, 89, 178, and356 lb/ac N rates, respectively. The half-sib seed sources from alluvial sites were superior to those from upland sites in terms of productivity and response to N. The response of all half-sibs to N was immediate, occurring during the year of application; however, the increased growth ratesdue to N persisted for only 3 years. This suggests that on responsive sites, applications of N may be necessary every fourth year to maintain maximum growth rates. South. J. Appl. For. 16(3):146-150.
Site Factors Affecting Growth of Loblolly Pine in the Post Oak Belt
Authors: Hacker W. David , Bilan M. Victor
Published: August 2019

A study was conducted in the Post Oak Belt of East Texas to determine which site factors affected height growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Height/age pairs were developed from stem analysis. Nonlinear regression was implemented to develop generalized height-age model. Aftercurves were developed, stepwise regression was used to determine if an environmental variable impacted height growth. Environmental factors correlated with height growth included A horizon depth and those related to moisture relations including seasonal precipitation, average daily temperature,and texture of the A horizon. South. J. Appl. For. 16(4):197-200
Emergence and Establishment of Shortleaf Pine Seeds Under Various Seedbed Conditions
Authors: Boggs J. A. , Wittwer R. F.
Published: August 2019

Emergence of direct-seeded shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) seeds and seedling establishment varied with time of seeding and seedbed conditions resulting from various burning intensities following fell-burn site preparation on a Ouachita Mountain site in southeastern Oklahoma. One-third of the site was classified as unburned, 42% in a medium-burn class, and 25% was subjected to a hot burn. Approximately three times more seedlings emerged on areas receiving a hot burn than on unburned seedbeds. Sowing in January with unstratified seed resulted in greater seedlingemergence than a March sowing with stratified seed (3.4 vs. 2.0%). Stocking ranged from 60% on winter sown, hot-burned plots to 3% on spring-sown, unburned plots at the end of the first year. Total seedling height averaged approximately 10 cm (4 in.) at the end of the first growing season. Concentrations of pine slash appeared to burn with the greatest intensity providing the most favorable seedbed conditions and a system which distributes slash more evenly over the site prior to burning could be beneficial in attaining more uniform regeneration. South. J. Appl. For. 17(1):44-48.
Fertilizer Effects on the Quality of White-Tailed Deer Forages on Utility Rights-of-Way
Authors: Harlow Richard F. , Pinkerton Bruce W. , Guynn David C. , William James G.
Published: August 2019

Deer forages on utility rights-of-way in South Carolina were subjected to six treatments: mow, mow-and-fertilize, burn, burn-and-fertilize, plant-and-fertilize, and control. The influence of these treatments on forage quality was compared seasonally over a 3 yr period. The quality of both native and introduced deer forages was significantly improved seasonally by addition of fertilizer. Planted forages were nutritionally superior to native and naturalized forages that occurred on the unplanted treatments. When the cost per treatment for production of crude protein was compared, the mow-and-fertilize treatment was the most economical. South. J. Appl. For. 17(1):49-53.
Economic Potential of Black Walnut on Small Acreage Tracts
Authors: Hatcher Russell L. , Johnson Larry A. , Hopper George M.
Published: August 2019

Small acreage tracts, many previously in row-crop production, have limited economic potential for more traditional southern agricultural enterprises. These tracts, however, may provide a future source of income through the plantings of intensively managed tree crops. Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) can be a profitable alternative on tracts that are not conducive to shorter rotation tree crops. However, only limited financial information is currently available on the economic potential of black walnut in the southern region. This article presents an array of financial information from the economic analysis of a "typical" black walnut plantation. The results indicate that black walnut for lumber and veneer is financially attractive for southern farmers showing positive net present values over a wide range of discount rates with a before-tax internal rate of return of 10%. Annual equivalent values also indicate that net returns are equivalent to those obtained with the planting of annual crops. South. J. Appl. For. 17(2):64-68.
Accounting for Nonmarket Benefits in Southern Forest Management
Authors: Pearse Peter H. , Holmes Thomas P.
Published: August 2019

Current federal regulations stipulate that national forests must be managed with due consideration of the value of timber and nontimber outputs. Implementation of nonmarket value information in the forest planning process is hampered by incomplete understanding of the conceptual basisand proper use of those values. This paper presents an overview of (1) the basic economic principles underlying nonmarket valuation theory, and (2) the available estimates of nonmarket values produced by southern forests. The main conclusion of the study is that existing nonmarket value estimatesare reasonable for efficiency analysis at regional and national levels but need to be adjusted to specific conditions for planning at smaller spatial scales, such as the forest, ranger district, or watershed level. South. J. Appl. For. 17(2):84-89.
Stratification Gains in Cruising: Proportional Allocation
Authors: Oderwald Richard G.
Published: August 2019

Stratification with proportional allocation can reduce the number of plots needed or improve accuracy in a cruise. The greatest gains from stratification occur when the stratum volumes per acre are very different, and the stratum sizes are equal. A formula for calculating the gain fromstratification with proportional allocation is given. The gain from two strata with three levels of relative stratum size is shown. An example is calculated for three strata. Criteria for number of strata and stratum selection are discussed. South. J. Appl. For.:17(2):96-99.
Management Strategies to Reduce Losses from the Southern Pine Beetle
Authors: Belanger R. P. , Hedden R. L. , Lorio P. L.
Published: August 2019

Southern pine beetle outbreaks have increased in frequency, severity, and distribution during the past 30 yr. Preventive silvicutural practices offer the most promising and long-lasting means of reversing this trend. Procedures are available for ranking the susceptibility of stands to beetle attack. Silvicultural guidelines have been prescribed to lower the probability of attack in stands and reduce potential losses should beetle outbreaks occur. Forest management objectives, stand conditions, regional beetle populations, and possible interactions with other forest pests need to be considered in developing management strategies that can reduce losses from the southern pine beetle. South. J. Appl. For. 17(3):150-154.
A Computer Wind Model for Predicting Smoke Movement
Authors: Achtemeier Gary L. , Paul James T.
Published: August 2019

We are developing a numerical wind model to simulate airflow near the ground at night over terrain typical of the Piedmont of the southeastern United States. The purpose is to improve understanding of night winds and provide more accurate prediction of smoke movement when wind speed is low and wind direction is highly variable. These conditions often prevail when fog or a combination of smoke and fog produce low visibility. The model was tested with a weather event that produced local dense fog implicated as a factor in a highway accident. The model provides insight into drainage winds and valley flows and hence promises to be useful for predicting smoke movement at night. South. J. Appl. For. 18(2):60-64.
Five Instruments for Measuring Tree Height: An Evaluation
Authors: Williams Michael S. , Bechtold William A. , LaBau V. J.
Published: August 2019

Five instruments were tested for reliability in measuring tree heights under realistic conditions. Four linear models were used to determine if tree height can be measured unbiasedly over all tree sizes and if any of the instruments were more efficient in estimating tree height. The laser height finder was the only instrument to produce unbiased estimates of the true height for all four linear models. An accuracy test showed the clinometer and enbeeco instruments produced biased results in the 0-33 and > 66 ft height classes respectively. The results for the laser may be misleading due to the limited amount of data collected with this instrument. The results (subjectively) confirm that trees up to 40 ft are measured very accurately with no exceptions for the clinometer, relaskop, and enbeeco. The tele-relaskop generally produced results that were poorer than the other instruments. South. J. Appl. For. 18(2):76-82.
Fire and Fertilizer as Alternatives to Hand Thinning in a Natural Stand of Precommercial-Sized Loblolly Pine
Authors: Lloyd F. Thomas , Waldrop Thomas A. , White David L.
Published: August 2019

A winter backing fire thinned a natural 4-yr-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stand from below but reduced stem density less than did hand thinning. Application of nitrogen fertilizer did not accelerate natural thinning over the 4 yr test period. Burning and fertilizing increased dbh growth of crop trees, but gains were less than those produced by hand thinning. Height growth of crop trees was increased by fertilization but may have been reduced by burning. A case study showed that economic returns from prescribed burning were comparable to those from hand thinning for a 30-yr rotation. However, additional research is needed to produce prescription guidelines that minimize the risks of burning young stands before the practice can be recommended. South. J. Appl. For. 19(1): 5-9.
Preliminary Test Results of a Prototype of Criterion
Authors: Liu C. J. , Huang X. , Eichenberger J. K.
Published: August 2019

The accuracy of a prototype version of Criterion, a digital tree measurement and survey instrument, has been tested for diameter and height measurement. This paper discusses the test procedures,preliminary test results, and recent improvements that have been made on this instrument. Preliminary tests found that the instrument measured diameters accurately but was very inaccurate when used to measure heights of tall objects from a short distance. In addition, Criterion was very cumbersome to use when handheld. South. J. Appl. For. 19(2):65-71.
Influence of Oak Control and Pine Growth on Fusiform Rust Incidence in Young Slash and Loblolly Pine Plantations
Authors: Schmidt Robert A. , Allen James E. , Belanger Roger P. , Miller Thomas
Published: August 2019

The influence of oak control and pine growth on fusiform rust incidence (percentage trees infected) on rust-susceptible slash and loblolly pines was evaluated at age 5 yr at seven potentially high-rust-incidence locations in the Coastal Plain of FL, GA, and MS. Rust-susceptible oaks were reduced or eliminated in a 9 ac treatment block and the surrounding 500 ft border zone of an oak-free (OF) area; oaks were not controlled in an adjacent oak-present (OP) area. At four of seven locations, rust incidence was significantly greater on the OF areas compared with the OP areas, and among all locations, average rust incidence on pine was greater (Pr > F = 0.06) on the OF areas (51.4%) than on the OP areas (40.0%). Greatly reducing rust-susceptible oak stems in the treatment blocks and in a surrounding 500 ft border did not reduce rust incidence on rust-susceptible slash or loblolly pine. Inoculum to infect pine came from beyond the 500 ft border zone. Greater pine height, associated with reduced competition from oaks, likely contributed to the greater rust incidence on pine in the OF areas. South. J. Appl. For. 19(4):151-156.
Seed Source Variation for Growth and Quality Traits of Fraser Fir Christmas Trees: Rotation Age Results
Authors: Arnold R. J. , Jett J. B.
Published: August 2019

Open-pollinated Fraser fir (Abies fraseri [Pursh] Poir.) progeny from several elevations on each of 5 mountain sources were assessed at 8 yr (rotation age) for growth and quality traits. Seed sources varied significantly in total height, crown diameter, branch diameter, straightness, crown density, USDA Christmas tree grade, and Christmas tree value. Age 8 yr results were very similar to both 1 and 4 yr results; lower elevation, southern sources showed superior performance in most traits including wholesale value. The common commercial seed sources on Roan mountain performed poorly by comparison. Statistically significant seed source X location interaction found for height, crown diameter, branch diameter, and value proved practically unimportant. Top-ranked seed sources overall maintained superiority at all sites. Potential rotation age tree wholesale value gains to Christmas tree growers through changing from the current chief commercial seed source on Roan Mt. to superior seed sources may exceed 7%. South. J. Appl. For. 19(4):157-161.
Effectiveness Monitoring of Silvicultural Best Management Practices in South Carolina
Authors: Adams Tim O. , Hook Donal D. , Floyd Michael A.
Published: August 2019

Rapid Bioassessment Protocols (RBPs) were evaluated for use in monitoring the effectiveness of silvicultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) on 27 harvested sites in South Carolina. RBP bioassessments were compared to BMP compliance checks for agreement. The results indicate that a weight-of-the-evidence approach utilizing a BMP compliance check, a stream habitat assessment, and a benthic macroinvertebrate bioassessment is the most accurate method of evaluating BMP effectiveness. These data show that implementation of BMPs during harvesting operations was sufficient for the protection of the water quality of associated streams. South. J. Appl. For. 19(4):170-176.
Potential Benefits of Slowing the Gypsy Moth's Spread
Authors: Leuschner William A. , Young John A. , Waldon Sally A. , Ravlin F. William
Published: August 2019

The potential benefits of a proposed program to slow the spread of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), are assessed. A GIS model, which may have application to other epidemiological analyses, was developed to assess the physical spread over a 25 year period. Economic models were developed to estimate potential benefits from reduced management activities, timber production, residential impacts, and recreation participation. Potential benefits for the greatest, medium, and least benefit scenarios were about $3,800, $2,300, and $800 million, present value, respectively. About 83% of these benefits were obtained from delaying residential impacts. South. J. Appl. For. 20(2):65-73.
Comparison of Scotch Pine Christmas Tree Varieties in Virginia
Authors: Johnson James E. , Kreh Richard E. , Torbert John L.
Published: August 2019

Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) is a popular Christmas tree species throughout the country, but it is not widely grown in the southern United States. Many of the physical characteristics that influence Christmas tree quality are genetically influenced and vary with seed source. A study was established in Virginia to investigate Christmas tree marketability and quality from 17 commercial seed sources of Scotch pine. Nine test plantations, three each in the western mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain, were established in 1987 and cultured for eight growing seasons. The study was terminated in the winter of 1995. Many differences were found in measured variables between seed sources and regions of the state, however, there were no significant source x region interactions. Four sources emerged as the top performers based on a tree value index: Lower Austria, Musser Special Strain, Belgium Campine, and Pennspanish. Two of these, the Musser and Pennspanish, are improved sources that have been selected for desirable Christmas tree traits. Although Scotch pine trees had greater heights and marketability factors in the western mountains of Virginia, the trees that became marketable in 8 years in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain had a mean USDA Tree Grade significantly lower than in the mountains. The Coastal Plain trees suffered reduced marketability due to Nantucket pine tip moth damage. Effective control of this pest would greatly improve the marketability of Scotch pine trees in the Coastal Plain. South. J. Appl. For. 21(2):57-63.
Response of Three Hardwood Species to Irrigation and Fertilization on an Upland Site
Authors: Lockaby B. Graeme , Clawson R.G. , Baker Terrell
Published: August 2019

Increased pressure for hardwood fiber has renewed interest in intensive culture of hardwoods, including irrigation and fertilization. The response of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.), and eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides Batr. ex. Marsh.), to two irrigation and two fertilizer regimes was assessed in the upper Coastal Plain of Alabama. Total height, groundline diameter, and/or dbh (depending on height) were recorded on individual seedlings (sweetgum and sycamore) and planted cuttings (eastern cottonwood) for four growing seasons. Eastern cottonwood had significantly lower survival than either of the other two species. Fertilization significantly increased height and dbh for sycamore and sweetgum, while irrigation increased height and dbh of sycamore and eastern cottonwood. Fertilization and irrigation decreased moisture stress to similar extents. After four growing seasons, sycamore responded best across all treatment combinations when growth and survival were considered simultaneously. South. J. Appl. For. 21(3):123-129.
Volume and Taper Equations for Thinned and Unthinned Loblolly Pine Trees in Cutover, Site-Prepared Plantations
Authors: Tasissa Gudaye , Burkhart Harold E. , Amateis Ralph L.
Published: August 2019

Stem analysis data from loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees grown in cutover, site-prepared plantations across the South were used to develop total and merchantable cubic-foot volume equations and implicit taper relationships for thinned and unthinned conditions. The data were obtained from trees felled during plot establishment for a thinning study and from trees felled during the second thinning of a portion of the same plots 12 yr later. The volume equations presented can be used to predict volume to any specified height or diameter limit for loblolly pine trees in thinned and unthinned stands on cutover site-prepared areas. The taper relationships enable the prediction of upper stem diameters and heights. South. J. Appl. For. 21(3):146-152.
The Influence of Thinning on Tree Height and Diameter Relationships in Loblolly Pine Plantations
Authors: Zhang Shaoang , Burkhart Harold E. , Amateis Ralph L.
Published: August 2019

Loblolly pine data from thinned and unthinned plantations were used to evaluate the effects of thinning on tree height-diameter relationships. Results showed that thinning positively influences both tree height and diameter growth in loblolly pine plantations. The intensity of the thinning and the time since thinning, along with the inherent site quality, will determine the magnitude and duration of the thinning response. An equation for predicting total tree height from dbh and certain stand characteristics is developed from the data and can be used for predicting tree height in thinned and unthinned plantations. South. J. Appl. For. 21(4):199-205.
Rehabilitation of Understocked Loblolly-Shortleaf Pine Stands—II. Development of Intermediate and Suppressed Trees Following Release in Natural Stands
Authors: Baker James B. , Shelton Michael G.
Published: August 2019

Development of 86 intermediate and suppressed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees, that had been recently released from overtopping pines and hardwoods, was monitored over a 15 yr period. The trees were growing in natural stands on good sites (site index = 90 ft at 50 yr) that had been recently cut to stocking levels ranging from 10 to 50%. At time of release, the trees averaged 26 yr in age, 4.8 in. in dbh, and 37 ft in height. The trees had averaged only 0.5 in. in dbh growth the 5 yr prior to release (0.1 in./yr).

After 15 yr, the 77 surviving trees averaged 59 ft in height and 12.9 in. in dbh, increasing 21 ft in height and 8.1 in. in dbh. During the 15 yr period, crown dimensions of the trees increased markedly as well. On average, crown lengths increased 11 ft (from 16 to 27 ft); crown widths nearly tripled from 9 to 25 ft; and crown volumes increased 11 fold from 608 to 6,700 ft³. The majority of the trees had good form and would produce high-quality sawtimber. Satisfactory response to release was best predicted by initial dbh and live-crown ratio.

Results of the study suggest that trees with at least a 20% live-crown ratio should satisfactorily respond to release even though they had developed in lower crown positions of fully stocked uneven-aged stands for 10 to 50 yr. Responding trees rapidly expanded their crowns and accelerated in height and diameter growth. South. J. Appl. For. 22(1):41-46.
Rehabilitation of Understocked Loblolly-Shortleaf Pine Stands—III. Natural Stands Cutover 15 Years Previously but Unmanaged
Authors: Baker James B. , Shelton Michael G.
Published: August 2019

Plots in an unmanaged loblolly-shortleaf pine (Pinus taeda L.-P. echinata Mill.) stand that had been cutover 15 yr previously were established to represent five stocking levels: 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%. The stand was on a good site (site indexLob = 90 ft at 50 yr) and had uneven-aged character. Two competition control treatments (none and individual tree release using herbicide) were also assigned. Three, five, and nine years later, the plots were reinventoried to determine: (1) the rate at which the understocked stands recovered, (2) the minimum stocking level required for successful rehabilitation, and (3) the effects of release on pine growth.

The pine release treatment did not enhance stand development during the 9 yr rehabilitation period, primarily because only 18% of the pines (representing 5% of total pine basal area) were overtopped by hardwoods and were thus in need of release. However, results suggest that stands having an initial stocking of 20 to 30%, or a total basal area of 10 to 15 ft²/ac, can reach an acceptable stocking (levels of 60% for stocking, 45 ft²/ac for basal area, and 2,500 bd ft(Doyle)/ac for sawlog volume) within 15 yr or less. South. J. Appl. For. 22(1):47-52.
Eleventh-Year Response of Loblolly Pine and Competing Vegetation to Woody and Herbaceous Plant Control on a Georgia Flatwoods Site
Authors: Zutter Bruce R. , Miller James H.
Published: August 2019

Through 11 growing seasons, growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) increased after control of herbaceous, woody, or both herbaceous and woody vegetation (total control)for the first 3 yr after planting on a bedded site in the Georgia coastal flatwoods. Gains in stand volume index from controlling either herbaceous or woody vegetation alone were approximately two-thirds that from controlling both types of vegetation. Pine response through age 11 was approximately equal for herbaceous control alone and woody control alone, whereas, response through age 5 was greater with control of only herbaceous vegetation. The impact of woody vegetation should continue to have a strong effect on pine growth through midrotation because of its continued development. This is in contrast to herbaceous weeds that have greatly decreased in abundance since age 6. South. J. Appl. For. 22(2):88-95.
Converting Stands of Low-Grade Hardwoods to Loblolly Pine: Stimulating Growth and Reducing Costs Through Litter Retention
Authors: Gardiner E.S. , Yeiser J.L.
Published: August 2019

Conversion of upland, low-grade hardwood stands to pine commonly includes hardwood competition control followed by burning of the site prior to planting. These practices risk erosion of sloped, thin soils. Litter retention provides mulch for newly planted seedlings, potentially increasing soil retention, moisture, and nutrient availability and reducing herbaceous competition without herbicides. This study assessed: (1) litter development, (2) levels of herbaceous biomass and soil moisture, and (3) pine seedling survival and growth resulting from litter retention incorporated into two approaches to stand conversion—inject and plant or underplant and release. A conventional preplant injection and burn prescription was the standard for comparison. When compared with conventional methods, conversion methods with litter retention significantly (1) reduced first- and second-year herbaceous biomass, (2) improved first-year soil moisture, (3) enhanced seedling growth and (4) eliminated the need for burning and first-year chemical reduction of herbs, thereby improving the economics of investment in these poor sites. South. J. Appl. For. 22(3):148-155.
Early Pine Response to Control of Herbaceous and Shrub Vegetation in the Flatwoods
Authors: Lauer Dwight K. , Glover Glenn R.
Published: August 2019

Herbicide treatments were used at four flatwood locations in north Florida and south Georgia to compare early pine response to control of herbaceous and shrub vegetation following bedding. Treatments consisted of three levels of shrub control (none, first year, repeated) with and without first year herbaceous vegetation control. All studies were located on spodosols planted with either loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) or slash (Pinus elliottii Englem.) pine.

Responses due to shrub control were about twice that of herbaceous control with height responses of 2.2, 5.0, and 6.9 ft due to first year herbaceous control, shrub control, and the combination of both herbaceous and shrub control, respectively. Pine response did not differ due to duration of shrub control because the difference in shrub cover between first year and repeated shrub control treatments was minor in these young stands. Pines averaged 18.3 ft in height and 3.2 in. in dbh 5 yr after planting when both herbaceous and shrub vegetation was controlled with these operational-like site preparation treatments that combine bedding with first year herbicide applications.

Shrub occupancy was highest on treatments that did not include shrub control and continued to increase through the first 5 yr. Operational site-preparation treatments that combine bedding with herbicide applications should be considered in situations where shrub vegetation is present because of the long-term impact that shrubs have on pine yield. South. J. Appl. For. 15(4):201-208.
Damage Assessment in Christmas Tree Plantations following Vegetation Control with Sheep and Geese
Authors: Mueller J. Paul , Poore M.H. , Skroch W.A.
Published: August 2019

Christmas tree farming in the Southern Appalachian Mountains is a potentially profitable but labor and chemical intensive enterprise. Control of competition from unwanted vegetation usually requires multiple applications of herbicides. Because geese and sheep have traditionally been used as “weeders” in orchards and cropland, the objective of this experiment was to evaluate the potential of these animals for herbaceous vegetation control in Christmas tree plantations. Three types of field trials were conducted at the Upper Mountain Research Station located near Laurel Springs, NC, during two growing seasons (1992 and 1993) to evaluate the natural browsing tendency displayed by sheep and different breeds of geese for different tree species. Food aversion training in a Fraser fir plantation was a special focus of the trials. Sheep and geese were managed to consume herbaceous vegetation through controlled, rotational grazing. Herbage mass of the residue was maintained between 693 and 2,000 kg/ha. Damage observed on four tree species (white pine, Fraser fir, Canadian hemlock, Colorado blue spruce) by “weeder” sheep and geese was dependent on animal species or breed. Untrained sheep and Pilgrim geese were most damaging to 1 yr old transplants (damage scores of 5.3 to 2.3). Trees with damage scores of less than 7 were judged to have reduced commercial potential. "Training" sheep to avoid browsing trees (using a gelatin capsule containing lithium chloride to affect feed selection) is a promising technique worthy of further research. South. J. Appl. For. 23(1):11-15.
Deer Browse Response to Pine-Hardwood Thinning Regimes in Southeastern Arkansas
Authors: Peitz David G. , Tappe Philip A. , Shelton Michael G. , Sams Michael G.
Published: August 2019

Understanding relationships between stand thinning and browse production allows land managers to encourage both white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) browse production and timber production. In our study, browse biomass was determined before thinning and two and four growing seasons after thinning a 35 yr old natural loblolly pine-hardwood stand (initially 27 m2/ha of pine and 8 m2/ha of hardwood basal area). Combinations of 3 loblolly pine (15, 18, and 21 m2/ha) and 3 hardwood (0, 3.5, and 7 m2/ha) basal areas were replicated 3 times, resulting in a total of 27 0.08 ha plots. Understory biomass was determined for 14 browse species on 25 understory plots systematically located within each plot. Browse production following thinning was dominated by grape (Vitis spp.), blackberry (Rubus spp.), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and greenbrier (Smilax spp.). Most deer browse species responded negatively to retained pine and/or hardwood basal areas, with hardwoods having the greater impact. Thinning improved overall browse biomass availability for deer, but responses varied by individual species. South. J. Appl. For. 23(1):16-20.
Forecasting Short-Term Timber Prices with Univariate ARIMA Models
Authors: Yin Runsheng
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we conduct timber price forecasts with univariate autoregressive-integrated-moving-average, or ARIMA, models employing the standard Box-Jenkins modeling strategy. Using quarterly price series from Timber Mart-South, we find that most of the selected pine pulpwood and sawtimber markets can be evaluated using ARIMA models, and that short-term forecasts, especially those of one-lead forecasts, are fairly accurate. We believe that forecasting future prices could aid timber producers and consumers alike in timing harvests, reducing uncertainty, and enhancing efficiency. South. J. Appl. For. 23(1):53-58.
Effects of Seasonal Prescribed Fires on Residual Overstory Trees in Oak-Dominated Shelterwood Stands
Authors: Brose Patrick , Van Lear David
Published: August 2019

A study was initiated in 1994 to evaluate the degree of bole damage and crown decline residual overstory trees would experience because of prescribed burning of shelterwood stands. Three oak-dominated shelterwood stands, partially harvested 2 to 4 yr earlier, were divided into four treatments (unburned control, spring burn, summer burn, and winter burn). Fifteen permanent sampling points were systematically located in each 5 to 12 ac treatment area, and overstory trees were selected from these points with a 10 BAF prism. Before burning, each tree was evaluated for lower bole and crown condition and reevaluated two growing seasons after the fires. Hickory, oak, and yellow-poplar were largely unaffected by the winter and summer prescribed fires but displayed bole damage and crown decline following spring burning. American beech and red maple declined after all fire treatments. Fire damage to oak, hickory, and yellow-poplar was strongly associated to presence of logging slash near a tree's base. Directional felling or moving slash should minimize injury to these trees. This research will aid resource managers wishing to use prescribed fire in shelterwood stands to favor oak regeneration while minimizing damage to residual overstory oaks. South. J. Appl. For. 23(2):88-93.
Assessment of the Regeneration Potential of Red Oaks and Ash on Minor Bottoms of Mississippi
Authors: Belli Keith L. , Hart Christopher P. , Hodges John D. , Stanturf John A.
Published: August 2019

Plots were established to monitor the success of advance regeneration for red oaks and ash on eight high quality sites on minor bottoms in Mississippi. Data were collected pre- and post-harvest, and annually for 3 yr following harvest. Red oak and ash stems were initially categorized by height class, or by diameter class for those stems at least 1 in. in diameter at breast height. Survival and competitive position were monitored to provide estimates of the probability of producing at least one free-to-grow stem 3 growing seasons following stand harvest. Regardless of species, the competitive advantage of larger seedlings and stump sprouts over smaller seedlings (less than 1 ft tall) was clear. Less than 10% of the smaller seedlings were free-to-grow after 3 growing seasons, whereas 26% to 71% of the larger seedlings and stump sprouts were judged free-to-grow after the same amount of time. Results were used to revise an existing regeneration assessment system. A field tally sheet was developed to aid in the application of the revised system. South. J. Appl: For. 23(3): 133-138.
Estimating Mast Production: An Evaluation of Visual Surveys and Comparison with Seed Traps using White Oaks
Authors: Perry Roger W. , Thill Ronald E.
Published: August 2019

We compared five types of visual mast surveys with seed trap data from 105 white oaks (Quercus alba L.) during 1996-1997 in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. We also evaluated these visual survey methods for their usefulness in detecting differences in acorn density among areas. Indices derived from all five methods were highly correlated with acorn densities derived from traps, and the Koenig method had the highest r-values. Categorical surveys using fewer than six categories yielded significantly different acorn densities among all categories, whereas surveys using nine or ten categories did not. All survey methods detected moderate to large acorn density differences among four study areas. We found no difference in the effectiveness of visual surveys in dense versus open-forested conditions. Visual surveys are an effective method for evaluating acorn production and may be superior to seed traps for comparisons of acorn production in tree canopies since they are not affected as greatly by wildlife removal. However, visual surveys can be biased by observer differences, whereas trap data are not. South. J. Appl. For. 16(3):164-169.
Fumigation with Chloropicrin, Metham Sodium, and EPTC as Replacements for Methyl Bromide in Southern Pine Nurseries
Authors: Carey William A.
Published: August 2019

The effects of soil fumigation with chloropicrin alone or in combination with metham sodium and or with EPTC on the growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings and on nutsedge (Cyperus spp.) control were investigated at three forest tree nurseries. Fumigation with chloropicrin plus metham sodium (CMS) significantly increased seedling numbers and growth compared to controls. Averaged among nurseries, mean root-collar-diameter increased from 0.14 to 0.17 in., and biomass from 0.14 to 0.20 lb/ft2. This produced seven more plantable seedlings and 6.5 more grade 1 seedlings/ft2 in CMS compared to not fumigated plots. Fumigation increased average potential sales $7,100/ac and increased present values, projected for the growth increases for additional grade 1 seedlings, by $25,900/ac. Fumigation increased biomass per unit area similarly at tested bed densities (10 to 29/ft2), but at low bed densities (≤20/ft2) the present values associated with grade 1 seedlings increased more than at higher densities. South. J. Appl. For. 24(3):135-139.
Realized Genetic Gains for First Generation Improved Loblolly Pine in 45 Tests in Coastal North Carolina
Authors: Lambeth Clem
Published: August 2019

An improved first generation check (a mixture of 12 of the best open-pollinated families) was compared with an unimproved check in 45 tests in coastal North Carolina at age 6 or 7 yr. Excellent and consistent genetic gains were realized for exhibited site index and sweep reduction from the first generation of genetic improvement. It was rare that the unimproved check lot was better than the first generation improved stock for site index (2 out of 45 trials) or stem sweep (1 out of 45 trials). On average, a 3.4 ft improvement in exhibited site index (3.9%) and a 0.43 in. reduction in sweep (-27%) were realized across all tests, both highly statistically significant. Moderate but statistically significant gains in rust resistance were realized. Rust resistance gains were moderate because rust is not a serious problem in the region, and less emphasis was given to rust resistance in the selection of families than to growth rate and stem straightness. Improvements in survival through age six were nominal and statistically nonsignificant since survival was not a primary selection criterion in this region where survival is generally good. Regressions of improved check means by site were regressed onto unimproved check means for a better understanding of the nature of realized gains for the various traits. South J. Appl. For. 24(3):140-144.
Rethinking How Nonindustrial Landowners View Their Lands
Authors: Kluender R.A. , Walkingstick T.L.
Published: August 2019

Southwide nonindustrial landowners account for 70% of the commercial timber land and 69% of the total growing stock. These forests provide a diversity of benefits including solid wood products, wood fiber, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, water conservation, and scenic beauty. This study explores the diversity of landowner groups by developing landowner typologies (groups of individuals with similar characteristics) based on grouped responses to a mail questionnaire. Selected landowners were mailed a questionnaire that requested information about their land and their personal objectives for these land holdings. A K-means cluster analysis using chi-square distancing was used to separate out four cluster groups based on the seven clustering factors. These clusters were identified as Timber Managers, Resident Conservationists, Affluent Weekenders, and Poor Rural Residents. Once stable clusters of landowners were established, a cross tab, chi-square analysis of landowner clusters vs. discrete question responses was performed. The Timber Managers were most likely to have sold timber in the past and maintained plans to sell again in the future. They tended to be affluent and well educated. Resident Conservationists tended to live on their properties and displayed a strong aversion to harvesting. They were only moderately well educated and had a moderate income level. Affluent Weekenders hem their property as second homes or weekend retreats and were generally averse to timber harvest. They were well educated and generally affluent. Poor Rural Residents were raised in a rural environment, tended to be at or below national poverty levels, were poorly educated, and would consider using their land or timber to produce revenue if they could. South. J. Appl. For. 24(3):150-158.
Modeling Response to Midrotation Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization in Loblolly Pine Plantations
Authors: Amateis Ralph L. , Liu Jiping , Ducey Mark J. , Lee Allen H.
Published: August 2019

Data from a fertilizer response study in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations at different sites in the southeastern United States were used to develop response models for dominant height and basal area following midrotation nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization. Nonlinear regression models developed from the data predict total cumulative response as a function of the interaction of N and P application rates, drainage class of the site, stand conditions when fertilized, and time since fertilization. Stand variables that were found to be significant predictors of response included site index, age, basal area, number of surviving trees, and dominant height at fertilization. Dominant height response was significantly greater on poorly drained sites than on other sites. Basal area response to P was significantly less on poorly drained sites and significantly greater on well drained sites. These models can be coupled with unfertilized baseline models to estimate volume response to midrotation fertilization. South. J. Appl. For. 24(4):207-212.
Effects of Climate and Soil Type Interactions on Probable Work Days with Harvest Equipment in Mississippi and Alabama Forests
Authors: Pote Jonathan W. , Wax Charles L. , Karr Bob L.
Published: August 2019

A computer model predicted soil moisture in three climate zones with three soil textures. A 30 yr daily simulation provided probable work days for the nine combinations. Criteria for work days were soil moisture capacities less than 95% of maximum for sandy soils, 80% for loamy soils, and 65% for clay soils. Results indicate that sandy soils in the inland zone allow 233 work days/yr at the 50% probability level, whereas clay soils there allow only 140 days at that level. In the coastal zone sandy soils allow 252 work days/yr at the 50% level and clay soils allow 122 days at that level. These results were produced at ten probability levels for all soil types and all zones, as well as for each month. Applied examples of uses of the results are included. South. J. Appl. For. 24(4):213-218.
Development of Water Tupelo Coppice Stands on the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta for Five Years After Precommercial Thinning and Cleaning
Authors: Goelz J.C.G. , Meadows J.S. , Fristoe T.C.
Published: August 2019

Three 4-yr-old stands (or locations) were selected for treatment. Treatment consisted of two components: (1) thinning water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica L.) stump sprouts and (2) cutting all stems of Carolina ash (Fraxinus caroliniana Mill.) and black willow (Salix nigra Marsh.) (cleaning). Contrary to results in other areas, survival of water tupelo coppice was very high and was not affected by the treatments. Cleaning had little or no positive effect on the individual tree or stand-level variables we measured. Thinning sprout clumps significantly increased diameter growth of water tupelo; the effect of thinning was considerably larger for one location. Stand basal area growth was decreased by thinning sprout clumps. However, quadratic mean diameter was increased by thinning, particularly at one location. Although thinning decreased basal area 5 yr after treatment, the increase in quadratic mean diameter was sufficient for there to be no significant effect of thinning on total volume 5 yr after treatment. Because of this, and in anticipation of imminent natural thinning of the unthinned plots, we suspect that the thinned plots will eventually have significantly greater standing volume than the unthinned plots, at least for the location where density of large sprouts was initially the highest. Rotation age will be decreased for that stand because stems will achieve merchantable size sooner. Thus we consider precommercial thinning of sprout clumps to be a potentially effective practice in stands with a high density of large water tupelo sprouts. South. J. Appl. For. 25(4):165–172.
Woody Debris Volume on Clearcuts With and Without Satellite Chip Mills
Authors: Hess George R. , Zimmerman Dale
Published: August 2019

During public forums on the ecological impacts of satellite wood chip mills in North Carolina, environmentalists and hunters stated that less downed woody debris is left on sites harvested with a satellite chip mill component than on sites without a chip mill component. We conducted a pilot study to obtain preliminary evidence of differences in the volume and spatial distribution of downed woody debris between sites harvested with and without a satellite chip component. We used a transect method to estimate the volume of woody debris on seven harvest sites: four with and three without a satellite wood chip component. The mean volume of fresh coarse downed woody debris (≥;10 cm diameter), fresh downed woody debris (≥;2.5 cm diameter), and total downed woody debris (≥;2.5 cm diameter) was lower on sites harvested with a satellite chip mill component than on sites harvested without a satellite chip component. On all sites, debris was found in clusters rather than spread evenly across the site. The consensus among forest ecologists is that downed woody debris promotes biodiversity and facilitates ecological processes and that more woody debris is almost always better than less. South. J. Appl. For. 25(4):173–177.
Mississippi Consultant Fees and Services: By Tract Size and Professional Affiliation
Authors: Munn Ian A. , Watkins Christopher C.
Published: August 2019

Consultants in Mississippi were surveyed to determine their services, fees, and professional characteristics. Most consultants provided forest management and timber sale administration services inhouse and subcontracted site preparation, regeneration, and chemical applications. Average fees varied considerably by tract size. Average timber sales rates ranged from 8.55% of sale value for tracts less than 100 ac to 7.75% for tracts greater than 500 ac. Average fees for other services varied as much as 28% across tract sizes. Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF) and Society of American Foresters (SAF) member consultants typically were more experienced, offered more services, were more likely to be members of other professional organizations, and were more likely to have professional licenses in other states and other fields, than nonmember consultants. Average fees for ACF and SAF member consultants were generally higher than nonmember consultants, which held true across services and tract sizes. South. J. Applied Forestry 25(4):178–186.