bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Basal Girdling to Control Oak Wilt Fungal Mat Production in Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi) in Central Texas
Authors: Greene Thomas A. , Reemts Charlotte M. , Appel David N.
Published: August 2019

Woodlands dominated by Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) and oaks, including Texas red oak (Quercus buckleyi; synonyms: Quercus texana, Quercus shumardii var. texana), serve as breeding habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) in central Texas. Oak wilt, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum, is considered a threat to habitat quality for this warbler. Basal girdling was tested for controlling fungal mat production on Texas red oak and for reducing disease spread at the stand level. For 2 years, symptomatic trees were girdled by stripping bark from the lower trunks in late summer. Trees were inspected the following spring for mats. Basal girdling reduced the overall proportion of infected stems that produced one or more fungal mat from 9.7 to 2.5%. Among mat-producing stems, basal girdling reduced the mean number of mats per stem from 4.78 ± 0.73 (least squares mean ± 95% confidence interval) to 2.78 ± 1.34. Probability that a stem would produce one mat or more was positively correlated with dbh and was significantly reduced by the basal girdling treatment. Two years of treatment did not affect 3rd-year infection levels within treated stands. However, the study design we used could not exclude local tree-to-tree spread of the pathogen through common/grafted roots. We suggest that basal girdling, used as a stand-alone practice, may not be effective in controlling the local spread of C. fagacearum in central Texas woodlands.
A Comparison of GPS Performance in a Southern Hardwood Forest: Exploring Low-Cost Solutions for Forestry Applications
Authors: Danskin Scott D. , Bettinger Pete , Jordan Thomas R. , Cieszewski Chris
Published: August 2019

The global positioning system (GPS) exhibits much potential for forestry applications, where traditional methods of position determination still dominate. Recent advances in GPS technology may offer improved performance of GPS in forested conditions, and at a considerable cost advantage compared with previous GPS alternatives. We examined the use of several mapping- to recreation-grade GPS receivers across a topographic gradient and the influence of using the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) to their performance under leaf-on and leaf-off conditions. Generally, the mapping-grade receiver with postprocessed differential correction offered the highest position accuracies, which improved root mean squared error (RMSE95) from 3.64 to 5.32 m across leaf conditions, compared with recreation-grade receiver performance, which ranged in RMSE95 from 12.76 to 38.74 m under leaf-on conditions to 8.22 to 36.81 m under leaf-off conditions. Users of this information should keep in mind that RMSE95 equals actual RMSE × 1.7308. These results are consistent with the general thoughts that (a) mapping-grade receivers should provide higher horizontal position accuracy than consumer-grade receivers, (b) better horizontal position accuracy is obtained during leaf-off forest conditions (i.e., winter), (c) differential correction can improve horizontal position accuracy, and (d) WAAS, when available, can improve horizontal position accuracy. Results also indicate that slope position and the number of position fixes acquired may influence the performance of the GPS units.
Calibrating a Segmented Taper Equation with Two Diameter Measurements
Authors: Cao Quang V.
Published: August 2019

Recent advances in laser technology help make possible accurate and affordable measurements of upper-stem diameters. These measurements can be used to calibrate results from a taper equation to improve the accuracy of diameter predictions along the tree bole. Felled-tree data from a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation were used to evaluate two methods for calibrating outputs from a segmented taper equation with parameters either obtained from the data in this study or originally published by Max and Burkhart (1976, Segmented polynomial regression applied to taper equations, For. Sci. 22:283–289). For outside-bark diameters, although a simple calibration for dbh gave desirable results, a better calibration involving both dbh and an upper-stem diameter provided significant improvements in predicting tree taper. Results varied depending on where the diameter was measured, with optimum gains obtained when the upper-stem diameter was measured at the midpoint between breast height and the tree tip. For inside-bark diameters, the calibration for inside-bark dbh actually produced inferior predictions, whereas the calibration based on both dbh and an upper-stem diameter offered only modest improvements over the unadjusted predictions.
Nine-Year Growth Responses to Planting Density Manipulation and Repeated Early Fertilization in a Loblolly Pine Stand in the Virginia Piedmont
Authors: Carlson Colleen A. , Fox Thomas R. , Creighton Jerre , Dougherty Phillip M. , Johnson John R.
Published: August 2019

Achieving maximum stand leaf area early in the rotation can have large positive effects on plantation productivity. Two silvicultural management strategies that can enhance leaf area development are increasing planting density and improving nutrition. A trial was established to determine how these two silvicultural management strategies affect the growth of Pinus taeda L. in the Virginia Piedmont. The study was designed as a factorial with two planting densities (363 and 726 trees ac−1) and three levels of nutrient additions. The three nutrient levels were aimed at maintaining the current site index (SI25) of the stand (55 ft) or improving the SI25 to 70 and 80 ft. None of the treatments affected survival or height during the first 9 years. At age 9, the lower stand density treatment had a greater average diameter (6.03 in.) compared with the high stand density treatment (5.10 in.) averaged across all nutrient levels. The intermediate and high nutrient treatments increased diameter by 0.21 and 0.35 in., respectively, compared with the low nutrient treatment (5.38 in.), when averaged across both stand densities. Intraspecific competition affected diameter growth from age 5, whereas nutrient additions increased growth from age 4.
Effect of Midstory Removal on Understory Light Availability and the 2–Year Response of Underplanted Cherrybark Oak Seedlings
Authors: Lhotka John M. , Loewenstein Edward F.
Published: August 2019

This study evaluates the effects of four midstory removal intensities on residual stand structure, understory light availability, and the 2-year growth and survival of underplanted cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) seedlings. It also examines whether survival and growth were affected by the removal of competing understory vegetation <1.4 m tall. The study was conducted in western Georgia, in a mature riparian hardwood forest possessing a dense midstory canopy and an understory dominated by highly competitive nonnative and native species. The removal of all midstory trees increased survival and height and basal diameter growth of cherrybark oak after two growing seasons. Understory light availability increased only when at least half of all midstory trees were removed. Although understory vegetation removal increased 2-year height growth of cherrybark oak, the actual growth difference between treatments was only 5 cm. The removal of understory vegetation had no effect on basal diameter growth or survival. Results suggests that a combination of underplanting and complete midstory removal may be a useful treatment for enhancing advance oak reproduction in riparian hardwood stands. This treatment combination may have utility as the initial step in a shelterwood system when advance reproduction is insufficient.
Implementing Regional Locale and Thinning Response in the Loblolly Pine Height-Diameter Relationship
Authors: Russell Matthew B. , Amateis Ralph L. , Burkhart Harold E.
Published: August 2019

This study uses two regionwide data sets, one exemplified by intensive management and the other by nonintensive management, to investigate whether including regional locale and thinning response improves the loblolly pine height–diameter relationship. Results showed that including geographic coordinates as scaled variables, in addition to including a thinning response modifier, reduces the variability of an individual-tree height model compared with a baseline model without these covariates. Holding stand conditions constant, tree height for a given diameter will generally be greater at south and east locales within the natural range of loblolly pine, and thinning will lead to slightly greater tree heights. Equations that include geographic locale of the stand and a thinning modifier that incorporates amount of time since thinning are proposed. These equations can be used for thinned or nonthinned stands throughout the natural geographic range of the species.
Aboveground Biomass Estimation for Three Common Woody Species in the Post Oak Savannah of Texas
Authors: Oswald Brian P. , Botting R. R. , Coble Dean W. , Farrish Ken W.
Published: August 2019

The post oak savannah of Texas contains many shrubs and trees species that lack standing biomass estimation. Nondestructive biomass prediction equations for dry weight (g) and fuel size classes (to accurately assess fuels hazards and potential fire behavior) were determined for post oak (Quercus stellata Wangenh.), eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.), and gum bumelia (Sideroxylon lanuginosum Michx. subsp. oblongifolium [Nutt] T.D. Penn) using basal diameter, height, and crown area. Five models (full model, full log model, combined variable model, logarithmic model, and combined variable model with crown area) were performed and compared. The logarithmic model provided the best results for predicting dry weight. The logarithmic model was the only one that performed well for any fuel size parameter (post oak foliage and eastern redcedar 1 hour fuel size).
Spectral Identification of Previsual Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra L.) Foliar Symptoms Related to Oak Decline and Red Oak Borer (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Attack
Authors: Riggins John J. , Defibaugh y Chávez Jason M. , Tullis Jason A. , Stephen Frederick M.
Published: August 2019

A severe oak decline event associated with the outbreak of an insect pest (Enaphalodes rufulus [Haldeman]) affected the Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma Ozarks from the mid-1990s through 2005. Tree mortality was severe and widespread, but patchy in nature. The rugged and remote terrain of the Ozarks led to difficulty in monitoring and assessing the location, severity, and spread of declining stands. In addition, visible symptoms of decline typically occur late in the decline-disease spiral, providing little early warning and leaving few options for mitigation. In situ spectroradiometry using handheld equipment offers an affordable option for characterizing the spectral signatures of plant stress and assessing the feasibility of areawide remote sensing projects without risking a large upfront investment in imagery. Foliage from 30 northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) trees was sampled using a handheld spectroradiometer, and analysis was conducted using machine learning techniques. Analysis of 602 reflectance and first-derivative variables provided the best prediction (90%) of field-assigned stress rankings. Eight published vegetation stress indices used as surrogate variables yielded approximately 86% accuracy in predicting the correct field-assigned stress ranking. Therefore, use of vegetation stress indices as surrogate variables may be a simpler option for analyzing future imagery of oak stress in the Ozarks while sacrificing little accuracy.
Segmenting Southern Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners on the Basis of Their Management Objectives and Motivations for Wood-Based Bioenergy
Authors: Joshi Omkar , Mehmood Sayeed R.
Published: August 2019

This study segments nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners in Arkansas, Florida, and Virginia on the basis of their forest management objectives and their willingness to supply wood-based biomass for bioenergy. A two-step cluster analysis was used to segment NIPF landowners of all three states into three distinct groups, namely bioenergy conservationists, multiple-objective landowners, and passive landowners. The results revealed that there was notable variation among NIPF landowners in terms of their interest in wood-based bioenergy and forest management objectives. A solid majority of bioenergy conservationists (58%) were familiar with the concept of producing alternative fuels from wood. Similarly, multiple-objective landowners' willingness to supply wood-based biomass (63%) was highest among all three segments. Bioenergy-friendly conservationists and multiple-objective landowners were more likely to be receptive to outreach activities. Further, given low motivation scores for passive managers, this group of landowners would require focused outreach programs to increase their interest in bioenergy. This study suggested appropriate outreach and educational strategies to communicate with each audience segment.
A Decisionmaking Model for Managing or Regenerating Southern Upland Hardwood Forests
Authors: Cunningham Kutcher K. , Ezell Andrew W. , Belli Keith L. , Hodges John D. , Schultz Emily B.
Published: August 2019

A decisionmaking model was developed to assist hardwood resource managers in determining the management potential, for sawlog production, of southern upland hardwood stands within the Cumberland Plateau, Western Highland Rim, and Upper Coastal Plain physiographic provinces. The model determines stands to be either manageable (using intermediate stand management) or in need of regeneration. Stand index values were established for even-aged stands using stocking guidelines, individual tree characteristics, and tree class. Threshold index values for continued stand management were established for four sawtimber management objectives in the Cumberland Plateau and three sawtimber management objectives in the Western Highland Rim and Upper Coastal Plain. Stand index values above or below the threshold value returned a decision to continue to manage or initiate regeneration methods for a stand, respectively. In the Cumberland Plateau and Western Highland Rim provinces, a similarity of percentage between model decisions and decisions from an expert panel of hardwood silviculturists was calculated to assist in determining model effectiveness. The overall agreement between the model and experts was 71%.
Use of Prescribed Burning to Enhance Southern Pine Timber Production
Authors: Crow A. Bigler , Shilling Charles L.
Published: August 2019

Prescribed burning benefits pine timber production in many ways. It can facilitate regeneration and early stand development, control unwanted vegetation, reduce loss from certain diseases, thin overdense young stands, make working in an area easier and cheaper and, perhaps, encourage increased growth and yield. In most cases it enables the management objective to be achieved at reduced cost. As with any use of prescription fire, it must be carefully and skillfully applied to minimize loss and avoid adverse environmental effects.
Paulownia—A Crop Tree for Wood Products and Reclamation of Surface-Mined Land
Authors: Tang R. C. , Carpenter S. B. , Wittwer R. F. , Graves D. H.
Published: August 2019

Paulownia, a naturalized Asiatic species, has been widely planted in the southeastern United States as a shade and ornamental tree because of its rapid growth and beautiful flowers. Although its multiple-use properties have made it an important commercial wood in Japan, it has not been used commercially in the United States. Recently, increased demand for paulownia from Japanese wood industries has created a potential new market for U.S. production of the species. The botanical characteristics, habitat conditions, forestation techniques, and economic potential of paulownia are reported. Also discussed is its utilization in reclamation efforts on surface-mined lands.1
Electronic Technology Speeds Forest Survey
Authors: Beltz Roy C. , Keith George C.
Published: August 2019

Electronic data recorders have been successfully applied in field activities of the continuous forest survey. A new data-entry system minimizes the transition trained cruisers must make from tally sheets to digital entry. Telecommunications, data capture, and subsequent processing are reliable and efficient. Keypunching costs, time requirements, and associated errors are eliminated. The recorders are light, compact, and can communicate with a variety of computer hardware.
Current Use of Remote Sensing by Foresters in the South
Authors: Mead Roy A. , Rasberry D. Ann
Published: August 2019

A survey was conducted to determine how and to what extent remote sensing is being used for forest management in the 13 southern states. Several general conclusions were reached. Timber type mapping and road location are the major uses of aerial photographs. Professional resource managers spend a small portion of their time interpreting aerial photographs and very few photo interpreters are employed on a full-time basis. Significant differences were apparent in the use of aerial photographs by different organizations. Black-and-white photographs are most frequently used. Color and color infrared photography were utilized by all organizations to a limited extent, but Landsat, radar, and thermal imagery were generally not used. Very little use is being made of small-format (35 mm and 70 mm) photography. More applied research and practical training are needed to fully implement remote-sensing techniques in the field of natural resources.
Soil Restoration on Deteriorated Campsites in Texas
Authors: Legg Michael , Farnham Keith , Miller Edwin
Published: August 2019

On deteriorated campsites in east Texas (seasonal) winter or year-round closure significantly decreased soil bulk density, but rototilling with the addition of bark or wood chips produced the greatest decrease. Rototilling alone was ineffective. Planting winter grasses reduced surface erosion and fluctuations in density.
Insecticides for Seed Orchards—A Case Study in Applied Research
Authors: van Buijtenen J. P.
Published: August 2019

In 1973 the control of cone and seed insects was the most serious problem facing the seed orchard manager, but no pesticides were registered for that particular use. The Southern Seed Orchard Pest Committee was formed to address itself to this problem. Through a cooperative effort of industry, universities, state, and federal organizations, some of the major problems were solved and registration of two insecticides obtained in slightly less than three years.
Wildlife in Cottonwood Plantations
Authors: Wesley David E. , Perkins Carroll J. , Sullivan Alfred D.
Published: August 2019

Wildlife populations, movements, and habitat were studied in cottonwood plantations of the lower Mississippi River batture. Summer growth produced understory vegetation biomass exceeding 1,200 kg/ha. The plantations provided excellent habitat for white-tailed deer and rabbits throughout the year. Their greatest value for wild turkey and quail was as nesting and brood habitat in the spring. The plantations provided additional niches for nongame birds and mammals, increasing the local species diversity. Relative size, shape, and management regime largely determine the effect of cottonwood plantations as habitat in the total forest community.
Cyclone Pollinator Improves Loblolly Pine Seed Yields in Controlled Pollinations
Authors: Matthews Fred R. , Bramlett David L.
Published: August 2019

A cyclone pollinator developed by the U.S. Forest Service was compared with a standard syringe pollinator currently used in many southern tree improvement programs. The average seed yields per cone were increased from 58 filled seed per cone with the syringe pollinator to 74 per cone with the cyclone pollinator. An increased quantity of pollen for each of the pollinators generally produced increased seed yields. The average seed efficiency from cyclone pollinations was 48 percent compared with 38 percent for syringe pollinations. In contrast, wind-pollinated control cones had 115 filled seed per cone and a seed efficiency of 75 percent.
Effects of Seed Orchard Fertilization on Seed and Seedling Characteristics of Four Longleaf Pine Families
Authors: Foushee D. L. , Talbert J. T. , Zobel B. J. , Summerville K. O.
Published: August 2019

Seed orchard treatments involving high levels of nitrogen fertilization decreased percent filled seed and seed germination in four open-pollinated families from a longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) seed orchard. While fertilizer increased seed weights, it was of no apparent benefit to seedling size 5½ months after sowing.
A Prediction System for Cubic Foot Volume of Loblolly Pine Applicable Through Much of its Range
Authors: Van Deusen Paul C. , Sullivan Alfred D. , Matvey Thomas G.
Published: August 2019

It has been suggested that the many published loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) volume equations be consolidated. Comparative analysis demonstrated that a single volume prediction system can be used to estimate total and merchantable volume for old-field plantation-grown loblolly pine through much of its range. Three data sets were pooled to produce total volume equations and ratio equations for merchantable volume. These equations will be particularly useful in areas for which no volume tables have been specifically prepared.
Estimating Understory Biomass
Authors: Phillips Douglas R. , Saucier Joseph R.
Published: August 2019

Stand conditions and species composition vary so much in hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood stands in the southeastern United States that understory biomass cannot be estimated with reasonable precision from overstory conditions alone. A tally of trees less than 5 inches d.b.h. by 1-inch-diameter classes can provide the basis for a reliable estimate. In a study of cruising procedures, 10-factor prism tallies made independently by two service foresters resulted in an overestimate of understory weight of 37 percent by one forester and an underestimate of 30 percent by the other. Fixed radius plot tallies in which understory tree diameters were ocularly estimated resulted in errors of 11 and 24 percent by the same foresters. Training and experience could reduce estimation errors associated with this procedure. Fixed radius plots in which individual tree diameters and total heights were measured yielded estimates of understory biomass that were only 3.7 percent above the actual understory biomass of 19.1 green tons per acre.
Container-Grown Longleaf Pine Regeneration Costs in the Sandhills
Authors: Guldin Richard W.
Published: August 2019

Planting longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) seedlings grown in containers is a biologically feasible and cost-effective regeneration method for sandhill sites. Considering the cost of replanting sites where regeneration efforts fail, using container-grown seedlings can result in a lower total regeneration cost. A method of analysis is outlined for specific sites.
Effects of Repeated Precommercial Thinnings in Central Hardwood Sapling Stands
Authors: Hilt Donald E. , Dale Martin E.
Published: August 2019

Precommercial thinnings were repeated four times in a central hardwood sapling stand beginning at age 8 and ending at age 22. Treated plots were thinned on an areawide basis to specified density levels of 30-, 50-, and 70-percent stocking. The species composition of all stems in the stand was altered somewhat by thinning, but similar trends occurred on control plots. The species composition, growth, and quality of potential crop trees were not improved substantially by thinning. Results indicate that repeated areawide precommercial thinnings to specified density levels is not an effective timber management alternative for hardwood sapling stands.
Boron Deficiency in a Southern Pine Nursery
Authors: Stone E. L. , Hollis C. A. , Barnard E. L.
Published: August 2019

Boron deficiency in seedling loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and slash pine (Pinus elliotti Engelm.) in a northern Florida nursery was diagnosed by: (1) characteristic damage to shoot tips and buds, including necrosis of only part of the terminal; and (2) boron concentrations as low as only 1.9 ppm (dry weight) in affected tissues. Soil and soil-management features associated with deficiency include extremely low silt and clay contents, organic matter levels of 1 percent or less, lack of boron addition, and high calcium irrigation water leading to soil reactions above pH 6 by late summer. Consequences of deficiency were not limited to the nursery. Damaged seedlings that survived outplanting developed into bushy plants incapable of normal height growth in the first year or two.
Growth and Yield Following Four Reproduction Cutting Methods in Loblolly-Shortleaf Pine Stands--A Case Study
Authors: Baker James B. , Murphy Paul A.
Published: August 2019

Four reproduction cutting methods employed on an average site (S.I. = 85 to 90 feet at 50 years) in second-growth loblolly-shortleaf pine (Pinus taeda L.--P. echinata Mill.) in south Arkansas provided adequate pine regeneration to establish or maintain well-stocked stands. During the 36-year study period, heavy seed-tree and diameter-limit cutting methods produced significantly more cubic-foot volume than selection and clearcutting, while clearcutting resulted in significantly less board-foot (Doyle) volume. Since many trees on the clearcut areas are just now reaching sawlog size, board-foot volume production among all treatments will probably equalize as time goes on. Advantages and disadvantages of the four cutting methods for large landholders and private nonindustrial land-owners are discussed.
Methods for Indexing Southern Stumpage Sales
Authors: Latham Robert P.
Published: August 2019

Indexing of stumpage prices to product prices is explained. The basic economic role of such indexing appears sound and may lead to its increased adoption. Several time-series to which stumpage prices could be tied are available. Alternative mechanisms for tying stumpage rates to these time-series are discussed.
Place of Wood Specific Gravity in the Development of Advanced-Generation Seed Orchards and Breeding Programs
Authors: Jett J. B. , Talbert J. T.
Published: August 2019

Data from thinnings of 11 genetic tests with an average age of 10 years and from 364 eight-year-old second-generation selections were analyzed to provide an estimate of gain from one cycle of selection for wood specific gravity. Utilizing mid-parent, mature, wood specific gravities and progeny juvenile wood specific gravities, coefficients of genetic prediction, CGP = 0.55 and 0.41, were calculated for the genetic test thinning sample and second-generation selection sample. Expressed as a percentage of the mean, gain from selection was calculated to be 2.6 percent. A strategy was also developed to include wood specific gravity in the North Carolina State Cooperative's second-generation loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) improvement program. High heritability figures indicate little need to develop extensive family information for wood specific gravity in advanced-generation breeding programs.
Genetic Variation in Choctawhatchee Sand Pine Pollen Shed and Viability
Authors: Frampton L. J. , Roeder K. R. , Rockwood D. L. , Hollis C. A.
Published: August 2019

Initiation and duration of viable pollen production differed significantly among clones of Choctawhatchee sand pine (Pinus clausa var. immuginata Ward). Clonal differences also occurred for pollen germinability, pollen conductivity, and catkin moisture content, but clonal differences for these traits were influenced by the stage (early, intermediate, or late) of pollen production. Pollen germination decreased only 10 percent from early to late pollen production, suggesting that viable pollen may be collected during any period of pollen shed. Relationships among the three measures of pollen viability, although significant, were weak. Conclusions drawn will aid tree breeders in making controlled pollinations and in establishing seed orchards.
Response to Control of Competing Vegetation in Site-Prepared Slash Pine Plantations
Authors: Pienaar Leon V. , Rheney John W. , Shiver Barry D.
Published: August 2019

In 9- to 15-year old site-prepared slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) plantations in the coastal flatwoods of Georgia and North Florida there was a significant growth response to complete elimination of competing understory vegetation over a four-year period. Average diameter growth increased 16 percent (0.06 in.) and 21 percent (0.15 in.) after two and four growing seasons, respectively. Volume growth increased by 7 percent (24 cu. ft./ac.) and 15 percent (100 cu. ft./ac.) after two and four years, respectively. If the current trend is sustained, the growth response will probably continue to increase over time as it has over the past four years. The response is most significant on soils which fall within the somewhat poorly to well-drained categories.
A Comparison of Sand Pine Varieties in Central Florida
Authors: Outcalt Kenneth W.
Published: August 2019

In a comparison planting of the Ocala (P. clausa var. clausa Ward) and the Choctawhatchee (P. clausa var. immuginata Ward) varieties of sand pine in central Florida, the natural range of Ocala, survival was equal 10 years after establishment. The severe competition that occurred on the site after planting significantly reduced the growth rate of the Choctawhatchee trees, but the Ocala trees grew at their normal rate. Based on the interim results of this study, Ocala is the preferred variety for use on sandhills sites in central Florida.
Southwide Pine Seed Source Study—Loblolly Pine at 25 Years
Authors: Wells Osborn O.
Published: August 2019

A rangewide system of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seed source plantings has shown inherent variations in growth rate, fusiform rust resistance, and other less commercially important traits. Most of the variation is due to coastal-continental effects and to ecotypic differentiation of the loblolly population west of the Mississippi River. The western population is slower growing, more rust resistant, and more drought resistant than the eastern loblolly population, whereas coastal plain populations are faster growing, more susceptible to ice and cold, and less drought resistant than loblolly from areas with a more continental climate such as northern Georgia, Alabama, or Piedmont South Carolina. The differences in growth rate associated with these major physiographic and climatic effects are persisting as the test nears timber-rotation age, but the smaller growth-rate differences within physiographic regions are less stable.
Timing of Fertilizer Application Important for Management of Southern Pine Seed Orchards
Authors: Schmidtling R. C.
Published: August 2019

Fertilizers were applied at different dates during the growing season to orchard ramets of loblolly (Pinus taeda L), slash (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii), shortleaf (Pinus echinata Mill.), and Virginia pines (Pinus virginiana Mill.) to determine optimum time to enhance flowering. Depending on species, female flowering was increased by applications in mid- to late summer. Male flowering was increased most by applications in early summer.
Precommercial Thinning Increases Diameter Growth of Appalachian Hardwood Stump Sprouts
Authors: Lamson Neil I.
Published: August 2019

In West Virginia crop trees were selected from 7- or 12-year-old yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), basswood (Tilia americana L.), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) stump sprouts. Crop trees were dominant or codominant, well-formed sprouts that originated not more than 6 inches above groundline and did not fork in the lower 17 feet. Four treatments were evaluated: (1) control; (2) thinning; (3) pruning; and (4) thinning plus pruning. Five years after treatment the diameter (d.b.h.) growth of thinned sprouts was 1.5 times greater than that of control sprouts. Pruning did not cause a significant decrease in five-year d.b.h. growth. Height growth was not affected by the treatments. Most of the epicormic branches produced by pruning were dead five years after treatment. Natural pruning was reduced by thinning; the average clear bole length of thinned sprouts was about 2 feet shorter than that of the control sprouts. Survival was nearly 100 percent.
Volume or Weight Estimates Below a Merchantability Limit
Authors: Zutter B. R. , Oderwald R. G.
Published: August 2019

Two methods are presented and evaluated for estimating volume or weight of trees whose diameter at breast height (d.b.h.) is less than the minimum specified by inventory design. Both methods make use of censored data where trees below the minimum d.b.h. are only counted, not measured. Each method provides reasonable estimates of volume or weight for these trees, but each has certain advantages. The first method requires fitting of the censored data with the Weibull function, providing estimates of stem count and volume or weight by d.b.h. class below minimum d.b.h. A simpler second method requires an estimate of average tree d.b.h. below the minimum d.b.h. but provides only estimates of stem count and weight or volume for all trees below minimum d.b.h.
Harvesting Productivity Information for Southern Pines
Authors: Cubbage Frederick W.
Published: August 2019

Studies estimating production rates for harvesting southern pines are reviewed and summarized. Types of harvesting productivity information, limitations, and applications are discussed. Southern pine harvesting studies are classified by harvest function, tree species, data type, and harvest type. Other sources of harvesting productivity data are described.
Site Preparation Influences on Young Loblolly Pine Plantations in East Texas
Authors: Pehl Charles E.
Published: August 2019

To evaluate site preparation effects on loblolly pine five years after stand establishment in east Texas, trees/acre, d.b.h., total height. and total biomass were measured on four treatments: clear-fell, burn, chop and burn, and shear/pile and disk. Treatment effects on production were not statistically significant (α = 0.1), but two points were evident: (1) more intensively prepared sites had better stem distributions, and (2) the height variation component due to soil was larger than the treatment component. Bulk densities indicated no significant compaction; soil chemical properties for the mechanical treatments were similar to the clear-fell treatment. Foliar and stemwood Ca, Mg, K, P, N were similar for all treatments. Adverse effects of the mechanical methods on site productivity were not evident when compared to the clear-fell treatment.
Management of Shortleaf Pine Plantations in North Mississippi
Authors: Williston Hamlin L.
Published: August 2019

Residual basal areas did not have a significant effect on cubic volume growth in a shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) thinning study in north Mississippi first thinned at age 23 and remeasured at five-year intervals to age 48. Residual basal area did have a significant effect on board foot growth between age 38 and 45, the period during which board foot growth peaked. Cubic foot growth appears to have peaked at about age 35. Average total 48-year production on thinned plots was 64 cords and 15,868 board feet, International ¼-inch Rule.
Monitoring Herbicide Residues in Springflow After an Operational Application of Hexazinone
Authors: Neary Daniel G.
Published: August 2019

Parts of two forested watersheds (440 ac and 482 ac) in central Tennessee were aerially treated with 15 lb/ac of hexazinone pellets (10-percent active ingredient) to remove hardwood competition prior to establishing loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Both treated watersheds and a control were monitored to determine if hexazinone residues were entering ground water and appearing in springflow. Seven months of monitoring included two intensively sampled periods during application and the first storm. No detectable residues of hexazinone or its two primary metabolites were measured in samples from a watershed in which hexazinone was applied up to 66 ft. from the monitoring point. Springflow samples from a watershed treated a year earlier (in 1980) were also clear of herbicide residues.
Chemical Weed Control in Southern Hardwood Nurseries
Authors: South David B.
Published: August 2019

In the past, hardwood nurserymen often relied on fumigation with methyl bromide for weed control. Today, however, herbicides can provide cost-effective control of grasses and most annual broadleaf weeds in hardwood seedbeds. New herbicides like sethoxidim can be used to control annual and perennial grasses while germination of many broadleaf weeds can be inhibited by oryzalin, oxadiazon, or napropamide. Resistant weeds can be controlled by directed applications of glyphosate. Use of these herbicides reduces the need for fumigation, which often lowers the population of beneficial endomycorrhizal fungi. Fumigation may still be required when controlling high populations of nutsedge or when pathogens are a problem. Although use of chemicals can make control of weeds easier, the nurseryman should not rely entirely on fumigation or herbicides for weed control. If left alone to reproduce, populations of resistant weeds can quickly increase. The nurseryman should therefore adhere strictly to a comprehensive year-round weed control program that prevents introduction, reproduction, and spread of weeds. Even with these efforts, several years may be required to deplete the reservoir of weed seeds in the soil. The nurseryman who is successful will be able to produce more uniform, higher-quality seedlings at a lower cost.
Waterlogging Tolerance of Lowland Tree Species of the South¹
Authors: Hook Donal D.
Published: August 2019

Many tree species in the South are adapted to periodic and/or prolonged soil waterlogging. However, artificial disturbances of natural water regimes sometimes cause flooding to occur at abnormal times or the flood water to be deeper and waterlogging longer in duration than is normal. As a consequence, it is difficult for forest managers to predict how a species will respond to such disturbances or to decide how to manage an area where the water regime has been significantly altered. This paper discusses some factors which influence the waterlogging tolerance of tree species, compiles several classification systems, indicates the pertinent literature, and offers a new relative waterlogging-tolerance rating for southern lowland tree species.
Direct-Seeded Cherrybark and Shumard Oaks Battle Natural Regeneration through 10 Years
Authors: Johnson R. L.
Published: August 2019

Acorns of Shumard (Quercus shumardii Buckl.) and cherrybark (Quercus falcata var. pagodifolia Ell.) oaks were direct seeded in a 3-acre opening created by cutting and removing all trees ≥ 1.0 in. dbh from a forest in the silty uplands. Field germination of winter-sown acorns was 42% for cherrybark and 55% for Shumard, about twice that of spring-sown acorns. After 10 years, average height of co-dominant trees was 23.6 ft. for Shumard and 27.0 ft. for cherrybark; average dbh was 1.5 in. for both species. Dominants and codominants in the competing natural stand averaged 40 ft. tall and 3.5 in. dbh. Only 5% of the seed spots had oak in a free-to-grow position; most codominant oaks were on higher, drier sites where competition was less severe. On better sites a number of intermediate oaks are still developing, but their future is yet to be determined.
High-Gum-Yielding Slash Pine: Performance to Age 30
Authors: McReynolds Robert D. , Gansel Charles R.
Published: August 2019

Portions of the nation's first slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) progeny test, planted at Olustee, Florida, were chipped commercially for naval stores and tree volumes were measured up to age 30. Crosses between parents with high gum production yielded an average of 18.4 pounds of gum per tree per year over the 8-year chipping period. Yield for progeny of wind-pollinated average parents was 11.1 pounds of gum per tree per year. Yields were highest if both parents were high yielding trees. High-gum-yielding progeny also produced as much wood as average-yielding progeny. Strains of slash pines with high gum yield are available as 1-0 seedlings from Georgia and Florida state tree nurseries.
Sealed-Bid Timber Sales—Performance Indicators and Bidding Strategies
Authors: Shaffer Robert M.
Published: August 2019

Sealed bidding is the preferred method for selling stumpage in many areas of the South. Industry timber procurement managers are concerned with both the success rate and the amount of overbid when assessing bidding performance. Analysis of 56 sealed-bid timber sales establishes local norms for these performance indicators in a 14-county area of south Alabama and northwestern Florida. Bidding strategies are examined and categorized as must-win, strongly competitive, weakly competitive, and noncompetitive. Factors affecting bidding performance are discussed.
Franklin 105 Feller Buncher: Fifth-Row Thinning Application
Authors: Schroering J. D. , Lanford B. L. , Stokes B. J.
Published: August 2019

Plantation thinning requires machinery capable of operating in confined conditions while causing minimal damage to the residual stand and site. The Franklin 105 feller buncher, equipped with a Tidewater DL-12 accumulating shear, was studied in a fifth-row thinning application to determine variables affecting machine operation and productivity. Machine operation was divided into two elements: (1) move-to-tree and shear tree; and (2) move-to-dump, dump load, and bunch alignment. Move-to-tree and shear times were influenced by the number of residual trees per acre and whether the operator was row/corridor harvesting or selective thinning, while move-to-dump, dump load, and bunch alignment times were influenced by the average diameter and the number of trees in the shear head prior to dumping. Production costs were higher for selective thinning than for row/corridor harvesting.
Timing of Longleaf Pine Seedling Release from Overtopping Hardwoods: A Look 30 Years Later
Authors: Boyer William D.
Published: August 2019

Significant differences in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) growth among early and delayed seedling release treatments were recorded at age 10, but these differences had disappeared upon reexamination at age 31. A study begun in 1949 included six release treatments: complete seedling release from overtopping hardwoods at ages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 years, plus an unreleased check. Treatments were randomly applied among six 0.1-acre plots in each of six blocks, which included both poor and average sites. Seedling development was observed through age 10. When pines in five surviving blocks (two poor site, three average site) were remeasured in 1979 at age 31, there were no significant differences among release treatments in average tree heights and diameters or stand basal areas and volumes. The check treatment had significantly lower tree heights, stand densities, and stand volumes than any release treatment.
Hardwood Topkill by Four Herbicides Injected at Wide Spacings
Authors: Campbell T. E.
Published: August 2019

Mixed southern hardwood species ranging from 1 to 12 inches dbh were injected with 2,4-D at 2-inch spacings and with Tordon 101®, Garlon 3A®, and Roundup® at 5-inch spacings. Tordon and Garlon killed 92 and 93% of all stems and were rated as satisfactory. Roundup and 2,4-D killed 82 and 80% of injected stems; although neither was significantly less effective than Tordon and Garlon, both were rated as only marginally satisfactory.
Predicting Axle Loads on Trucks Hauling Tree-Length Logs
Authors: Watson W. F. , Matney T. G.
Published: August 2019

A methodology for predicting legal weight of loads of tree-length stems on tractor-trailer trucks is presented, with examples. The technique uses tree profile equations to predict center of mass and weight of stems. Load distribution on axles is accomplished by simplifying a formula based on the method of moments. One finding shows that with overhang longer than 15 feet, rear axles become overloaded before the maximum gross weight is reached.
Evaluating Landowner Assistance Programs and Other Wood Procurement Options
Authors: Kronrad Gary D. , Franklin E. Carlyle , de Steiguer J. E.
Published: August 2019

A major activity of forest industry is supplying their mills with wood. There are four options for wood procurement: fee land, lease land, landowner assistance programs, and open market. The task of the corporate planner is to allocate the limited budget among these options in such a way that the needed volumes of wood are procured at the least cost. A methodology has been developed to aid in this capital budgeting process and has been incorporated in an easy-to-use computer program.
Southern Forestry and a Modified Flat Tax
Authors: Leuschner William A. , Haney Harry L.
Published: August 2019

We examine the possible impacts of the President's and the Treasury Department's tax reform proposals on forestry investment, using a southern pine plantation model and PNW and IRR investment criteria. Results show reduced returns, particularly for higher-bracket individual taxpayers. Corporate returns are affected less severely than higher-bracket individual taxpayers.
Tree-Volume and Stem-Profile Functions for Baldcypress
Authors: Hotvedt James E. , Cao Quang V. , Parresol Bernard R.
Published: August 2019

No volume tables are available for cypress in the South. A volume and stem-profile prediction system for baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) is presented in this paper. Equations for estimating total and merchantable inside- and outside-bark cubic foot volumes are discussed, as well as a stem-profile equation for estimating diameter at any point on the tree bole. These equations are based on diameters measured at 10 feet above the ground. The prediction system was developed from 157 sample trees measured on 26 locations scattered throughout the south Delta region of Louisiana. Normal diameters ranged from 6 to 24 inches and total heights ranged from 50 to 100 feet.