bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dual Growth Simulator for Natural Even-Aged Stands of Longleaf Pine in the South's East Gulf Region
Authors: Farrar Robert M. , Matney Thomas G.
Published: August 2019

The internal components and structure of a stand growth simulator for even-aged natural stands of longleaf pine are described. The system allows stand-and-stock table estimates for both thinned and unthinned stands. It is based on 20-yr records from a permanent-plot regional growth study. The system consists of two parts: (1) a three-parameter, Weibull-recovery system to simulate stand development up to the first thinning and (2) a parameter-free, least-squares adjustment, dbh-distribution recovery system to simulate stand development after thinning. These techniques seem to handle nonsmooth distributions, such as those often left after thinning, very well. Copies of IBM-PC-compatible software for implementation of the prediction system can be obtained by writing to the junior author. South. J. Appl. For. 18(4): 147-155.
Potential Height Gain from Selection in a Five-Year-Old White Oak Progeny Test
Authors: Rink George , Coggeshall Mark V.
Published: August 2019

A progeny test of Quercus alba L. was established in spring 1984 at 3 locations using 70 open-pollinated families of 1-0 seedlings representing midwestern acorn collections from 15 stands. Most sources of variation in the combined-location ANOVA of 5-yr height data were statistically significant. The among-location variance component was the single largest in this analysis, accounting for 62.9% of total variance. The interaction of families and locations, an estimate of genotype X environment interaction, accounted for 1.7% of total variance. Although the family-within-stand variance component was also low (2.3 %), the narrow-sense heritability for height was estimated to be 0.36 ± 0.22. Expected gains in tree height from early selection of the tallest trees in the fastest growing families were estimated at 30% at age 5. On the basis of these results, additional research efforts in white oak improvement may be warranted. South. J. Appl. For. 19(1):10-13.
Artificial Pruning of Immature Oak Stands is Not Profitable
Authors: Farooq Muhammad , Kurtz William B. , Dwyer John P.
Published: August 2019

Artificial pruning is one way in which an increase in end product quality can be achieved. Secondary data as well as a field study were used to evaluate the cost efficiency of pruning in immature oak stands in southeastern Missouri. A pruning time prediction model was developed from data collected during a field study of pruning. Number and size of limbs as well as height of log segment were found to be important factors affecting pruning time. The TWIGS growth and yield model was used to project tree growth from which the volume of clear wood produced as a result of pruning was estimated. When labor costs were included, all present net worths (PNWs) of the pruning investment were found to be negative due to the small amount of clear wood produced and a small price difference between clear and knotty wood. Excluding labor cost, assuming that it will be absorbed by the landowner, PNW was positive for 60, 70, and 80 yr rotations at only the 3.0% discount rate. The knot-free stumpage price necessary to earn a 5.0% discount rate was estimated and found to be substantially higher than present prices in the region. Because of low return and potential risk of epicormic branching, artificial pruning of immature oak stands is not an economical management option. South. J. Appl. For. 19(1):14-17.
Compaction and Rutting During Harvesting Affect Better Drained Soils More Than Poorly Drained Soils on Wet Pine Flats
Authors: Aust W. Michael , Tippett Mark D. , Burger James A. , McKee William H.
Published: August 2019

Soil compaction and rutting (puddling) are visually distinct types of wet-site harvesting disturbances; however, the way in which they affect soil physical properties and hydrology is not well documented. Three compacted and three rutted sites were evaluated to determine the effects of the disturbances on soil physical and hydrologic properties. For each site, primary skid trails and nontrafficked areas were compared. Both compaction and rutting increased bulk density, and reduced macropore space and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Water tables and reducing conditions were closer to the soil surface within the primary skid trails. For the compacted and rutted skid trails, changes were greatest on sites that initially had better drainage and aeration. Compacted sites may prove easier to mitigate with site preparation than rutted sites due to the shallower nature of the disturbances and drier site conditions that will facilitate mechanical mitigation. Submitted to South. J. Appl. For. 18(2):72-77.
A Stocking Guide for Southern Bottomland Hardwoods
Authors: Goelz J. C. G.
Published: August 2019

A stocking guide was developed from the data of Putnam, et al. (1960). The form of the stocking guide follows Gingrich (1967), although the “B”-line is based on the suggested residual stocking of Putnam, et al. (1960) rather than on minimum full stocking. This stocking guide is similar to the stocking guide for central upland hardwoods constructed by Gingrich, except that 100% stocking is 5-7 ft2² of basal area lower for the southern bottomland guide, across a range of quadratic mean diameter. South. J. Appl. For. 19(3):103-104.
Beaver Immigration into a Control Area
Authors: Houston Allan E. , Pelton Michael R. , Henry Ray
Published: August 2019

From November 1984 through May 1985, trapping removed all resident beaver (Castor canadensis) from 22 colonies on 4,000 contiguous acres of bottomland in southwest Tennessee. From June 1985 through September 1988, trapped-out colony sites were closely monitored, and 162 immigrating beavers were captured <1 month of recolonization. The average number of immigrants October through May was 46.4 beavers; however, from June through September mean immigration dropped significantly (P ≤ 0.05) to 5.5. More than 89% of all immigrants were ≤4 yr of age. Results suggested that beaver immigration into eradicated colony sites began soon after eradication and were seasonal. South. J. Appl. For. 19(3):127-130.
Site Preparation and Tree Planting Costs on Hurricane-Damaged Lands in South Carolina
Authors: Straka Thomas J. , Marsinko Allan P. , Baumann Jeffrey L. , Haight Robert G.
Published: August 2019

Hurricane Hugo damaged 4.5 million ac of South Carolina forestland in 1989; 1.2 million of these acres required reforestation. Much of this acreage required site preparation. This article presents the major types of site preparation utilized after a natural disaster like Hurricane Hugo and contrasts the costs of these operations with those on conventional sites. In general, site preparation operations on hurricane-damaged lands ranged from 6% to 54% more costly than those on conventional sites. Tree planting costs by amount of residue and site preparation practice are presented. Limited data are presented on related chemical control and timber stand improvement costs. Low-cost regeneration alternatives are also discussed. South. J. Appl. For. 19(3):131-138.
Biomass Yield of Short-Rotation American Sycamore as Influenced by Site, Fertilizers, Spacing, and Rotation Age
Authors: Wittwer R. F. , King R. H. , Clayton J. M. , Hinton O. W.
Published: August 2019

American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) was planted on bottomland and terrace sites in the Ohio River Valley region of western Kentucky to test the effects of various cultural treatments on yields over short rotation periods. Without fertilization, the bottomland site was more productive, but yields from the fertilized plots on the two sites were comparable. Fertilization significantly increased yields of all biomass components; the NP treatment did not increase yields over the N treatment. Yields of bolewood and bark were significantly increased by closer spacings. Average annual production, exclusive of leaves, for the most productive treatment combination (6 x 3 ft. spacing and N fertilization after five years on the terrace) was approximately 6 tons/acre/year on a green-weight basis. Without fertilization, the 1 x 3 ft. spacing was most productive, yielding nearly 4 tons/acre/year after either the three- or four-year rotation period on the bottom site.
Shortleaf × Slash Pine Hybrids Outperform Parents in Parts of the Southeast
Authors: Wells O. O. , Barnett P. E. , Derr H. J. , Funk D. T. , La Farge Timothy , Lawson E. R. , Little Silas
Published: August 2019

Shortleaf × slash pine hybrids were tested against their parent species for 10 years at eight locations from Pennsylvania to Louisiana. In the most northern plantings, hybrids made with the most northern shortleaf pine survived and grew better than hybrids made with southern shortleaf pine. Most of the hybrids, particularly the one made with northern Georgia shortleaf pine, performed better than either parent species in central Georgia, northern Alabama, and northern Arkansas in terms of growth rate, volume of wood produced, resistance to fusiform rust infection, and degree of ice breakage. Shortleaf pine performed better than the hybrids in New Jersey and Ohio.
Spacing
Eucalyptus grandis in Southern Florida—A Question of Merchantable versus Total Volume
Authors: Meskimen George , Franklin E. C.
Published: August 2019

The volume in merchantable trees (4 inches d.b.h. and larger) was about the same at spacings of 4 x 8, 8 x 8, 12 x 8, and 16 x 8 feet for Eucalyptus grandis trees at plantation age 7.4 years in Glades County, Florida. Total volume in all stems, however, was 1.7 times greater at the closest spacing than at the two widest spacings. Thus, in a conventional pulpwood system, merchantable yields equal to those from closer spacings could be obtained from the wider spacings at lower cost for establishment and harvest. However, if merchantability limits could be circumvented by field chipping small trees, volume yields 16 to 68 percent greater could be achieved by planting at close spacings. Neither wood quality nor tree height was appreciably affected by stand density over the range of spacings tested. If the harvesting system is unknown at planting time, a spacing of about 6 x 12 feet is probably best.
The Role of Fertilization in Intensive Forest Management
Authors: Jones S. B. , Broerman F. S.
Published: August 2019

Changing land-use patterns and increasing demands for wood fiber necessitate maximizing wood production, particularly from industrial holdings. Forest fertilization is a practice essential to meeting this goal. Since 1969, nearly 100,000 acres of pine forests on Union Camp land have been fertilized, including treatment of established stands and preplanting applications. Objectives, expected results, and operating guidelines are discussed.
Fertilization of Young Pines on Georgia Coastal Plain Soils
Authors: Sarigumba T. I.
Published: August 2019

Two series of uniform fertilization trials were installed in newly established plantations on Georgia coastal plain soils. In one series, four levels of phosphorus (P) were applied as granular triple superphosphate (TSP) on a circular area around each tree. In the other series, three levels each of nitrogen (N) and P as ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and TSP, respectively, were applied in factorial combinations on a four-foot band along each tree row. N application was ineffective when little or no P was added. At a high P rate, however, N and P produced better growth response than P alone.¹
Preharvest Herbicide Control of Undesirable Vegetation in Southern Appalachian Hardwoods
Authors: Loftis David L.
Published: August 2019

Four years after clearcutting in a study comparing preharvest herbicide treatment of undesirable and unmerchantable vegetation with postharvest felling (the conventional practice), the preharvest treatment (1) reduced the number of sprouts of undesirable species, (2) increased the proportion of desirable species in the dominant stand, and (3) increased the proportion of the desirable stems of seedling origin. Although the preharvest treatment was more expensive than postharvest felling in this study, the results suggest that a less costly, but equally effective preharvest herbicide treatment could be devised.
Damage to Residual Hardwood Stands Caused by Cable Yarding with a Standing Skyline
Authors: Wendel G. W. , Kochenderfer J. N.
Published: August 2019

Yarding logs with a standing skyline cable system in a partially cut hardwood stand injured or destroyed about 7 percent of the residual stand-stems larger than 1 inch d.b.h. One tree per acre was abraded, 16 per acre were skinned (sapwood exposed), two per acre suffered root damage, and 15 per acre were destroyed. Results of this study were compared with published reports on tree injuries caused by cable yarding and skidding with crawler tractors and rubber-tired skidders in the eastern and western United States.
Improving Control of Smoke from Prescribed Fire Using Low Visibility Occurrence Risk Index
Authors: Lavdas L. G.
Published: August 2019

Wildland fires produce smoke that contributes to reduced visibility over roadways with potentially tragic consequences. Land managers need to reduce this potential hazard. Two indices are described that correlate with conditions associated with roadway hazard. The Dispersion Index (DI) depends on surface and upper air meteorological data and describes the atmosphere's capacity to reduce smoke concentrations to acceptably low levels downwind from fire. The Low Visibility Occurrence Risk Index (LVORI) is a combination of DI and relative humidity. LVORI expresses the likelihood of low visibility due to smoke and/or fog being reported at a roadway accident site. LVORI is expressed as a function of estimated weather at each accident site, as determined from National Weather Service reports. South. J. Appl. For. 20(1):10-14.
Use of Plastic Shelters for Low-Cost Establishment of Street Trees
Authors: Jones R. H. , Chappelka A. H. , West D. H.
Published: August 2019

One-year-old seedlings of 11 commonly used urban shade tree species were protected with plastic shelters to determine effects on survival and growth. Additional seedlings were planted in the cities of Auburn and Opelika, Alabama, to determine seedling performance in actual urban settings and to estimate incidence of vandalism in five urban settings. Shelters increased survival in four species and height growth in seven. Diameter growth responses were mixed. During the first 13 months after planting, only 3% of the seedlings in the cities were damaged by people. However, 20% of the shelters were vandalized at least once. Vandalism rates for shelters were greatest (37-44%) in neighborhoods of privately and publicly owned homes; intermediate (20%) in recreational parks, and lowest (4-6%) in undeveloped or industrial park areas. Installation of each tree with its shelter cost $2.78 (excluding labor) and required 20-25 minutes of labor. Tree shelters show promise as a low-cost alternative to more expensive planting methods, especially in undeveloped portions of cities. South. J. Appl. For. 20(2):85-89.
Ice Damage in Thinned and Nonthinned Loblolly Pine Plantations Infected with Fusiform Rust
Authors: Belanger R.P. , Godbee J.F. , Anderson R.L. , Paul J.T.
Published: August 2019

Portions of two loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations in central Georgia were thinned in 1982 to remove trees with severe fusiform rust infections on the main stem. In January 1983, a widespread ice storm damaged both plantations. Stem breakage and storm-related mortality were greater in thinned than in nonthinned portions of the plantations. There was a weak association between the occurrence of stem breakage and location of rust infections. Tree-ring chronologies show that trees with the greatest potential for stem growth are also most susceptible to ice damage. Significant losses in the diameter and basal area growth of damaged trees occurred during the first year after the storm. The stem growth of trees with severe crown damage did not totally recover during the 5-yr period following the storm. The demands for restoring crown components in damaged trees appear to take precedence over lower stem growth. Findings are related to storm conditions, tree and stand characteristics, and management practices. South. J. Appl. For. 20(3):136-140.
Development of Pine-Hardwood Mixtures Following Clearcutting on Two Upland Sites in the Georgia Piedmont: 10 Year Results
Authors: Steinbeck Klaus , Kuers Karen
Published: August 2019

Loblolly pine, planted on upland sites from which high-graded hardwood stands had been clearcut, grew well in mixture with the ensuing natural hardwood regeneration. At age 10, about half of the 545 stems per acre which had been planted survived and were 3 to 6 ft above the hardwood canopy. Their basal area was 29 ft2/ac, about half of what a pure pine plantation would have produced and also half of the total pine plus hardwood basal area in each stand. The proportion of pine basal area was increasing gradually, that of pine crown cross-sectional area (CCA) dramatically, at age 10.

High oak densities before the clearcut contributed to excellent oak regeneration, although small red oaks did not survive harvesting and subsequent environmental changes as well as white oaks. The numbers of total seedlings plus stumps which sprouted were remarkably steady between 4,700 and 5,900 per acre for the 10 yr period, with shade-intolerant and mid-tolerant species groups equally represented. Stand CCA tripled from an average of 87 ft2/100 ft2 of land area to 281 ft² between age 4 and 10. South. J. Appl. For. 20(4):203-208.
Response of Planted Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L.) to Mechanical Release, Competition, and Drought in the Southern Appalachians
Authors: Clinton Barton D. , Elliott Katherine J. , Swank Wayne T.
Published: August 2019

Conversion of low-quality, natural mixed pine/hardwood ecosystems, containing a mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia L.) dominated understory, to more productive eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.)/mixed-hardwood systems is a common prescription on relatively xeric southern Appalachian forest sites. We examined the effects of mechanical release, interspecific competition, and annual precipitation on growth of planted white pine in four 14-yr-old stands in the southern Appalachians. Two stands were mechanically released at age 6. No significant differences in biomass, basal area, or diameter were found between treatments for all species combined. Radial increment was significantly less during a drought year for both treatments. Height increment was less sensitive to severe moisture limitation than radial increment. Height and radial increment were compared to distance-dependent and distance-independent measures of competition for the nonreleased stands. Indices based on height and height/distance explained the greatest amount of variation in both radial and height increment. The influence of post-release severe drought may have delayed or diminished the response to release. The competitive influence of understory dominant mountain laurel at stand age 14 appears to be slight compared to the influence of other competing hardwood vegetation. South. J. Appl. For. 21(1):19-23.
Distribution and Characterization of Forested Wetlands in the Carolinas and Virginia
Authors: Brown Mark J.
Published: August 2019

Recent forest inventories of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, included sampling for hydric vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology. Forest samples that met all 3 of these criteria were classified as forested wetland. This study characterizes wetland forests by extent, owner, age, forest type, physiography, volume, growth, and removals, and evaluates its contribution to the timber supply. Wetland stands comprise 8.1 million ac, or 17% of the forests in the 3 States. They are over 90% privately owned, they vary widely by type and physiography, and they contribute 21% of all removals. Classification of wetland area based simply on broad management class and physiography will result in inaccurate estimates. South. J. Appl. For. 21(2):64-70.
Site Factors Affecting Growth of Slash Pine in the Texas 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 slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.). Height-age pairs were developed from stem analysis data. Nonlinear regression was implemented to develop a generalized height-age model. After curves were developed, stepwise regression was used to determine impacts of environmental variables on 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. 21(2):71-74.
Borehole Oleoresin Production from Slash Pine
Authors: Hodges Alan W. , Johnson Jon D.
Published: August 2019

A process is described for production of oleoresin from borehole wounds to the xylem in slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii). Advantages of this process over conventional oleoresin production methods include higher labor productivity, improved product quality, reduced tree damage and stress, and reduced insect pest problems. In experiments conducted in Florida and Georgia from 1991 to 1994, oleoresin yields averaged 657 g (1.45 lb) per borehole, or nearly 1.7 kg (3.7 lb) per tree with multiple boreholes. Tests of other species used commercially for oleoresin production, including longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.), produced substantially lower yields. Borehole oleoresin yields were very sensitive to tree stem size, reflecting the capacity of preformed oleoresin stored in the resin duct system. Yields were significantly affected by treatment manipulations of borehole diameter, depth, number, spacing, orientation, chemical stimulants, and collection container type. Oleoresin flow was highest during the midsummer period and continued over a period of several months. Oleoresin flow potential was related to the percentage of tree stem basal area tapped. For optimal treatments affecting 35 to 40% of tree basal area, predicted yields ranged from 1.52 to 3.10 kg (3.35 to 6.83 lb) for trees 23 to 37 cm (9 to 14.5 in.) dbh, respectively. Tree growth rates were not measurably altered by borehole treatment. Comparisons with conventional bark-chipping oleoresin production systems in slash pine showed that the borehole system achieves a labor productivity two times greater than the best alternative, but sacrifices overall yields per tree. The borehole method offers new opportunities for utilization of the slash pine resource and an additional economic enterprise for forest lands. South. J. Appl. For. 21(3):108-115.
Landowner Attitudes Toward South Carolina's Forest Stewardship Program
Authors: Melfi Frances M. , Straka Thomas J. , Marsinko Allan P. , Baumann Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2019

This study reports on a survey of 78 South Carolina nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners who participated in the Forest Stewardship Program and an additional analysis of all South Carolina participants (n = 1,018) in 1994-1995. Timber production was the most common primary management objective; wildlife management ranked second. Participants were satisfied with the multiple-use emphasis of the program. Once a landowner evaluated the written management plan, timber production tended to increase in importance. The type of natural resource professional that developed the management plan appeared to affect the stated objectives of the NIPF landowner. Consultants and industry foresters tended to work with landowners who had larger acreages, timber management objectives, and previous forest management plans. Ninety-three percent of landowners said their management plan was useful. Another 87% support the concept of multiple-use. South. J. Appl. For. 21(4):158-163.
Conjoint Analysis: A Preference-Based Approach for the Accounting of Multiple Benefits in Southern Forest Management
Authors: Zinkhan F. Christian , Holmes Thomas P. , Mercer D. Evan
Published: August 2019

Conjoint analysis, which enables a manager to measure the relative importance of a forest's multidimensional attributes, is critically reviewed and assessed. Special attention is given to the feasibility of using conjoint analysis for measuring the utility of market and nonmarket outputs from southern forests. Also, an application to a case of designing a nature and recreational park within a pine forest of North Carolina is presented. The authors conclude that there are promising applications for conjoint analysis; however, traditional validity testing, especially of southern nonindustrial private forest owners, is needed. South. J. Appl. For. 21(4):180-186.
Growth Response and Cost Comparisons for Precommercial Thinning Methods of Appalachian Oak Stump Sprout Clumps
Authors: Groninger John W. , Stein Henry D. , Zedaker Shepard M. , Smith David Wm.
Published: August 2019

Twelve-year-old stems of stump sprout origin were subjected to precommercial crop tree release treatments in an intermediate quality mixed Appalachian oak forest. Three chemicals (2,4-D, triclopyr, and kerosene) and two application methods (Hypo-hatchet® injection and stem spray) were compared with one another and with chainsaw felling in terms of crop and competitor growth response to thinning, productivity, and cost efficiency. After 5 yr, 2,4-D stem spray, triclopyr stem spray, and chainsaw treatments produced incremental diameter growth 28, 25, and 22% greater than unthinned controls, respectively. Triclopyr stem spray and chainsaw treatments were also most effective in controlling competitors. Stem spray and injection required 40 and 58% less time, respectively, and cost less than chainsaw felling. These results suggest that stem spray application of herbicides can be a cost effective alternative to chainsaw thinning for precommercial crop stem release of oak stump sprouts. South. J. Appl. For. 22(1):19-23.
A Fund-Based Timberland Investment Performance Measure and Implications for Asset Allocation
Authors: Caulfield Jon P.
Published: August 2019

Timberland investment management companies and institutional investors use indexes to calculate the performance of timberland investments. Most indexes are based on hypothetical timberland properties. The Timberland Performance Index (TPI), a fund-based performance measure, provides composite returns for actual, institutionally owned timberlands. The TPI has several desirable attributes: it uses publicly available data from real properties, is weighted by asset value, has a sufficiently long historical record that meaningful comparisons can be made with other assets, and can be updated quarterly. The TPI is employed to demonstrate how adding timberland to a portfolio influences risk-return relationships for institutional portfolios. For the 1981-1996 period it is found that adding timberland tends to enhance returns for given levels of risk. This is consistent with previous research, which employed hypothetical timberland indexes for this purpose. South. J. Appl. For. 22(3):143-147.
Individual-Tree Basal Area Growth, Survival, and Total Height Models for Upland Hardwoods in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas
Authors: Murphy Paul A. , Graney David L.
Published: August 2019

Models were developed for individual-tree basal area growth, survival, and total heights for different species of upland hardwoods in the Boston Mountains of north Arkansas. Data used were from 87 permanent plots located in an array of different sites and stand ages; the plots were thinned to different stocking levels and included unthinned controls. To test these three tree models, stand development for 5 and 10 yr were simulated in terms of stand basal area/ac, numbers of trees/ac, and quadratic mean diameter. Percent mean differences for the three variables indicated no serious biases. A long-term projection of 100 yr to test model reasonableness showed development that would be consistent with these stands. These equations provide forest managers the first upland hardwood individual-tree growth models specifically for this region. South. J. Appl. For. 22(3):184-192.
Effect of Peat, Shade, and Seedling Size on Growth of Atlantic White Cedar Transplants
Authors: Hinesley L. Eric , Snelling Layne K. , Pierce Gary L. , Wicker A. Mike
Published: August 2019

One-year-old seedlings of Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides [L.] B. S. P.) were grown for 1 yr in a transplant bed to determine the effects of factorial combinations of seedling size, shade, and peat amendments on nursery growth and subsequent first-year field performance. Growth in the nursery was improved by shade and peat. Resulting transplants, 0.4 to 0.7 m tall, were established in the field, using three site preparation treatments: none, roll and chop, and mounding. Survival and first-year height were similar for the three site preparation treatments. Small but significant residual effects of peat amendments and shade were still evident after one growing season in the field. Damage from deer and rabbits reduced total height by about 30% the first year. South. J. Appl. For. 16(1):5-10.
Predicting Seed Yields from Loblolly Pine Seed Orchards: A Simulation Approach Using TImpSim
Authors: Byram T. D. , Richardson J. W. , Lowe W. J.
Published: August 2019

Simulation was used to predict seed yields for loblolly pine seed orchards in the Western Gulf Region of the United States. This approach allows a seed orchard manager to incorporate site-specific information as well as estimates about the effects of alternative management plans on predicted seed yields. Furthermore, the risks associated with different alternatives can be evaluated by calculating confidence limits for predicted yields. The utility of the simulation approach was demonstrated by comparing alternatives that assumed reduced yield variability, shortened orchard rotations, and reduced age to first seed production. South. J. Appl. For. 23(2):117-123.
Ice Storm Damage to a Sweetgum Plantation Fertilized with Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Guo Yanfei
Published: August 2019

Ice storm damage to a 19-yr-old sweetgum plantation (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) fertilized with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) at age 4 was evaluated. Stem breakage was 39%, compared to 6% leaning, and 55% no damage. Fertilization did not influence the breakage, but dbh, crown diameter at age 15, and predicted dbh at the ice storm related to breakage. Overall, the mean dbh and crown diameter were greater for trees with breakage than those without breakage. The dbh of the leaning trees was smaller than that of the undamaged trees. Although trees with greater dbh had a greater probability for breakage, mean plot dbh may be more important than the individual trees' dbh. A tree with greater dbh compared with the adjacent trees has a greater probability of breakage. The results also show that although severely damaged, this plantation appears to have sufficient undamaged trees for recovery to levels described by others for thinned stands. South. J. Appl. For.(23)4:224-229.
Loblolly Pine Outperforms Slash Pine in Southeastern Georgia and Northern Florida
Authors: Shiver Barry D. , Rheney John W. , Hitch Kenneth L.
Published: August 2019

A total of 141 paired plot installations remain of the 160 that were planted with slash (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) and loblolly (P. taedaL.) pine across southeastern Georgia and northern Florida, after 14 growing seasons. Installations were evenly distributed across eight soil types. Analyses indicate that loblolly performed equal to or better than slash pine. There were no soil X species interactions. After 14 yr, loblolly pine had significantly higher survival (71% vs. 66%), stand basal area (98 vs. 81 ft2/ac), total stand volume (1857 vs. 1721 ft3/ac), merchantable stand volume (1497 vs. 1310 ft3/ac), total green weight (53 tons vs. 47 tons), and merchantable green weight (45 vs. 35 tons/ac) than slash pine. Growth over the period from age 11 to age 14 was also higher for loblolly than for slash indicating that the difference in the two species is diverging over time. South. J. Appl. For. 24(1): 31-36.
An Economic Evaluation of Fusiform Rust Protection Research
Authors: Cubbage Frederick W. , Pye John M. , Holmes Thomas P. , Wagner John E.
Published: August 2019

Fusiform rust is a widespread and damaging disease of loblolly pine (P. taeda) and slash pine (P. elliottii) in the South. Research has identified families of these pines with improved genetic resistance to the disease, allowing production and planting of resistant seedlings in areas at risk. This study compared the cost of fusiform rust research to the simulated benefits of rust resistant seedlings in plantations that have been or are projected to be established Southwide between 1970 and 2020. Results showed that compounded fusiform rust research costs of $49 million in 1992 will return discounted benefits to plantation owners of between $l08 and $999 million in 1992, at a 4% real discount rate. The most probable targeting of rust resistant seedlings would provide estimated discounted benefits of fusiform rust protection of about $200 to $300 million in 1992, or annual discounted benefits of $40 to $60 million. This would generate benefit-cost ratios of about 4:1 to 6:1 for fusiform rust research. Currently anticipated improvements in resistance will not eliminate all physical and financial damages from the disease; simulation results indicate substantial financial benefits yet remain for additional research and development. South. J. Appl. For. 24(2):77-85.
Twenty Years of Prescribed Burning Influence the Development of Direct-Seeded Longleaf Pine on a Wet Pine Site in Louisiana
Authors: Haywood James D. , Grelen Harold E.
Published: August 2019

Prescribed burning treatments were applied over a 20 yr period in a completely randomized field study to determine the effects of various fire regimes on vegetation in a direct seeded stand of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.). Seeding was done in November 1968. The study area was broadcast-burned about 16 months after seeding. The initial research treatments were applied in 1973, and as many as 12 research burns were applied through 1993. Pines were measured in March 1995. Prescribed burning resulted in a greater stocking of longleaf pine (an average of 598 trees/ac) on treated plots than on unburned plots (30 trees/ac). However, on the burned treatments, longleaf pines were significantly smaller (2.5 ft3/tree of stemwood) than were the unburned trees (3.7ft3/tree of stemwood). Half of the treated plots were burned in early March, and the other half were burned in early May. Seasons of burning did not significantly influence longleaf pine stocking. However, use of fire in May resulted in significantly greater basal area (100 ft2/ac) and stemwood production (1,921 ft3/ac) than burning in March (59 ft2/ac and 909 ft3/ac). Fire effectively kept natural loblolly pine (P. taeda L.) seedlings from reaching sapling size, but loblolly saplings and poles dominated the unburned plots (710 trees/ac). When all pines were considered on all treatments, stocking ranged from 467 to 740 trees/ac, but stocking was not significantly different among treatments. The unburned plots had significantly greater total basal area (149 ft2/ac) and stemwood productivity (2,918 ft3/ac) than the burned treatments (82 ft2/ac and 1,459 ft3 /ac). Likewise, hardwoods that were at least 1 in. dbh were more common on unburned p lots (327 stems/ac) than on burned treatments (58 stems/ac). South. J. Appl. For. 24(2):86-92.
Visual Grading and Quality of 1-0 Northern Red Oak Seedlings
Authors: Clark S.L. , Schalarbaum S.E. , Kormanik P.P.
Published: August 2019

Past research has used detailed measurements of various growth characteristics to determine seedling grades and quality of northern red oak nursery stock. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a visual grading process, similar to those found in commercial nursery operations, to distinguish high quality seedlings. Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings were grown for 1 yr at two state nurseries and visually separated into three grades (cull, good, or premium) according to root and shoot characteristics. Approximately 64% of the seedlings grown at each nursery were judged to be of unacceptable size for successful field regeneration. Number of first-order lateral roots (FOLR), height, and root collar diameter (RCD) were measured for seedlings in the good and premium grades. Premium grade seedlings were significantly larger than the good grade seedlings for both nurseries. Phenotypic correlations of growth traits were strongest between number of FOLR and RCD. The results demonstrate that high quality nursery stock can be visually selected into two distinguishable grades. South. J. Appl. For. 24(2):93-97.
A Technique for Merging Areas in Timber Mart-South Data
Authors: Prestemon Jeffrey P. , Pye John M.
Published: August 2019

For over 20 yr, Timber Mart-South (TMS) has been distributing prices of various wood products from southern forests. In the beginning of 1988, the reporting frequency changed from monthly to quarterly, a change readily addressed through a variety of established statistical techniques. A more significant statistical challenge is Timber Mart-South's change in 1992 from (typically) three reporting regions per state to two. We developed a conversion technique to address this change in reporting areas, permitting longitudinal analyses of the current two regions per state but extending back to the beginning of Timber Mart-South's reports in 1976. We report conversion factors for every state's regions, verify the statistical nature of all time series created using them, and report tests of seamlessness. We find that our technique enables the creation of new, seamless series for pine sawtimber stumpage and delivered sawlogs, and pine and hardwood pulpwood stumpage and delivered logs. In only 30 out of 126 cases were we able to identify remaining regime shifts in the time-series of quarterly prices that corresponded with the 1992 boundary reconfigurations. However, these statistically significant shifts may not be related to the boundary reconfigurations. South. J. Appl. For. 24(4):219-229.
Fifth-Year Response to Thinning in a Water Oak Plantation in North Louisiana
Authors: Meadows James S. , Goelz J.C.G.
Published: August 2019

A 21 ac, 28-yr-old water oak (Quercus nigra L.) plantation, on an old-field loessial site in north Louisiana, was subjected to three thinning treatments during the winter of 1987–1988: (1) no thinning, (2) light thinning to 180 dominant and codominant trees/ac, and (3) heavy thinning to 90 dominant and codominant trees/ac. Prior to thinning, the plantation averaged 356 trees/ac and 86 ft2/ac of basal area, with a quadratic mean diameter of 6.7 in. Thinning reduced stand basal areas to 52 and 34 ft2/ac for the light and heavy thinning treatments, respectively. After 5 yr, both thinning treatments increased diameter growth rates of individual residual trees, both when all trees were considered and when the analysis was limited to dominant and codominant trees only. Neither thinning treatment affected either stand-level volume growth or total yield 5 yr after treatment. However, thinning distributed total volume growth among fewer trees, such that, when trees of all crown classes were considered in the analysis, average annual volume growth per tree increased with increasing intensity of thinning. Both basal area growth and volume growth following light thinning appear to be sufficient to promote rapid recovery of the stand to a fully stocked condition in the near future. In contrast, heavy thinning reduced density to a severely understocked condition that will prohibit optimum occupancy of the site for a long period. Among the treatments evaluated in this study, light thinning produced the most desirable combination of individual-tree diameter growth and stand-level basal area growth. South. J. Appl. For. 25(1):31–39.
Natural Loblolly and Shortleaf Pine Productivity Through 53 Years of Management under Four Reproduction Cutting Methods
Authors: Cain Michael D. , Shelton Michael G.
Published: August 2019

A study was initiated in 1943 to evaluate the long-term productivity of loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and shortleaf pines (P. echinata Mill.) when managed under four reproduction cutting methods—clearcut, heavy seedtree, diameter-limit, and selection—on the Upper Coastal Plain of southeastern Arkansas. Early volume production reflected retention of residual pines, and the clearcut was the least productive method through the first 36 yr. After 53 yr, there were no statistically significant (P = 0.07) differences among cutting methods in sawlog volume production, which averaged 3,800 ft3/ac. In terms of sawlog volume (bd ft/ac, Doyle scale), total production on clearcut, seedtree, and selection plots exceeded (P < 0.01) that on diameter-limit plots by 37%, but there were no differences in sawlog volume production among the other cutting methods. Results suggest that forest landowners should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each cutting method when planning their long-term objectives. South. J. Appl. For. 25(1):7–16.
Historic and Projected Economic Returns to Alternative Site Preparation Treatments: The Fayette Study
Authors: Dubois Mark R. , Glover Glenn R. , Straka Thomas J. , Sutton Matthew O.
Published: August 2019

Thirty-six years of historical growth and yield data from a site preparation study were used to evaluate historic and projected economic returns to pine plantation management. The study, installed in 1958, was located in the upper Coastal Plain physiographic region of northwest Alabama. Five site preparation treatments to control hardwood competition were examined. The treatments included a check, girdling without herbicide, stem injection with herbicide, axe frilling with herbicide, and scarification with a bulldozer. Loblolly pine seedlings were planted on a 6 by 9 ft spacing resulting in 807 trees/ac. Measurements on competing vegetation and loblolly pine stand development were taken at various times from 1958 to 1994. The highest historical real rates of return achieved for the six potential rotation ages evaluated in the study were obtained for stands established using injection, axe frill, and bulldoze site preparation treatments and grown to age 13. Fluctuations in stumpage price and land value also affected returns. Rising stumpage prices in the early 1990s contributed to recovering returns approaching those realized at age 13. Using 1996 as the base year for pine plantation establishment, projected economic returns to management alternatives were evaluated using land expectation values (LEVs). Pine plantations established using either the injection, axe frill, or bulldoze site preparation treatments and grown to rotation ages of 34 or 36 yr had the highest LEVs. South. J. Appl. For. 25(2):53–59.
An Empirical Evaluation of Spatial Restrictions in Industrial Harvest Scheduling: The SFI Planning Problem
Authors: Walters Karl R. , Cox Eric S.
Published: August 2019

Member companies of the American Forest and Paper Association have adopted common operating principles called the Sustainable Forestry InitiativeSM (SFI) that call for marked reductions in the size of clearcut harvest areas, greenup intervals and proximity restrictions on the harvest of adjacent areas. A commercially available hierarchical planning software suite is used to analyze the impact of the adjacency and harvest size objectives within SFI on a representative forest of the U.S. Southeast. Ten alternative, spatially feasible tactical schedules were developed for a 15 yr planning horizon and achieved 73.4 to 75.6% of the harvest volume predicted by the nonspatial strategic harvest schedule. Spatially feasible harvest levels were negatively affected by increasingly restrictive spatial parameters: the cost of increasing the greenup interval by 1 yr was at least 5% of the strategic harvest volume, and reducing the maximum allowable block size from 180 ac to 60 ac yielded a 10% reduction in harvest. The planning software has been implemented at Champion International Corporation, providing planners with a valuable tool for strategic and tactical forest planning. South. J. Appl. For. 25(2):60–68.
Economic Impact of Environmental Regulations on Southern Softwood Stumpage Markets: A Reappraisal
Authors: Sun Changyou , Kinnucan Henry W.
Published: August 2019

In an earlier study Wagner, Cubbage, and Holmes (WCH) conducted an applied welfare analysis of environmental regulations in the South's forestry sector. A major finding was that southern timber producers are net beneficiaries of regulation, at least in the short run. Unfortunately, this conclusion is based on a flawed procedure for calculating the producer welfare impact of a supply shift. In addition, the study mismeasured the supply and demand shifts. In this study we present a method for applied welfare analysis that avoids these problems, yet is theoretically consistent and easier to apply. Applying the simplified method to WCH's analysis, we find that environmental regulations impose a significant cost on the South's forestry sector (timber producers and consumers alike). Still, the gains to society from an improved environment may well offset these losses. The corrected estimates in this article provide a basis for assessing such tradeoffs. South J. Appl. For. 25(3):108–115.
Impacts of Vegetation Control, Genetic Improvement and their Interaction on Loblolly Pine Growth in the Southern United States—Age 12 Results
Authors: Martin Stacey W. , Shiver Barry D.
Published: August 2019

A designed study was established in the Coastal Plain of Georgia and northern Florida, and in the Piedmont of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama with the objectives of evaluating the impacts of first-generation genetic improvement and of combining genetic improvement and vegetation control on yields of loblolly pine. The two levels of competition control were either none, other than that provided by the operational mechanical site preparation, or complete competition control. Genetic treatments consisted of unimproved seed stock, bulk lot first-generation improved stock or single family first-generation improved stock. In terms of total volume, increases up to 45% (882 ft3/ac) and 39% (863 ft3/ac) were obtained from using complete vegetation control in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions, respectively. Improved genetic stock increased total volume an average of 11% (246 ft3/ac) to 16% (364 ft3/ac) in the Coastal Plain and 12% (277 ft3/ac) to 19% (445 ft3/ac) in the Piedmont for bulk lot and single families, respectively. For total volume, the effects of competition control and genetics were additive, indicating the managers should obtain the full benefit of these two treatments. In both regions, improved genetics significantly reduced the percent fusiform infection. In addition, no statistically significant differences were detected between bulk lot and single family plantings across all dependent variables. South. J. Appl. For. 26(1):37–42.