bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discount Rates for Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners in Mississippi: How High a Hurdle?
Authors: Bullard Steven H. , Gunter John E. , Doolittle Max L. , Arano Kathryn G.
Published: August 2019

Mississippi forest landowners were surveyed to determine average discount rates or “hurdle rates”—the lowest rates of return they consider acceptable—for 3 nonforestry investments, and for 5, 15, and 25 yr forestry investments. The survey included 829 individuals who owned at least 20 ac of uncultivated land and had harvested timber during a recent 5 yr period; survey results are therefore oriented toward commercially active forest landowners. On average, the private nonindustrial forest landowners included in the survey expect timberland investments to earn higher rates of compound interest than relatively low-risk bank savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Relatively short-term (5 yr) timberland investments, however, have lower minimum rates of return than stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. With forestry investments, all else equal, Mississippi nonindustrial private forest landowners prefer shorter time periods—average hurdle rates in nominal terms before taxes were 8.0% for forestry investments lasting 5 yr, 11.3% for those lasting 15 yr, and 13.1% for those lasting 25 yr. Household income significantly influenced the lowest rate of return considered acceptable for 5 yr forestry investments—the rate was 9% for landowners with annual incomes above $50,000 and 7.4% for landowners with annual incomes below $50,000. On a hurdle rate basis, higher income private landowners in Mississippi generally find forestry investments lasting 15 yr to be competitive with stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. However, Mississippi landowners' 13.1% required rate of return for 25 yr forestry investments was higher than the rate considered acceptable for the other investments included in the survey. Reforestation tax incentives, cost-shares, and related public policies that reduce the front-end costs incurred by NIPF landowners tend to increase the projected rate of return for relatively long-term reforestation investments. South. J. Appl. For. 26(1):26–31.
Forest Management Expenses of Mississippi's Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners
Authors: Arano Kathryn G. , Cushing Tamara L. , Munn Ian A.
Published: August 2019

Detailed information about the forest management expenditures incurred by nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners over time provides a wealth of information about costs associated with forestland ownership, management practices implemented by NIPF landowners, and changes in management intensity over time. A survey of Mississippi's nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners owning 20 ac or more of forestland was conducted to determine their annual expenditures on forest management practices for the period 1995–1997. Landowners were asked how much they spent on property taxes, professional services, timber management activities, and other management activities. The resulting expenditures data were summarized in three ways: frequency of occurrence, mean expenditures per-acreowned for all respondents, and mean expenditures per-acreowned for those respondents engaged in each activity. With the exception of property taxes, most expenditures occur infrequently. Fewer than 15% of all respondents incurred expenditures for any specific activity during any survey year. Total annual expenditures for all respondents averaged $9.68/ac-owned over the study period. Across all landowners, property taxes represented the largest component of annual expenditures with planting costs and consulting forester fees ranking second and third. Mean expenditures for only those respondents engaged in each activity told a slightly different tale. Planting and consulting forester fees were the two largest expenditures, but site preparation, timber cruising, timber marking, and surveyor fees were all greater than property taxes for those engaged in these activities. South. J. Appl. For. 26(2):93–98.
Modeling the Effect of Density on the Growth of Loblolly Pine Trees
Authors: Sharma Mahadev , Burkhart Harold E. , Amateis Ralph L.
Published: August 2019

Data from a set of loblolly pine spacing trials that have reached 16 yr since establishment were used to evaluate the effect of spacing on loblolly pine tree growth and stand development. Mean responses for six variables were evaluated: height, dbh, crown ratio, crown length, crown width, and survival. All response variables were affected by density, with dbh being the most affected and height the least affected over the 16 yr period. The rectangularity, or shape, of the growing space was not a significant factor in the development of any of these response variables. Models were constructed to characterize the development of the six response variables extrapolated over typical plantation rotation lengths of loblolly pine. South. J. Appl. For. 26(3):124–133.
Effects of Alternative Thinning Regimes and Prescribed Burning in Natural, Even-Aged Loblolly–Shortleaf Pine Stands: 25 Year Results
Authors: Cain Michael D. , Shelton Michael G.
Published: August 2019

In southeastern Arkansas, pine growth was monitored for 19 yr after mechanically strip thinning a dense, naturally regenerated, even-aged stand of 6-yr-old loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.) and shortleaf pines (P. echinata Mill.) that averaged 16,600 stems/ac. Prescribed winter burns were conducted biennially between ages 9 and 20 yr and at 24 yr. Commercial thinnings during the 17th and 23rd growing seasons left a residual stocking of either 85 ft2/ac or 200 crop trees/ac (75 ft2/ac) in merchantable-sized (> 3.5 in. dbh) pines on plots that were precommercially thinned and on plots that were not. Precommercial thinning enhanced pine growth in dbh and sawlog volume through 25 yr. Because of increased sawlog production, present net value averaged highest on plots that were precommercially thinned at age 6 then commercially thinned during the 17th yr to 200 crop trees/ac and during the 23rd yr to 75 ft2/ac. In the year following prescribed winter burns, both dbh growth and volume growth were reduced by about one-half when crown scorch was 75%. South. J. Appl. For. 27(1):18–29.
Optimal Diameter Growth Equations for Major Tree Species of the Midsouth
Authors: Bragg Don C.
Published: August 2019

Optimal diameter growth equations for 60 major tree species were fit using the potential relative increment (PRI) methodology. Almost 175,000 individuals from the Midsouth (Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas) were selected from the USDA Forest Service's Eastwide Forest Inventory Database (EFIDB). These records were then reduced to the individuals growing at the fastest rate given their species and size, and nonlinear ordinary least squares regression was used to fit equations to a subset of points with maximal increment. Sugarberry is provided as an example of the PRI derivation process. South. J. Appl. For. 27(1):5–10.
Forest Management Intensity: A Comparison of Timber Investment Management Organizations and Industrial Landowners in Mississippi
Authors: Munn Ian A. , Rogers W. Rhett
Published: August 2019

All timberland investment management organizations (TIMOs) and industrial landowners in Mississippi were surveyed during 1998 and 1999 to determine their annual forest management practices and related expenditures. The response rate was 65%, and respondents accounted for approximately 90% of the timberland owned by these two landowner groups. For analysis purposes, industrial landowners were separated into two categories: large (>10,000 ac) and small (<10,000 ac). Pine plantations represented 66% of TIMOs' timberland base compared to 55% for large industrial landowners and less than 50% for small industrial landowners. Over the 2 yr study period, TIMOs and large industrial landowners invested heavily in site preparation and planting as well as midrotation chemical release and fertilization. In contrast, small industrial landowners relied on natural regeneration to a much greater extent and conducted few, if any, midrotation treatments. As a group, TIMOs and industrial landowners spent approximately $20/ac annually on their Mississippi timberlands. Overhead represented slightly over 40% of this total, with silvicultural treatments accounting for the remainder. Property taxes represented the largest overhead expense. In total, these landowners spent $67 million in 1998 and $54 million in 1999 to maintain and manage their Mississippi timberlands. South. J. Appl. For. 27(2):83–91.
Equations for Predicting Green Weight of Loblolly Pine Trees in the South
Authors: Bullock Bronson P. , Burkhart Harold E.
Published: August 2019

Equations are needed to estimate the green weight of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees across the commercial range in the South. Thus, a study was conducted to derive models for predicting green weight of total and merchantable bole portions. Equations were fitted to sectional tree stem observations where a serial correlation was discerned among the data, indicating an intratree relationship. Linear equations utilizing a correction for serial correlation did not outperform an uncorrected nonlinear equation form. Three data sets were combined, and regionwide prediction models for total green weight, green weight to any upper merchantable diameter, and green weight to any upper merchantable height were developed for loblolly pine trees. Implicit taper functions were derived from the green weight prediction equations to enable estimation of upper stem diameters and heights. South. J. Appl. For. 27(2):153–159.
Response of Densely Stocked Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda L.) to Applied Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Authors: Bekele A. , Hudnall W.H. , Tiarks A.E.
Published: August 2019

Forest productivity may be enhanced by satisfying the nutrient requirement of trees through fertilization. A field experiment was designed to study the response of densely stocked 1-yr-old loblolly pine to nitrogen and phosphorus in the presence of applied K on a Beauregard silt loam soil (fine-silty, siliceous, thermic Plinthaquic Paleudults) of the Gulf Coastal Plain. The continuous function design with three replications was used. Fertilizer P rate was based on the P adsorption characteristics of the soil. After 1 yr of growth, the response variables: height; total aboveground dry matter; foliage and wood dry matter; diameter at ground level; and N, P, and K contents were related to the rate of N and P applied by quadratic models with response surface methodology. The lack-of-fit test showed that the quadratic model was adequate in explaining the relationship between N and P applied and all the response variables except height. Fertilization with N alone on this soil had a depressing effect on yield. Growth and nutrient uptake were enhanced when both N and P were applied. The predicted N and P levels that would give maximum growth were beyond the rates of N and P tested, indicating that more time should be given to observe the full response. South. J. Appl. For. 27(3):180–189.
Reducing Trucks on the Road through Optimal Route Scheduling and Shared Log Transport Services
Authors: Murphy Glen
Published: August 2019

A concern for public safety on the roads, cost pressures from global competition and a need to find more energy efficient forestry practices are driving forest companies to develop new transport management systems and novel approaches to using trucking resources. A 0/1 integer linear programming truck route-scheduling model was developed and tested in two medium-sized New Zealand forest companies. One company indicated that truck fleet size could be reduced by 25 to 30%. The other company indicated that a reduction in fleet size of 50% was possible. Substantial cost savings were also identified. In practice, it is expected that the reductions in fleet size and cost savings would not be quite as large as those indicated because of a number of simplifying assumptions included in the models. Results and solution times would be suitable for using the model as a tactical planning tool for small to medium sized problems. It would not be suitable as an aid for dispatching log trucks or for use with large and complex transport operations. South. J. Appl. For. 27(3):198–205.
Effects of Reproduction Cutting Method and Hardwood Retention on Shortleaf Pine Seed Production in Natural Stands of the Ouachita Mountains
Authors: Wittwer Robert F. , Shelton Michael G. , Guldin James M.
Published: August 2019

Shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) seed production was monitored for 4 yr in stands harvested by a range of even- and uneven-aged reproduction cutting methods. The fifty-two 35–40 ac stands were distributed throughout the Ouachita Mountains from central Arkansas to eastern Oklahoma. Seed crops were characterized as good, poor, poor, and bumper, averaging 109,000, 18,000, 5,000, and 379,000 sound seeds/ac, respectively. Seed production the first year after harvest was generally correlated with residual density of shortleaf pines; unharvested control stands, single-tree selection, and shelterwood stands produced more seeds than seed tree stands. Differences in seed production among regeneration cutting methods were not significant for the crop dispersed 4 yr after harvest; this is attributed to release and response of residual seed-producing trees in the seed tree and shelterwood stands. Results also indicated that seed production was lowest for stands located in the western section of the Ouachita Mountains. South. J. Appl. For. 27(3):206–211.
Stand Dynamics and Plant Associates of Loblolly Pine Plantations to Midrotation after Early Intensive Vegetation Management—A Southeastern United States Regional Study
Authors: Miller James H. , Zutter Bruce R. , Newbold Ray A. , Edwards M. Boyd , Zedaker Shepard M.
Published: August 2019

Increasingly, pine plantations worldwide are grown using early control of woody and/or herbaceous vegetation. Assured sustainable practices require long-term data on pine plantation development detailing patterns and processes to understand both crop-competition dynamics and the role of stand participants in providing multiple attributes such as biodiversity conservation and wildlife habitat. This study examined loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations across 13 southeastern sites grown for 15 yr with near-complete control of woody, herbaceous, and woody plus herbaceous components during the first 3–5 yr compared to no plant control. This multiple objective experiment (the COMProject) documents stand dynamics at the extreme corners of a response surface that encompasses most conditions of woody and herbaceous competition common to pine plantations in the region. This is the first of two companion reports. After 15 yr, patterns of stand development remained significantly altered by early control treatments and were influenced most by the amounts of hardwoods and shrubs present or controlled. Herbaceous components were more similar across the region. Associated plants in these plantations included 68 species of trees, 33 species/genera of shrubs, and 140 genera of herbaceous and semiwoody plants, woody vines, clubmoss, and ground lichen—241 total taxa or an estimated 490 total species—more richness than previously reported or assumed. Hardwood rootstock numbers were on average maintained at fairly constant levels from yr 1–15 when not controlled, with no initial lag phase evident for reestablishment, indicating prior stand origin. Dynamics of associated vegetation were significantly altered with woody control initially increasing herbaceous cover, while herbaceous control increased hardwood cover and decreased shrub cover. After early herbaceous control, hardwood basel area (BA) was increased by an average of 28%. After rapid early colonization, herbaceous plants began to decline on all treatments about yr 8 as pine and/or hardwood canopy cover reached a total of 50–60%, while woody vines continued to increase. By age 15, plant component richness remained significantly changed by early treatments at all locations, most notably fewer tree species after early woody control. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):221–236.
A Model to Account for Potential Correlations Between Growth of Loblolly Pine and Changing Ambient Carbon Dioxide Concentrations
Authors: Westfall James A. , Amateis Ralph L.
Published: August 2019

Continuously increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) may be leading to enhanced growth rates for loblolly pine. In order to plan effectively silvicultural regimes and harvesting schedules, managers of loblolly pine plantations may wish to account for these potential changes when making growth and yield projections. Data from 94 unthinned plots across the Southeast were used to develop an equation that utilizes change in ambient CO2 concentration and initial site quality to predict change in site index (ΔSI). For a given change in CO2 concentration, a greater increase in site index is afforded to lower quality sites. The ΔSI equation was incorporated into a loblolly pine growth model. Simulations with and without site index adjustments were performed and plot volume estimates were compared to observed values. Mean percent residual dropped from 9.7% with no adjustment to -0.5% when ΔSI was employed. Forest managers can use this model to evaluate how possible CO2-induced growth increases may affect long-term timber yields and management strategies. South. J. Appl. For. 27(4):279–284.
Comparison Between Regenerators and Non-Regenerators in Mississippi: A Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Arano Kathryn G. , Munn Ian A. , Gunter John E. , Bullard Steven H. , Doolittle Max L.
Published: August 2019

Nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) landowners in Mississippi who recently harvested timber were surveyed to examine their regeneration behavior. Differences between regenerators and nonregenerators were investigated by looking at the different factors affecting reforestation decisions. A discriminant analysis was used to identify factors that were useful in differentiating between regenerators and nonregenerators. Ownership size; sociodemographic characteristics such as income, education, place of residence, and age; awareness of existing government incentive/assistance programs; and participation in educational programs were significant variables in differentiating between regenerators and nonregenerators. Landowners who own larger timberlands had a higher propensity to engage in regeneration activities after harvests. This also was true for landowners who had higher income levels and educational attainment, and were younger, city resident, and white. Landowners who were aware of existing government incentive/assistance programs and those who participated in educational programs also were more likely to participate in pine regeneration. Landowners in Mississippi considered both ecological and economic reasons as highly important considerations in their decision to regenerate. The belief that the land would reforest itself to pine naturally, the high cost of reforestation, and lack of information on reforestation options were top reasons cited by landowners for their decision not to regenerate. South. J. Appl. For. 28(4):189–195.
High- Versus Low-Density LiDAR in a Double-Sample Forest Inventory
Authors: Parker Robert C. , Glass Patrick A.
Published: August 2019

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data at 0.5- and 1-m postings were used in a double-sample forest inventory on Louisiana State University's Lee Experimental Forest, Louisiana. Phase 2 plots were established with DGPS. Tree dbh (>4.5 in.) and two sample heights (minimum and maximum dbh) were measured on every 10th plot of the phase 1 sample. Volume was computed for natural and planted pine and mixed hardwood species. LiDAR trees were selected with focal filter procedures and heights computed as the height difference between interpolated canopy and DEM surfaces. Dbh-height and ground-LiDAR height models were used to predict dbh from adjusted LiDAR height and compute ground and LiDAR estimates of ft2 basal area and ft3 volume. Phase 1 LiDAR estimates were computed by randomly assigning heights to species classes using the probability distribution from ground plots in each inventory strata. Phase 2 LiDAR estimates were computed by randomly assigning heights to species-product groups using a Monte Carlo simulation for each ground plot. There was no statistical difference between high-versus low-density LiDAR estimates on adjusted mean volume estimates (sampling errors of 8.16 versus 7.60% without height adjustment and 8.98 versus 8.63% with height adjustment). Low-density LiDAR surfaces without height adjustment produced the lowest sampling errors for stratified and nonstratified, double-sample volume estimates. South. J. Appl. For. 28(4):205–210.
Silvicultural Best Management Practice Compliance Monitoring Programs in the Southern United States
Authors: Husak Amanda L. , Grado Stephen C. , Bullard Steven H. , Moffat Steverson O.
Published: August 2019

Passage of the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1972 prompted states to invest significant resources to develop programs to control nonpoint source (NPS) pollution from forestry and other activities. Forestry-related agencies and organizations have since developed silvicultural best managementpractice (BMP) guidelines to reduce NPS pollution, maintain stream integrity, and meet state water quality standards. To determine the effectiveness and implementation level of best management practices (BMP) on public and private forestland, states further developed and implemented theirBMP compliance monitoring programs. This study documents the similarities and differences in efforts, methods, resources, and expenditures among BMP compliance monitoring programs across the 13 southern states. 29(1):48–52.
The Influence of Thinning on the Proportion of Peeler, Sawtimber, and Pulpwood Trees in Loblolly Pine Plantations
Authors: Amateis Ralph L. , Burkhart Harold E.
Published: August 2019

Data from a long-term, region-wide thinning study were used to examine the proportion of pulpwood, sawtimber, and peeler quality trees in unthinned, once-thinned, and twice-thinned plantations. Results suggest that the thinning treatments have had a significant influence on the product distribution in these stands over the 21-year history of the study. Proportional odds modeling methods were used to develop equations for predicting product proportions from dbh, the basal area before and after thinning (thinning intensity), and the number of thinnings imposed. South. J. Appl. For. 29(3):158–162.
Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowner Characteristics and Use of Forestry Services in Four Southern States: Results from a 2002–2003 Mail Survey
Authors: Measells Marcus K. , Grado Stephen C. , Hughes H. Glenn , Dunn Michael A. , Idassi Joshua , Zielinske Bob
Published: August 2019

Forest resources are important economic assets to the southern United States; however, many landowners do not realize the full benefit of their forestland. It was believed that few landowners were being served by forestry-related educational programs or other relevant activities. Therefore, forest landowners in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee were engaged in focus groups and surveyed to determine barriers to participation. Six thousand surveys were mailed to landowners owning 10 or more acres of forestland. A total of 1,689 surveys were returned for an adjusted rate of return of 30.7%. From a sociodemographic standpoint, significant differences (α = 0.05) between states existed for ethnic background (P = 0.000) and educational attainment (P = 0.000) only. Landowners' served status was determined by their responses concerning use of a professional forester (37%), information previously received pertaining to forestry (40%), membership in a forestry-related organization (11%), and attendance at forestry-related educational programs (14%). Based on an index compiled from these responses, 75% of forest landowners were deemed underserved. Landowners stated the main reason they had not taken advantage of these programs or services was because they were unaware of them. This indicated a need for more comprehensive outreach efforts targeting landowners. The results revealed that forestry professionals can potentially increase landowner awareness of educational programs by mailing newsletters, pamphlets/brochures, and/or letters to all forest landowners within a reasonable distance of the program. Overall, respondents reported wildlife management, insects/diseases, and marketing timber as topics of paramount interest for future educational programs. South. J. Appl. For. 29(4):194–199.
Genetic Control of Growth Traits in Shortleaf Pine in Missouri
Authors: Gwaze David P. , Melick Ross , Studyvin Charly , Coggeshall Mark
Published: August 2019

Genetic parameters for height (HT), diameter (diameter at breast height [dbh]), and volume for a shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) population in Missouri were estimated from a single progeny test comprising 44 half-sibling families assessed at 3, 5, 7, 10, and 17 years. Individual tree heritability estimates for growth traits at age 10 years and younger were high (0.30–0.43), and those at age 17 years were low (0.11–0.24). Heritability estimates for dbh were lower than those for HT. Family mean heritability estimates were moderate to high (0.32–0.66). Genetic correlations were higher than their phenotypic counterparts for all growth traits. Age-age genetic correlations for growth traits were moderate to high (0.68–0.98), indicating opportunity for early selection. Genetic correlations between different growth traits were high (0.81–1.00). Indirect selection on age 5- or 7-year HTs may be expected to produce over 25% more volume at 17 years compared with direct selection for volume at age 17 years. Efficiencies of selection suggest that early HT is a better selection criterion for volume at older ages than dbh because of the high heritability at young ages and strong juvenile-mature genetic correlations. Genetic gain in an unrogued seed orchard was predicted to be 6.7 and 27.2% for 10- and 17-year volume, respectively. These results suggest that growth traits in shortleaf pine in Missouri have high genetic variation, and genetic improvement was effective. South. J. Appl. For. 29(4):200–204.
Control of Charcoal Root Rot with Methyl Bromide in Forest Nurseries
Authors: Seymour C. P. , Cordell C. E.
Published: August 2019

Charcoal root rot. caused by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Gold. (Sclerotium bataticola Taub.) is the most serious disease of pine seedlings in Florida nurseries and produces significant losses throughout the South. All major southern pine species are susceptible. In 1976, there was increasing evidence that pine seedlings from nurseries heavily infested with charcoal rot presented a problem to landowners because of costs incurred in replacing diseased seedlings and from loss of potential production in establishing plantings. The disease is most effectively controlled by fumigation of nursery soils with a mixture of 67 percent methyl bromide and 33 percent chloropicrin at 350 lb/acre (392 kg/ha) under 2 mil polyethylene covers. Rotation with charcoal rot-resistant green manure cover crops such as millet or rye is also recommended.
Estimating Time Required to Cut Grapevines in Young, Even-Aged Hardwood Stands
Authors: Smith H. Clay , McCay Roger E.
Published: August 2019

Man-hours were recorded for cutting grapevines in young even-aged hardwood stands in north-central West Virginia. An equation was developed to predict the number of man-hours per acre needed to cut a given number of grapevines per acre. The predicted times ranged from one man-hour to cut 50 grapevines per acre to about six man-hours to cut 1,000 grapevines per acre.
Nitrogen Accumulation and Use by a Young Loblolly Pine Plantation in Southeast Oklahoma: Effects of Fertilizer Formulation and Date of Application
Authors: Blazier Michael A. , Hennessey Thomas C. , Dougherty Philip , Campbell Robert
Published: August 2019

Practices that enhance crop tree nitrogen (N) accumulation and use improve the efficiency of forest fertilization operations. This study was established to explore the N accumulation and use by a young loblolly pine plantation in response to (1) season of fertilizer application, (2) herbaceous vegetation suppression, and (3) fertilizer formulation. Water-soluble and slow-release urea formulations were applied to single-tree plots in January/February, April, June, August, and October of 2001 and 2002. Herbaceous vegetation was suppressed where appropriate with glyphosate. Foliage N accumulation was measured 1 and 2 months after fertilization; N use efficiency was measured 1 year after fertilization. Between 0.3 and 8.0% of applied N was recovered by the foliage within 1 month of application and 7–26% of applied N was used for stem growth within 1 year of application. In both years of this study, summer and fall applications produced the highest N accumulation and use. Suppressing herbaceous vegetation enhanced N accumulation and use when the plantation was 3 years of age (with an average tree height of 6 ft in January 2001). N accumulation and use of slow-release urea was similar to or lower than that of water soluble urea in both years of the study.
Evaluating the Potential for Shared Log Truck Resources in Middle Georgia
Authors: Mendell Brooks C. , Haber Jeffrey A. , Sydor Tymur
Published: August 2019

This study evaluates the potential gains from shared log trucking resources in a region with unconsolidated logging activities. This effort tracked 18 log trucks from three independent logging companies and six logging sites to 15 destinations over 5 days. We simulated a centralized dispatch system using actual inventory and loading/unloading data from the field study and incorporating constraints to manage hours worked and truck flows per tract. Results indicated the same volume of wood could be delivered with 0.92 fewer hours (55 minutes) per truck per day and 36 fewer miles driven per truck per day, with estimated daily cost savings for the 18-truck system of $500–750/day.
Compatible Cubic-Foot Stem Volume and Upper-Stem Diameter Equations for Semi-intensive Plantation Grown Loblolly Pine Trees in East Texas
Authors: Coble Dean W. , Hilpp Keith
Published: August 2019

The Max-Burkhart taper equation was used to develop compatible taper and volume equations for semi-intensive plantation grown loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees in East Texas. Semi-intensive plantations in East Texas are characterized by some form of mechanical site preparation,a burn, possibly chemical weed control, improved seedlings if planted after 1985, and, possibly, a midrotation thinning and/or fertilization. The equations in this study were compared with those of Lenhart et al. [Lenhart, J.D., T.L. Hackett, C.J. Laman, T.J. Wiswell, and J.A. Blackard.1987. Tree content and taper functions for loblolly and slash pine trees planted on non-old field in east Texas. South J. Appl. For. 10(2)109–112.] and Baldwin and Feduccia [Baldwin, V.C. Jr., and D.P. Feduccia. 1991. Compatible tree-volume and upper-stem diameter equationsfor loblolly and slash pines in the West Gulf Region. South. J. Appl. For. 10(2)109–112.] using independent data. The new equations ranked first (sum of ranks = 9) in terms of percent bias and percent SEE for inside-bark predictions of upper-stem diameters and cubic-footvolumes, while the Lenhart et al. [Lenhart, J.D., T.L. Hackett, C.J. Laman, T.J. Wiswell, and J.A. Blackard. 1987. Tree content and taper functions for loblolly and slash pine trees planted on non-old field in east Texas. South J. Appl. For. 10(2)109–112.] ranked second (sumof ranks = 17) and Baldwin and Feduccia [Baldwin, V.C. Jr., and D.P. Feduccia. 1991. Compatible tree-volume and upper-stem diameter equations for loblolly and slash pines in the West Gulf Region. South. J. Appl. For. 10(2)109–112.] ranked third (sum of ranks =22). For outside-bark predictions of volumes and diameters, Baldwin and Feduccia [Baldwin, V.C. Jr., and D.P. Feduccia. 1991. Compatible tree-volume and upper-stem diameter equations for loblolly and slash pines in the West Gulf Region. South. J. Appl. For. 10(2)109–112.] rankedfirst (sum of ranks = 12), while the new equations ranked a close second (sum of ranks = 13) and Lenhart et al. [Lenhart, J.D., T.L. Hackett, C.J. Laman, T.J. Wiswell, and J.A. Blackard. 1987. Tree content and taper functions for loblolly and slash pine trees planted onnon-old field in east Texas. South J. Appl. For. 10(2)109–112.] ranked third (sum of ranks = 20). We recommend using the new equations for loblolly pine trees up to a 16-in. dbh and provide examples to illustrate their use. South. J. Appl.For. 30(3):142–146.
Measurements of Smoke from Chipped and Unchipped Plots
Authors: Achtemeier Gary L. , Glitzenstein Jeff , Naeher Luke P.
Published: August 2019

Smoke data were collected from two instrumented plots located on the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina during prescribed burns on Feb. 12, 2003. One of the plots had been subjected to mechanical chipping. Particulate matter (PM2.5) data analyzed by gravimetric methods were collected at nine locations on the downwind sides of each plot. In addition, samplers were hung atop ~9-m poles at four interior positions within each plot. Perimeter 12-hour PM2.5 concentrations in the burn-only plot were significantly higher than those at the chip-burn plot. Similarly, interior 8-hour PM2.5 concentrations in the burn-only plot were moderately higher than those at the chip-burn plot. When possible cross-contamination was detected at a check site midway between the two plots, we used PB-Piedmont, a smoke model for predicting ground-level smoke movement at night. The modeled smoke, verified by smoke observed at the check site, indicated winds blowing 75 degrees off from winds observed at the Charleston Airport, approximately 50 km southwest of the experimental site. South. J. Appl. For. 30(4):182–187.
Control of Low-Level Nantucket Pine Tip Moth Populations: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Authors: Asaro Christopher , Carter Douglas R. , Wayne Berisford C.
Published: August 2019

The Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana, an important pest of intensively managed loblolly pine, can cause significant long-term volume loss in plantations. The primary objective of this study was to establish an economic damage threshold beyond which chemical control of this pest becomes cost-effective. Tip moth damage estimates were obtained from 200 trees for each generation over a 3-year period after planting on two sites in the Georgia Piedmont. A volume index (D2H) was obtained for each of these trees at the end of the study. Significant reductions in volume were observed among trees with relatively low damage levels (10–30% of shoots infested on average over a 3-year period) compared with those trees sprayed with insecticide throughout the study. Growth projection models were used to extrapolate 3-year volume differences among treatments to a full rotation. These and other parameters were used to calculate land expectation values and, subsequently, willingness to pay values for tip moth control at the beginning of the rotation using various discount rates. The results of this analysis suggest that an economic injury level for R. frustrana may be reached when damage levels, on average, exceed 30% infested shoots. South. J. Appl. For. 30(4):182–187.
A Density Management Diagram for Longleaf Pine Stands with Application to Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Habitat
Authors: Shaw John D. , Long James N.
Published: August 2019

We developed a density management diagram (DMD) for longleaf pine (Pinus palustris P. Mill.) using data from Forest Inventory and Analysis plots. Selection criteria were for purity, defined as longleaf pine basal area (BA) that is 90% or more of plot BA, and even-agedness, as defined by a ratio between two calculations of stand density index. The diagram predicts stand top height (mean of tallest 40 trees/ac) and volume (ft3/ac) as a function of quadratic mean diameter and stem density (trees/ac). In this DMD we introduce a “mature stand boundary” that, as a model of stand dynamics, restricts the size–density relationship in large-diameter stands more than the expected self-thinning trajectory. The DMD is unbiased by geographic area and therefore should be applicable throughout the range of longleaf pine. The DMD is intended for use in even-aged stands, but may be used for uneven-aged management where a large-group selection system is used. Use of the diagram is illustrated by development of density management regimes intended to create and maintain stand structure desirable for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis).
Factors Influencing Modern Wildfire Occurrence in the Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri
Authors: Brosofske Kimberley D. , Cleland David T. , Saunders Sari C.
Published: August 2019

Understanding relative influences of ecological and anthropogenic factors on wildfire occurrence can assist decisionmakers in allocating fire management resources. We examined the influences of ecological and anthropogenic variables on probability of modern fire occurrence in the Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF), Missouri, using classification and regression tree (CART) and logistic regression analyses. Models were developed for five classes of fire size. Although CART distinguished some effects of fire size on results, logistic regression indicated a single model developed for all fires was sufficient for predictions. Ecological subsection was a dominating influence on fire occurrence for final CART and logistic models, highlighting the potential usefulness of ecosystem classification as a framework for considering factors influencing modern wildfires. Other influential predictors included ecosystem fire resistance; distance to roads, cities, and railroads; road density; mean October precipitation; elevation; median house value; and population density. Wildfires in the MTNF are caused overwhelmingly by arson, which, when combined with our results, suggests that arsonists may seek out flammable fuel types in remote areas with easy access. Within this general anthropogenic fire regime, we found a more subordinate effect of specific human variables (e.g., population density) on modern fire occurrence than did similar studies in the Upper Midwest, perhaps because our study area encompassed primarily federal forestlands with low population density.
How Planting Method, Weed Abatement, and Herbivory Affect Afforestation Success
Authors: Sweeney Bernard W. , Czapka Stephen J. , Petrow L. Carol A.
Published: August 2019

The success of upland and riparian afforestation depends on landowners making informed decisions about key factors such as the quality of seedlings (species, size, and root stock), planting technique, site preparation, weed and herbivore control, and planting pattern for the plantation. We show here that the short-term (1 year) and longer-term (3 year) effects on seedling survivorship and growth due to planting technique (dibble-bar versus auger) did not differ significantly for the five test species (red maple [Acer rubrum L.], eastern redbud [Cercis canadensis L.], green ash [Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh], sweetbay magnolia [Magnolia virginiana L.], and sweet gum [Liquidambar styraciflua L.]). Weed treatment (tree mats, initial herbiciding, and annual herbiciding) also failed to significantly increase seedling survivorship or growth, a result hypothesized to be caused by high moisture and nutrient content of soils on the site. In contrast, tree shelters significantly increased seedling survivorship and growth after 1 and 3 years. For some species, 3-year survivorship was up to fivefold higher with shelters. Long-term weed control increased survivorship of sheltered seedlings but decreased survivorship for those without shelters because of increased exposure to deer. For this site, successful afforestation depends more on protecting seedlings from herbivory with tree shelters than on either the method of planting or the method of controlling weeds.
Trends Among Family Forest Owners in Alabama, 1994–2004
Authors: Pan Yi , Zhang Yaoqi , Butler Brett J.
Published: August 2019

There are an estimated 432,000 family forest owners in Alabama and they control 67% of the State's forestland. About two-thirds owned less than 10 ac. and about 88% of the family forest owners have holdings of less than 50 ac; collectively, this group of owners with 1–49 ac of forestland own 15% of Alabama's family forestland. The corollary to this finding is that a majority (85%) of the state's family forestland is owned by the minority (12%) of owners who own 50 ac or more. Between 1994 and 2004, the amount of forestland owned by family forest owners with small (less than 10 ac) and large (more than 500 ac) forest holdings increased, while the total area of forestland owned by people with intermediate-size holdings, in general, decreased. Compared with 10 years ago, the number of family forest owners 45–54 years old is higher but they tend to own smaller parcels of forestland. During the same period, the number of owners 65 years or older decreased, but, on average, the size of their holdings increased. Recreation and investments have become more important objectives of ownership, whereas timber production as a primary ownership objective decreases. The probability of an owner having harvested trees, having a management plan, or having sought forest management advice increased as the size of the forest holding increased.
Historical Patterns of Forest Fertilization in the Southeastern United States from 1969 to 2004
Authors: Albaugh Timothy J. , Lee Allen H. , Fox Thomas R.
Published: August 2019

Based on historical forest fertilization survey records, over 16 million ac were fertilized in the southeastern United States from 1969 to 2004, with the peak forest fertilizer application in 1999, when 1.59 million ac were fertilized. The 1999 applications were largely on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.; 91%) in established stands (78%) and included both nitrogen and phosphorus, typically as urea and diammonium phosphate fertilizers, respectively. On a tonnage basis from 2000 to 2004, the average amount of forest-applied urea and diammonium phosphate represented 2.5% of those materials applied in the United States. The number of acres fertilized approximately doubled every 2 years from 1991 through 1999. This increase can be attributed to a shift in forest production interests to the southeastern United States at a time when research results were showing positive biological and economic responses to nitrogen and phosphorus applications in midrotation southern pine stands. Common application rates for nitrogen and phosphorus were 200 and 50 lb elemental nitrogen ac−1and 25 and 50 lb elemental phosphorus ac−1 for stands >2 years old and ≤2 years old, respectively. In 1994, application of elements other than nitrogen and phosphorus, including potassium, boron, and magnesium, began in response to newly available research results. Boron was applied to 30% of the total number of acres fertilized in 2004, likely because boron, when applied with urea, may reduce nitrogen volatilization.
What do Louisiana and Mississippi Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners Think about Forest Certification?
Authors: Perera Priyan , Vlosky Richard P. , Hughes Glenn , Dunn Michael A.
Published: August 2019

Nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners own the majority of timberlands in the southern United States. As forest certification becomes more prevalent, it is important to understand the implications for NIPF landowners. This study, conducted in 2005–2006, reveals how well NIPF landowners in Louisiana and Mississippi understand forest certification, willingness to pay to become certified, and general perceptions about the certification process and implementation requirements. We surveyed 1,200 randomly selected NIPF landowners from each state that owned 10 ac or more of timberland in 2005. A total of 591 usable surveys resulted in an overall adjusted response rate of 30%. Forty percent of respondents believe certification is necessary on public lands. However, their lowest level of agreement is with the need for certification on private forestlands. Respondents believe certification in the United States is driven by environmental nongovernmental organizations rather than by demand in the marketplace. Private landowner organizations and approved professional foresters are the most trusted entities to administer and monitor certification. Results also suggest that respondents are generally not averse to having certifiers monitor their forest management activities; however, a majority are unwilling to bear the cost of certification.
An Improved Tree Height Measurement Technique Tested on Mature Southern Pines
Authors: Bragg Don C.
Published: August 2019

Virtually all techniques for tree height determination follow one of two principles: similar triangles or the tangent method. Most people apply the latter approach, which uses the tangents of the angles to the top and bottom and a true horizontal distance to the subject tree. However, few adjust this method for ground slope, tree lean, crown shape, and crown configuration, making errors commonplace. Given documented discrepancies exceeding 30% with current methods, a reevaluation of height measurement is in order. The sine method is an alternative that measures a real point in the crown. Hence, it is not subject to the same assumptions as the similar triangle and tangent approaches. In addition, the sine method is insensitive to distance from tree or observer position and can not overestimate tree height. The advantages of the sine approach are shown with mature southern pines from Arkansas.
Tree Biomass Equations for Naturally Regenerated Shortleaf Pine
Authors: Sabatia Charles O. , Lynch Thomas B. , Will Rodney E.
Published: August 2019

Aboveground tree-level and branch-level biomass component equations were fitted by nonlinear seemingly unrelated regression, for even-aged naturally regenerated shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) in southeastern Oklahoma. Data were obtained from 46- to 53-year-old trees growing in stands that had previously been thinned to densities ranging from 50% of full stocking to overstocked unthinned stands. Stand density affected some of the parameter estimates for trees growing in thinned stands versus unthinned stands. Equations based on dbh alone gave biomass estimates that were not significantly different from those obtained with equations based on dbh, height, and/or crown width. The fitted tree-level biomass component equations were additive in the sense that predictions for biomass components were constrained by the estimation process to sum to total tree biomass. These equations can be used to estimate aboveground tree or tree component biomass for naturally regenerated shortleaf pine in the dbh range of 7–40 cm in southeastern Oklahoma and have potential for application in other shortleaf pine growing areas.
The SOHARC Model System for Growth and Yield of Southern Hardwoods
Authors: McTague John Paul , O'Loughlin David , Roise Joseph P. , Robison Daniel J. , Kellison Robert C.
Published: August 2019

A system of stand level and individual tree growth-and-yield models are presented for southern hardwoods. These models were developed from numerous permanent growth-and-yield plots established across 13 states in the US South on 9 site types, in even-aged (age classes from 20 to 60 years), fully stocked, naturally regenerated mixed hardwood and mixed hardwood-pine stands. Nested plots (⅕ and ac) were remeasured at 5-year intervals. The system of permanent plots was established and maintained by private and public members in the North Carolina State University Hardwood Research Cooperative. Stand level models are presented for dominant height, survival, basal area prediction and projection, and the ingrowth component. Individual tree diameter growth and tree height models were constructed for the most common species: sweetgum, tupelo, yellow-poplar, blackgum, and red maple. All other species were grouped according to growth dynamics into four species groups using cluster analysis. A ranking variable was incorporated into the individual tree growth models to account for competition.