bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management Strategies to Reduce Losses from the Southern Pine Beetle
Authors: Belanger R. P. , Hedden R. L. , Lorio P. L. 
Published: August 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract
Development of 86 intermediate and suppressed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees, that had been recently released from overtopping pines and hardwoods, was monitored over a 15 yr period. The trees were growing in natural stands on good sites (site index = 90 ft at 50 yr) that had been recently cut to stocking levels ranging from 10 to 50%. At time of release, the trees averaged 26 yr in age, 4.8 in. in dbh, and 37 ft in height. The trees had averaged only 0.5 in. in dbh growth the 5 yr prior to release (0.1 in./yr).
After 15 yr, the 77 surviving trees averaged 59 ft in height and 12.9 in. in dbh, increasing 21 ft in height and 8.1 in. in dbh. During the 15 yr period, crown dimensions of the trees increased markedly as well. On average, crown lengths increased 11 ft (from 16 to 27 ft); crown widths nearly tripled from 9 to 25 ft; and crown volumes increased 11 fold from 608 to 6,700 ft³. The majority of the trees had good form and would produce high-quality sawtimber. Satisfactory response to release was best predicted by initial dbh and live-crown ratio.
Results of the study suggest that trees with at least a 20% live-crown ratio should satisfactorily respond to release even though they had developed in lower crown positions of fully stocked uneven-aged stands for 10 to 50 yr. Responding trees rapidly expanded their crowns and accelerated in height and diameter growth. South. J. Appl. For. 22(1):41-46.
Rehabilitation of Understocked Loblolly-Shortleaf Pine Stands—III. Natural Stands Cutover 15 Years Previously but Unmanaged
Authors: Baker James B. , Shelton Michael G. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Plots in an unmanaged loblolly-shortleaf pine (Pinus taeda L.-P. echinata Mill.) stand that had been cutover 15 yr previously were established to represent five stocking levels: 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%. The stand was on a good site (site indexLob = 90 ft at 50 yr) and had uneven-aged character. Two competition control treatments (none and individual tree release using herbicide) were also assigned. Three, five, and nine years later, the plots were reinventoried to determine: (1) the rate at which the understocked stands recovered, (2) the minimum stocking level required for successful rehabilitation, and (3) the effects of release on pine growth.
The pine release treatment did not enhance stand development during the 9 yr rehabilitation period, primarily because only 18% of the pines (representing 5% of total pine basal area) were overtopped by hardwoods and were thus in need of release. However, results suggest that stands having an initial stocking of 20 to 30%, or a total basal area of 10 to 15 ft²/ac, can reach an acceptable stocking (levels of 60% for stocking, 45 ft²/ac for basal area, and 2,500 bd ft(Doyle)/ac for sawlog volume) within 15 yr or less. South. J. Appl. For. 22(1):47-52.
Eleventh-Year Response of Loblolly Pine and Competing Vegetation to Woody and Herbaceous Plant Control on a Georgia Flatwoods Site
Authors: Zutter Bruce R. , Miller James H. 
Published: August 2019

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

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

Abstract
Herbicide treatments were used at four flatwood locations in north Florida and south Georgia to compare early pine response to control of herbaceous and shrub vegetation following bedding. Treatments consisted of three levels of shrub control (none, first year, repeated) with and without first year herbaceous vegetation control. All studies were located on spodosols planted with either loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) or slash (Pinus elliottii Englem.) pine.
Responses due to shrub control were about twice that of herbaceous control with height responses of 2.2, 5.0, and 6.9 ft due to first year herbaceous control, shrub control, and the combination of both herbaceous and shrub control, respectively. Pine response did not differ due to duration of shrub control because the difference in shrub cover between first year and repeated shrub control treatments was minor in these young stands. Pines averaged 18.3 ft in height and 3.2 in. in dbh 5 yr after planting when both herbaceous and shrub vegetation was controlled with these operational-like site preparation treatments that combine bedding with first year herbicide applications.
Shrub occupancy was highest on treatments that did not include shrub control and continued to increase through the first 5 yr. Operational site-preparation treatments that combine bedding with herbicide applications should be considered in situations where shrub vegetation is present because of the long-term impact that shrubs have on pine yield. South. J. Appl. For. 15(4):201-208.
Damage Assessment in Christmas Tree Plantations following Vegetation Control with Sheep and Geese
Authors: Mueller J. Paul , Poore M.H. , Skroch W.A. 
Published: August 2019

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

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