Rehabilitation of Understocked Loblolly-Shortleaf Pine Stands--III. Natural Stands Cutover 15 Years Previously but Unmanaged

Authors: Baker, James B.; Shelton, Michael G.

Source: Southern Journal of Applied Forestry, Volume 22, Number 1, 1 February 1998 , pp. 47-52(6)

Publisher: Society of American Foresters

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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 index_Lob = 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.

Document Type: Journal article

Affiliations: 1: USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Monticello, AR 71656

Publication date: 1998-02-01

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