Shifts in relative stocking of common tree species in Kentucky from 1975 to 2004

Abstract

Changes in species-specific relative stocking indicate the extent to which a species is either increasing or decreasing in a particular system. Changes in relative stocking values of common tree species in Kentucky from 1988 to 2004 were compared to values calculated for 1975 to 1988. Mean annual increase in relative stocking between 1988 and 2004 was greatest for eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.), boxelder (Acer negundo L.), and loblolly pine (P. taeda L.), averaging 1.29, 1.25, and 1.06 percent year-1, respectively. Species with an observed decline in relative stocking for both 1975-1988 and 1988-2004 include American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), scarlet oak (Quercus coccinea Muenchh.), northern red oak (Q. rubra L.), post oak (Q. stellata Wangenh.), black oak (Q. velutina Lam.), black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), and chinkapin oak (Q. muehlenbergii Engelm.). Species with an observed increase in relative stocking over both periods include eastern redcedar (Juniperous virginiana L.), boxelder, red maple (A. rubrum L.), silver maple (A. saccharinum L.), and sugar maple (A. saccharum Marsh.). Results suggest that the Acer genus has greatly increased over the past 30 years while the Quercus genus has continually declined. These results support the generally accepted notion that the eastern deciduous landscape continues to experience replacement of oak with more generalist species such as red maple.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings, 16th central hardwood forest conference

Citation

Oswalt, Christopher M.; Stringer, Jeffrey A.; Turner, Jeffery A. 2008. Shifts in relative stocking of common tree species in Kentucky from 1975 to 2004. In: Jacobs, Douglass F.; Michler, Charles H., eds. 2008. Proceedings, 16th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2008 April 8-9; West Lafayette, IN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-24. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 194-203.