Deferment cutting in central Appalachian hardwoods: an update

Abstract

This paper summarizes research results on deferment cutting, a silvicultural practice that promotes a two-age stand structure, as it has been applied in central Appalachian hardwoods on the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) since 1979. Ten-year results from experimental cuts that were applied from 1979 to 1983 indicated that 89% of residual trees survived, 76 to 100% of the survivors maintained their initial grade depending on species, and d.b.h. growth increased for most species. Reproduction that developed following the experimental cuts included a wide variety of desirable commercial species, similar to that observed after clearcutting. Forest managers on the MNF began making operational deferment cuts as an alternative to clearcutting in 1991, and 20 stands were surveyed in 1996 to assess the condition of residual trees and the early development of reproduction.

Citation

Miller, Gary w.; Johnson, James E.; Baumgras, John E. 1997. Deferment cutting in central Appalachian hardwoods: an update. In: Proceedings of the 25th annual hardwood symposium, national hardwood lumber association; 1997 May 7-10; Cashiers, NC. Memphis, TN: National Hardwood Lumber Association: 83-97.