Response of white oak and black oak seedlings to a mid-story removal

Abstract

White oak (Quercus alba L.) and black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) often dominate stands on intermediate to high quality sites. In these stands there is often a bank of advanced oak regeneration (>1 ft. tall) in place. However, this advanced oak regeneration rarely achieves a co-dominant or dominant status when a regeneration harvest is performed. A mid-story removal has been shown to increase the vigor of oak seedlings, but has not been widely tested. The length of suppression could affect the ability of oak seedlings to respond vigorously when provided with additional light. Seedlings on the forest floor can range from one to >20 years old with minimal height growth. Root ages of these seedlings can be far older than the stem of the seedlings. This study will assess the response of suppressed white oak and black oak seedlings to a mid-story removal.

Parent Publication

• Ninth workshop on seedling physiology and growth problems in oak plantings (abstracts)

Citation

Dillaway, Dylan N.; Stringer, Jeff. 2005. Response of white oak and black oak seedlings to a mid-story removal. In: Weigel, D.R.; Van Sambeek, J.W.; Michler, C.H., eds. Ninth workshop on seedling physiology and growth problems in oak plantings. 2004 October 18-20; West Lafayette, IN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-262. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station: 4.