Fertilization Increases Growth of Thinned and Nonthinned Upland Oak Stands in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas

Abstract

Thinning and fertilization tests with pole-sized red oaks (northern red oak Quercus rubra L. and black oak Q. velutina Lam.) and white oak (Q. alba L.) were begun in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas in the spring of 1975. Fertilizer treatments of either (1) no fertilization, (2) 200 Ibs N + 45 Ibs P per acre, or (3) 400 Ibs N + 45 Ibs P per acre were applied to 288 red and white oaks that had received thinning or nonthinning treatments. Two-year diameter growth response for thinned red-oaks increased by 52 percent for the 200-lb treatment and by 97 percent for the 400-lb treatment. Increases for nonthinned red oaks averaged 40 and 58 percent for the 200- and 400-lb treatments. Diameter growth for thinned white oaks increased by 95 percent for the 200-lb treatment and by 86 percent for the 400-lb treatment. Increases for nonthinned white oaks averaged 48 and 74 percent for the 200- and 400-lb treatments: Thinning did not significantly increase response to fertilization for either red or white oaks.

Citation

Graney, D.L.; Pope, P.E. 1978. Fertilization Increases Growth of Thinned and Nonthinned Upland Oak Stands in the Boston Mountains of Arkansas. Res. Note SO-243. New Orleans, LA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Forest Experiment Station. 4 p.