Two-age silviculture: an innovative tool for enhancing species diversity and vertical structure in Appalachian hardwoods

Abstract

Silvicultural practices that promote a two-age stand structure provide an opportunity to maintain diversity of woody species and vertical structure for extended periods of time in Appalachian hardwoods. Data from four two-age stands initiated by deferment cutting in West Virginia are summarized for the first 10 to 15 years after treatment. Results indicated that 15 commercial hardwood species regenerated successfully and that height growth of the new cohort provides a predictable change in vertical structure over time. Growth, quality, and vigor of residual trees after treatment varied by species and initial condition. Diversity in vertical structure seems to improve habitat suitability for some wildlife species. Songbird counts were compared for 2 consecutive years, beginning at least 10 years after treatment, in even-age and two-age stands. For two-age stands, songbird density estimates were higher in both study years, whereas nesting survival was lower the first year compared to that in even-age stands. Preliminary implications of two-age regeneration methods for meeting forest health objectives and future research needs are discussed.

Citation

Miller, Gary W.; Wood, Petra B.; Nichols, Jeffrey V. 1995. Two-age silviculture: an innovative tool for enhancing species diversity and vertical structure in Appalachian hardwoods. In: L.G. Eskew, comp. Forest health through silviculture: proceedings of the 1995 National Silviculture Workshop, Mescalero, New Mexico, May 8-11, 1995. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-GTR-267. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 175-182