Stand density management of southern bottomland hardwoods

Abstract

We present tools to guide stand density management of southern bottomiand hardwoods and we provide guidance in their implementation. We present stocking guides for southern bottomland hardwoods and variants for associated forest types, water tupelo (Nyssa aquarica L.) and sweetgum (Liquidumbar styraciflua L.). The A-line represents 100% stocking, and can be used to identify stands that will benefit from thinning. The B-line, or suggested lower limit for stocking, can be used as a target for conducting thinning. C-lines of stocking guides identify stands that are deficient in stocking. We provide a key to help guide decisions to conduct intermediate silvicultural practices. When intermediate practices are conducted, stand improvement should always be the paramount concern. Based upon equations to predict crown radius for open-grown trees, we present alternative, species-specific B-lines. These B-lines can be constructed for any species or specific species composition. We use the stocking equations to provide suggestions for initial spacing of hardwood plantations.

Citation

Goelz, J.C.G.; Meadows, J.S. 1997. Stand density management of southern bottomland hardwoods. In: Meyer, Dan A., ed. Proceedings of the 25th annual hardwood symposium: 25 years of hardwood silviculture: a look back and a look ahead; 1997 May 7-10; Cashiers, NC; Memphis, TN: National Hardwood Lumber Association: 73-82.