Composition, structure, and dynamics of a mature, unmanaged, pine-dominated old-field stand in southeastern Arkansas

Abstract

This study describes the composition and structure of a mature, second-growthPinus taeda (Loblolly Pine) and Pinus echinata (Shortleaf Pine)-dominatedold-field stand. Now owned by the University of Arkansas, this 22.5-ha parcel justoutside of the city of Monticello, AR, has been protected as a de facto natural areasince the 1950s. Many of the overstory pines exceeded 75 cm in diameter at breastheight (DBH) and some have reached 100 cm. Increment cores indicated that mostof the pine overstory originated between 80 and 100 years ago, probably followingagricultural abandonment. Pine recruitment occurred somewhat gradually untilthe canopy closed, after which tree species establishment became dominated byhardwoods. Of the nearly 6000 tree seedlings/saplings per hectare in the interior ofthis stand, just under 4% were pine—the under- and midstory were dominated byshade-tolerant hardwoods. No obvious evidence of past land-management practicesremained, save the rare old stump or formerly open-grown pine or oak. Coarsewoody debris is beginning to accumulate in some portions of the stand, primarilyfrom the senescence of short-lived hardwoods. Comparisons with other tracts insouthern Arkansas suggest that this stand differs from other contemporary examplesof mature pine-dominated timber, with a richness in composition and structure notapparent in managed stands of natural or planted origin.

Citation

Bragg, Don C.; Heitzman, Eric. 2009. Composition, structure, and dynamics of a mature, unmanaged, pine-dominated old-field stand in southeastern Arkansas. Southeastern Naturalist. 8(3): 445-470.