Effects of midstory removal on underplanted black oak and white oak in the western Cumberland Plateau

Abstract

Difficulties in successful oak regeneration have led to the examination of various techniques to increase oak recruitment. To ensure sufficient regeneration, oak seedlings can be underplanted and used in conjunction with intermediate treatments, such as midstory removal, that create a light environment favorable to oak advance reproduction. This study examines the 5-year response of underplanted white oak (Quercus alba L.) and black oak (Quercus velutina L.) seedlings to a midstory removal on intermediate sites within the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Three sites were established and split to provide an area where the midstory remained intact and an area where the midstory was removed. At each site, white and black oak 1-0 bareroot seedlings were underplanted. Midstory removal treatments removed 13 to 19 percent of the basal area in treated units. Seedling height, ground line diameter, and survival status were measured at the time of treatment implementation (spring 2004) and after five growing seasons. Fifth-year survival of white and black oaks under an intact midstory was 51 and 14 percent, respectively. Under removed midstories, white oak survival averaged 81 percent while black oak averaged 32 percent. Midstory removal increased diameter growth for both underplanted white and black oaks. Treatments did not affect seedling height growth of either species. The ground line diameter growth response is consistent with known patterns of oak carbon allocation favoring development of root systems prior to height growth, indicating increased aboveground growth potential.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings, 17th Central Hardwood Forest Conference

Citation

Parrott, David L.; Lhotka, John M.; Stringer, Jeffrey W. 2011. Effects of midstory removal on underplanted black oak and white oak in the western Cumberland Plateau. In: Fei, Songlin; Lhotka, John M.; Stringer, Jeffrey W.; Gottschalk, Kurt W.; Miller, Gary W., eds. Proceedings, 17th central hardwood forest conference; 2010 April 5-7; Lexington, KY; Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-78. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 270-276.