A multi-century analysis of disturbance dynamics in pine-oak forests of the Missouri Ozark Highlands

Abstract

Using dendrochronology and growth release approaches, we analyzed the disturbance history of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mich.) white oak (Quercus alba L.) forests in the Missouri Ozark Highlands. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify growth release events using living and remnant shortleaf pine and white oak, (2) analyze the temporal variation of canopy disturbances, (3) examine how topographic variation affects disturbance, and (4) note growth releases that occur during and subsequent to selected drought events. These data were used to more fully understand the contribution of disturbance types and the effects of changing disturbance regimes on the structure of the Ozark pine-oak forests. Comparisons were made among trees within a stand and between stands at two study sites to contrast the frequency and magnitude of canopy disturbance. Differences in the dynamics of historic disturbance events between stands were reflected in temporal variation of establishment for both shortleaf pine and white oak. Topography affected both the frequency and synchronicity of disturbance events and therefore contributed to heterogeneous forest structure within a limited spatial extent. Releases of varying magnitude appear to occur during and subsequent to prolonged drought events that likely reflect partial canopy dieback or tree mortality that is either directly or indirectly caused by drought conditions. These data suggest wide ranging temporal and spatial variation in canopy disturbance events over the 400 years of analysis.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings, 18th Central Hardwood Forest Conference

Citation

King, Chad; Muzika, Rose-Marie. 2013. A multi-century analysis of disturbance dynamics in pine-oak forests of the Missouri Ozark Highlands. In: Miller, Gary W.; Schuler, Thomas M.; Gottschalk, Kurt W.; Brooks, John R.; Grushecky, Shawn T.; Spong, Ben D.; Rentch, James S., eds. Proceedings, 18th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2012 March 26-28; Morgantown, WV; Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-117. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 50-62.