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Abstract
Historically, the abundance of red maple and shade-tolerant understory species was limited by fire and other disturbances. In the absence of periodic disturbance, regeneration of oaks with intermediate shade tolerance has been hindered due to inadequate light conditions created by shade-tolerant midstory trees. Research suggests that midstory removal in oak-dominated forests can create light conditions that enhance the growth of oak advance reproduction. The purpose of this study is to compare the competitive ability of underplanted versus naturally regenerated white oak seedlings under a midstory removal. In 2005, a 0.2-ha midstory removal and control were established at study sites. Seedling heights and basal diameters were measured at treatment establishment and after six growing seasons. Results showed seedling growth was higher under the midstory removal, and height growth of underplanted seedlings was greater than that of advance regeneration. It was also found that diameter growth was greater under the midstory removal; however, there was no difference between seedling types. Findings from this study provide further insight about the dynamics of oak response under a midstory removal and suggest regeneration methods for improving the competitive ability of white oak.
Parent Publication
Citation
Craig, Jared M.; Lhotka, John M.; Stringer, Jeffrey W. 2013. Response of naturally regenerated and underplanted white oak (
Quercus alba L.) seedlings 6 years following midstory removal. 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: 365-372.
