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Abstract
The growth and development of very young natural even-aged hardwood stands is not well understood. The relative importance of biotic and abiotic constraints such as overstocking, herbaceous competition, tree nutrition, and pest impacts have not been widely studied in these types of stands. Earlier work has demonstrated significant tree growth response (2- to 20-fold) to release from these constraints. This paper will report on the continued measurement of these plots through year 4. Also, a new series of plots in 1 and 3 year old stands have been followed for 1.5 years. Treatments imposed include thinning, herbaceous competition control, fertilization, and combinations of these treatments. These experiments are beginning to show the potential of very early stand interventions to shorten rotation ages in upland hardwoods. These efforts are part of a broader set of initiatives across the South by the NC State Hardwood Research Cooperative to explore early interventions for stocking and competition control as a silvicultural option in managing hardwoods.
Citation
Schuler, Jamie L.; Robison, Daniel J. 2002. Response of 1- to 4-Year-Old Upland Hardwood Stands to Stocking and Site Manipulations. In: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-48. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pg. 266-269
