Oak Regeneration Using the Two-Age System

Abstract

The two studies presented in this paper were completed in southeastern Kentucky and were designed to evaluate acorn production and development of advanced white oak reproduction from fully released white oak (Quercus alba) trees typical of reserve trees in the two age system. Twelve 2 acre 60- to 90-year-old white oak dominated stands were randomly assigned 1 of 3 treatments including an uncut treatment, and two cut treatments of 20 fully released canopy trees per acre, and 34 trees per acre. Acorn production from 11 to 15 years and regeneration accumulation, canopy cover and light regimes were monitored 15 years after treatment. Released trees produced significantly (p < 0.01) more acorns (1,424 grams per tree per year) compared to unreleased trees (689 grams per tree per year). highly significant differences (p < 0.001) were found among treatments for cumulative white oak advanced regeneration density, height and densitometer readings. strong relationships between densitometer readings and: ppfd; regeneration density; and regeneration height were found (r²=ranging 0.743 to 0.974). The results of this study indicate that reserve white oak trees can provide for the recruitment of advanced oak regeneration and maintenance of light levels using easily applied crown densitometer readings can enhance the development of advanced regeneration required for the long-term maintenance of this species after future regenerative treatments.

Citation

Stringer, Jeffrey W. 2002. Oak Regeneration Using the Two-Age System. In: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-48. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pg. 379-382