A region-wide study of lobolly pine seedlings growth relative to four competition levels after two growing seasons

Abstract

A common study design was simultaneously established at 13 locations in the Southern United States to examine the scope of regional variation in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) growth relative to four competition levels. The following competitoin levels were created and maintained for 2 years using selective herbicides: (a) complete control of all competition; (b) woody control, leaving the herbaceous competition; (c) herbaceous control, leavind the woody competition; and (d) no control, with both herbaceous and woody competitoin. Effects on planted pines are being examined at 12 locations, and natural regeneration is being studied at one Arkansas location.

During the first 2 years the herbaceous component generally had more negative influence on pine growth than the woody component. Diameter growth was more often influenced than height growth. The size of trees grown without competition represents unique benchmarks of growth acress the region by which results from other vegetation management studies can be guaged.

Citation

Miller, James H.; Zutter, Bruce. 1987. A region-wide study of lobolly pine seedlings growth relative to four competition levels after two growing seasons. In: Proceedings Fourth Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference, 1986 November 4-6; Asheville NC. Gen. Tech. Rep. SE-42. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: 581-592.