Oak regeneration ecology and dynamics

Abstract

The regeneration potential of oak following a disturbance or harvest that initiates stand regeneration is determined largely by the size structure of oak before the event.  Collectively, regeneration from (1) seed, (2) advance reproduction, and (3) stump sprouts contribute to oak regeneration but vary in their competitive capacity  Oak regeneration potential is modified by site, competitor regeneration potential and management input  Prescribed fire is increasingly being used to promote oak regeneration with mixed results.  Oak has many silvical traits that make it well adapted to fire.  Fire can promote oak regeneration, but it also can reduce it, promote competiting vegetation including invasive species, and retard oak recruitment into the overstory.  Fire is a tool that can be used to sustain oak forests if it is applied judiciously with knowledge of oak forest ecology and stand dynamics, and with basic forest inventory information.  Combining prescribed fire with thinning or harvestinig can be effective in increasting oak regeneration potential and dominance in future stands.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings: Wildland Fire in the Appalachians: Discussions Among Managers and Scientists

Citation

Dey, Daniel C. 2014. Oak regeneration ecology and dynamics. In: Waldrop, Thomas A., ed. Proceedings, Wildland fire in the Appalachians: discussions among fire managers and scientists.