Shortleaf Pine Seed Production Following Partial Cutting In The Ouachita Mountains

Abstract

Abstract - Seed production is one of the principal determinants of successful natural regeneration of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) in both uneven-aged and even-aged silvicultural systems. In this paper, we describe the amount and periodicity of shortleaf pine seed production observed in a number of stands with monitoring periods of up to 8 yr. Results were compiled from: (1) two replicated research studies testing hardwood retention in uneven-aged and even-aged reproductive cutting methods in the eastern part of the Ouachitas, and (2) eight operational-level stands, which were mostly located in the western part of the Ouachitas. The following generalities can be drawn from the combined results: (1) seed production is highly variable, ranging from zero in some years to over 3 million sound seeds per ac in others, (2) reduced seed production occurs during some years in stands where midcanopy hardwoods are present but the effects are not consistent from year to year, (3) seed production tends to decrease in older stands and in overstocked stands, and (4) the western part of the Ouachitas tends to have more failures and fewer good seed crops. Results indicate that seed production will usually be adequate for natural regeneration of shortleaf pine within most of the Ouachita Mountains.

Parent Publication

• Ouachita and Ozark Mountains symposium: ecosystem management research

Citation

Wittwer, Robert F.; Shelton, Michael G. 2004. Shortleaf Pine Seed Production Following Partial Cutting In The Ouachita Mountains. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-74. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 315-320