Influence of loblolly pine overwood on advance reproduction

Abstract

In the lower Piedmont, fully stocked stands of advance reproduction survive and grown underneath a great range of overwood densities of loblolly pine. A relatively small amount of overwood markedly reduces the height growth of understory seedlings as compared with that of free-growing seedlings; but a rather large additional increase in overwood density is required to bring about significant additional reduction in seedling height growth. Thus, under the shelterwood method of regeneration, considerable leeway can be exercised in the amount of overwood left. This study shows that level of shade ranks with overwood density as a major factor affecting the growth rate of loblolly pine seedlings. The progressive increase in shade level over a period of time has more effect on the growth rate of young seedlings than has the simultaneous increase in overwood density.

Citation

Brender, E.V.; Barber, J.C. 1956. Influence of loblolly pine overwood on advance reproduction. Station Paper No. 62. Asheville, NC: USDA-Forest Service. Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 12 p.