Advancing Established Natural White Oak (Quercus alba) Reproduction Through a Midstory Removal

Abstract

A midstory release was used to enhance naturally established white oak (Quercus alba) seedlings that resulted from a previous bumper acorn crop at the Forest Resources Research and Education Center in Oak Ridge, TN, during the summer of 2020. Total number of species, height classes, and photosynthetically active radiation were collected on the plot level and height and root collar diameter (RCD) were collected on the subplot level over two complete growing seasons. White oak seedlings receiving the release treatment showed significant differences in percent height and RCD growth on the subplot level as well as significant changes in height classes on the plot level following each growing season and from the first to last year of the study compared to the control. The percentage of light received following the midstory removal was not a significant predictor of percent height growth after two growing seasons.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 22nd Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference

Citation

Dugger, Canaan J.; Clatterbuck, Wayne K. 2024. Advancing Established Natural White Oak (Quercus alba) Reproduction Through a Midstory Removal. In: Bragg, Don C.; Oswald, Brian P.; Koerth, Nancy E., eds. Proceedings of the 22nd biennial southern silvicultural research conference. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-274. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station: 84–92. https://doi.org/10.2737/SRS-GTR-274-Pap13.