Effects of opening size and site preparation method on vegetation development after implementing group selection in a pine-hardwood stand

Abstract

Three opening sizes (0.25, 0.625, and 1.0 ac) and three site preparation methods (herbicides, mechanical, and an untreated control) were tested in a pine-hardwood stand dominated by loblolly and shortleaf pines (Pinus taeda L. and P. echinata Mill.) and mixed oaks (Quercus spp.) that was being converted to uneven-aged structure using group selection. The study was a 3x3 factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Site preparation in the openings was delayed for 2 years after harvest until an adequate pine seed crop was forecast. At 3 years after the group-selection cut and 1 year after site preparation, pine seedling stocking was higher (P=0.01) in the 0.25-ac openings (89%) when compared to the 0.625-ac openings (71%) or the 1.0-ac openings (66%). Mechanical site preparation resulted in higher (P=0.03) pine seedling density (5,272 stems/ac) compared to the control (2,490 stems/ac) or chemical site preparation (3,044 stems/ac), but both the mechanical and chemical treatments had better ( P=0.03) stocking (82%) of pine seedlings than the control (61%). Both mechanical and chemical site preparation were effective in reducing (P

Citation

Cain, M.D.; Shelton, M.G. 2001. Effects of opening size and site preparation method on vegetation development after implementing group selection in a pine-hardwood stand. In: 2001 Proceedings, Southern Weed Science Society, Volume 54, Section XII, pp. 191-197