Composition and development of reproduction in two-age Appalachian hardwood stands: 20-year results

Abstract

In the early 1980s, silviculturists with the Northeastern Research Station and Monongahela National Forest envisioned that managing some Appalachian hardwood stands to promote two-age structures would be part of an effective strategy for managing multi-use forests. Two-age stands provided the light and seedbed conditions necessary for regenerating numerous desirable hardwood species and maintaining species diversity. The residual overstory trees also served to maintain vertical structure, mast production, wildlife habitat, and esthetic quality in visually sensitive areas. This paper examines the composition and development of approximately 20-year-old reproduction growing beneath 100-year-old residual overstory trees in two-age central Appalachian hardwood stands. After 20 years, the crowns of the residual overstory trees had expanded by nearly 80 percent and collectively covered almost half of the stand area. Desirable shade-intolerant species such as black cherry, northern red oak, and yellow-poplar in the new age class had remained competitive only in areas located between the crowns of the residual overstory trees. The areas located beneath the residual overstory trees were occupied by tolerant species such as sugar maple, red maple, and American beech. Data indicated that the residual overstory trees had a strong influence on the development and long-term species composition of reproduction. Practical alternatives for planning and implementing two-age management systems are discussed.

Parent Publication

• Silviculture in special places: proceedings of the 2003 National Silviculture Workshop

Citation

Miller, Gary W.; Kochenderfer, James N.; Fekedulegn, Desta. 2004. Composition and development of reproduction in two-age Appalachian hardwood stands: 20-year results. In: Shepperd, Wayne D.; Eskew, Lane G., compilers. 2004. Silviculture in special places: Proceedings of the National Silviculture Workshop; 2003 September 8-11; Granby, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-34. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 171-181