Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1989

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Forestry

Major Professor

G.R. Wells

Committee Members

Edward R. Buckner, Hal DeSelm, Charles E. McGee

Abstract

Advanced oak reproduction that has developed in a stand that has been partially cut several times can vary substantially in age or size. Where advanced reproduction varies substantially in age or size in stands that have reached rotation age, complex questions are raised regarding the probable responses of various species, size, and age mixtures of advanced reproduction to liberation, cleaning, coppicing, or other treatments.

This thesis reports the results of a 19-year study of the survival and growth of advanced hardwood reproduction that was released by coppicing, liberation, and liberation-with-cleaning treatments applied in conjunction with a commercial timber harvest in southwestern Tennessee. This reproduction had been established over a period of at least 27 years in a stand that had been partially harvested at least three times during the reproduction period.

Principal findings were as follows.

1. After 19 growing seasons, the coppicing plots contained 333 oaks with d.b.h. greater than or equal to 2.0 inches per acre (principally Quercus alba L. and Quercus falcata Michx.). The liberation plots contained 600 such oaks per acre after 19 growing seasons, and the liberation-with-cleaning plots contained 700.

2. After 19 growing seasons the liberation-with-cleaning plots contained larger oaks than the liberation or coppicing plots contained.

3. Seven-year data did not indicate that the liberation-with-cleaning plots would contain the largest oaks and the largest numbers of oaks per acre after 19 growing seasons.

4. After 19 growing seasons, the coppicing plots contained no hickories (principally Carya tomentosa Poir. Nutt.) with d.b.h. greater than or equal to 2.0 inches. In the liberation and liberation-with-cleaning plots, stocking of hickories declined substantially over 19 growing seasons.

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