Natural Regeneration Dynamics of Red Oak Seedlings in Mississippi Bottomland Forests
Natural Regeneration Dynamics of Red Oak Seedlings in Mississippi Bottomland Forests

Author: Ellen Marie Boerger

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 83

ISBN-13:

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Numerous studies highlighted sharp declines in abundance of red oak species (Quercus spp., Section Erythrobalanus) in the southeastern United States. Red oaks are major components of bottomland forests, provide important ecological services, and are a critical source of hard mast for wildlife and high-value timber (Oliver et al. 2005). Bottomland hardwoods are usually managed with natural regeneration, and maintaining a component of red oak can challenge forest managers, given sporadic acorn production (masting behavior), and lack of advance regeneration establishment prior to disturbance. This study investigated the development of hardwood advance regeneration in relation to understory light availability and stand structure in mature closed canopy stands following silvicultural treatments. Improved understanding of red oak natural regeneration can better clarify any relationship between seedling abundance, available understory light, and residual basal area. Results will aid in selection of appropriate management techniques to sustain dominance of red oaks within bottomland hardwood forests.

Red Oak Acorn Production, Mass, and Gross Energy Dynamics in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley
Red Oak Acorn Production, Mass, and Gross Energy Dynamics in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley

Author: Alan Gregory Leach

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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Acorns of red oaks (Quercus spp; Subgenus Erythrobalanus) are important forage for wildlife and seed for oak regeneration. I estimated production of viable acorns by red oaks in 5 forests in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) and 2 greentree reservoirs (GTRs) in Mississippi. Mean acorn production in the MAV was 439 kg(dry)/ha of red oak crown (CV = 29%) during autumn-winter 2009-2010 and 794 kg/ha (CV = 19%) in GTRs during autumn-winters 2008-2010. I recommend researchers sample acorn production in the MAV for [greater than or equal to] 5 years to improve precision of estimates (i.e., CV [less than or equal to] 15%). I estimated mass and gross energy (GE) of viable red oak acorns after 90 days in unflooded and flooded hardwood bottomlands in Mississippi. Within species, mass loss of acorns was

Regeneration of Red Oak (Quercus Rubra L.) Using Shelterwood Systems
Regeneration of Red Oak (Quercus Rubra L.) Using Shelterwood Systems

Author: Dan Dey

Publisher: Sault Ste. Marie : Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 72

ISBN-13:

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The purpose of this report is to review the scientific literature on red oak biology and silviculture as it pertains to the use of shelterwood systems in oak regeneration and management. Sections of the report describe oak ecophysiology and succession; growth characteristics; environmental requirements (light, water, nutrients, temperature) and response to stress (pests, competition); and oak regeneration ecology (acorn production and dispersal, seeding and germination requirements, artificial regeneration). The final section reviews oak management by shelterwood systems, including prescriptions for residual overstory, control of understory vegetation, stocking targets, and final overstory removal.

Comparison of Two Planting Stocks and Two Species for Regenerating Oak Seedlings on Hurricane Katrina Impacted Sites
Comparison of Two Planting Stocks and Two Species for Regenerating Oak Seedlings on Hurricane Katrina Impacted Sites

Author: Michael Madden

Publisher:

Published: 2021

Total Pages: 90

ISBN-13:

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Many bottomland hardwood stands in southern Mississippi lacked management prior to Hurricane Katrina. Following removal of overstory oaks, no seed source was available to naturally regenerate these stands. Artificial regeneration became the most viable option, but information was lacking on how to successfully reestablish thousands of acres of bottomland forests quickly and successfully. Bareroot and conventional containerized seedlings of Nuttall oak (Quercus texana) and swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii) were planted on two sites in southern Mississippi. After two growing season’s Nuttall oak exhibited similar survival to (93.4%), better groundline diameter growth (13.0 mm) than, and better height growth (68.8 cm) than swamp chestnut oak (92.5%, 6.6 mm, 43.9 cm, respectively). Bareroot seedlings had the highest survival (94.5%), best groundline diameter growth (10.3 mm), and best height growth (66.6 cm), though conventional containerized seedling survival (91.4%), groundline diameter growth (9.3 mm), and height growth (46.0 cm) were all acceptable. Considering seedling cost and overall performance, bareroot seedlings provide the most effective option for artificial regeneration on high quality bottomland hardwood sites.