Oaks (Quercus spp.) are an important part of the forested landscape in the eastern United States. Although oak is increasing in standing volume, an oak regeneration bottleneck has occurred throughout its range in recent decades. Subsequently, as oak overstory is being harvested, rarely is oak recruited into the overstory to maintain the historic dominance of overstory oak. In the absence of fire and subsequent canopy closure, mesic species have proliferated, frequently forming a dense understory, inhibiting oak regeneration success. This study was developed to determine species dynamics between oak and oak competitors in response to silvicultural treatments in the southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. The treatments were: a shelterwood treatment (25-30% basal area reduction through mid-story removal with herbicides), a prescribed fire treatment (two late dormant season fires occurred over a 9-year period), a shelterwood and burn treatment (prescribed fire 3-5 years following 30-40% basal area removal), and an unmanaged control. To determine treatment impacts on the regeneration layer, importance value and stems ha-1 were calculated at the species group and individual species level 0- and 9- years post initial treatment. A principal component analysis and an analysis of basal area by treatment 0- and 9-years post-treatment were used to determine the influence of site-specific characteristics on regeneration layer response. The greatest relative increases in importance values were 1401% and 2995% for the red oak group and yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), respectively, in the shelterwood and burn (SWB). Change in all species groups were predominantly influenced by the smallest size-class (<0.6 m tall), with the exception of northern red oak (Q. rubra) and yellow-poplar in the SWB. The SWB significantly reduced importance values of all shade tolerant species groups and was the only treatment to decrease red maple (Acer rubrum) importance value and density over the study years. The prescribed fire (RXF) treatment increased red oak group importance value, while simultaneously decreasing yellow-poplar importance value and increasing red maple importance value. Changes in the red oak group in the SWB and the RXF were driven by northern red oak and scarlet oak (Q. coccinea), respectively. Treatments do not appear to change the competitive status of the white oak group. Elevation was closely associated with the red oak group. Yellow-poplar importance value increases, white oak group importance value increases, and site index were closely associated. Decreases in basal area were greatest in the SWB, and the SWB was the only treatment to significantly decrease overstory basal area. The RXF and SWB treatments improved the competitive status of only some oak species, but modifications to these treatments may result in better control of yellow-poplar and red maple competition, further improving oak's competitive status. Site specific factors such as elevation and site index may have impacted the regeneration layer response to treatments. / Master of Science / Oak-hickory (Quercus and Carya spp.) and oak-pine (Quercus and Pinus spp.) forest types occupy approximately 57 million and 11 million hectares of forestland in the eastern United States, respectively. Oaks are considered ecological and economic keystone species throughout the eastern U.S and maintenance of this genus in eastern U.S. forests has been a primary regional focus for decades. Historic disturbance regimes are estimated to have been much different than they are today. Fire was a common disturbance mechanism prior to fire suppression in the early 20th century. Frequent fires maintained much of the oak component historically. In the absence of fire, the species found in the understories of mature oak stands are commonly mesophytic species, such as yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) and red maple (Acer rubrum L.). Over the last several decades, research has been conducted to investigate the impacts of treatments targeting the promotion of oak regeneration, but results have been varied and valuable long-term studies are rare. To determine the effects of treatments on the regeneration dynamics of oak and its competitors, four treatments were compared in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Treatments included a control, shelterwood harvest (SW), prescribed fire (RXF), and a shelterwood and burn (SWB). Stand structure and composition were monitored over a 9-year period post-treatment. Overall, results indicate the shelterwood and burn treatment has the greatest potential to improve the competitiveness of the red oak group in the regeneration layer, but yellow-poplar competition in the shelterwood and burn will need be addressed, considering its large increases in this treatment. Although increases in the red oak group were not as great as increases in the RXF treatment compared with the SWB, fire does show promise as a method to increase oak regeneration success. Changes in red oak group importance value varied with elevation, emphasizing results of treatments can be affected by site characteristics. Treatments were not successful at enhancing the competitive status of white oak (Quercus alba L.). Silvicultural treatments can be used to improve the competitive status of oak on sites in the southern Appalachian Mountains, but close monitoring of species dynamics throughout the rotation are needed to ensure long-term oak success.

Problems developing tall oak seedlings of high abundance have become a concern throughout many eastern hardwood forests. The decline in oak seedling recruitment into canopy positions is often attributed to the increasing abundance of shade tolerant midstory species, especially red maple (Acer rubrum L.). Studies have shown that increasing light to the understory by way of a midstory removal has the ability to favor oak seedlings over competitors. The majority of studies to date have examined northern red (Quercus rubra L.) and cherrybark oak (Quercus pagoda Raf.) on productive sites, but relatively little is known about the effects of midstory removal on white (Quercus alba L.) and black (Quercus velutina L.) oaks, which are valuable species commercially and for wildlife. This study tests the effect of a midstory removal on oak seedlings and red maples six years after treatment implementation. In addition to seedling growth, survival, and competitiveness, the study also illustrates the changes in canopy structure and light transmittance resulting from the midstory removal. Basal clipping response of white oak seedlings following six years under a midstory removal is also examined as a method for regenerating more vigorous oaks. Results from this study support implementation of midstory removal as a method for improving oak regeneration.

No description available.

Understanding forest carbon uptake and associated growth response is important for carbon sequestration and water management practices given the large quantities of carbon stored in forest ecosystems. Climate variability and forest management practices influence the magnitude and rate of soil CO2 efflux; however, their combined effects are complex and not well understood. This study investigated the response of soil CO2 efflux to the combined effects of climate variability, including those caused by climate oscillations, and shelterwood harvesting in a mature temperate white pine (Pinus strobes L.) forest, located near Lake Erie in southern Ontario, Canada. Analyses indicated that local winter temperatures and precipitation were influenced by climate oscillations, which affected forest carbon dynamics. After the shelterwood harvest removed approximately a third of the overstory canopy, no significant differences were found for soil temperature and soil moisture between the pre-harvesting (2008 to 2011) and post-harvesting (2012 to 2014) periods. Despite similar climate conditions pre- and post-harvesting, soil CO2 effluxes post-harvesting were lower. A Gaussian-Gamma specification model determined that heterotrophic (autotrophic) respiration decreased (increased) between pre- and post-harvesting, respectively. Mineral-soil respiration were similar pre- and post-harvesting. Soil CO2 efflux accounted for 78±9% of the annual ecosystem respiration (RE), derived using eddy-covariance fluxes. However, the overall net ecosystem productivity showed no significant difference between pre- and post-harvesting. This was attributed to an increase in the gross ecosystem productivity post-harvesting, compensating for the increased losses (i.e. increased RE). This study highlights the complexities of measuring various components of ecosystem respiration after a disturbance, such as a harvest. The knowledge gained from this study provides a better understanding of climate variability and shelterwood harvesting influences on ecosystem respiration and can be useful for forest managers focused on carbon sequestration and forest conservation. / Dissertation / Doctor of Science (PhD) / Coniferous forest plantations in eastern North America are undergoing silvicultural management to enhance their carbon sequestration capabilities and native-tree species diversity. This study investigated the combined influence of climate oscillations and shelterwood harvesting on soil carbon dynamics of a planted pine forest in southern Ontario, Canada. Between pre- and post-harvesting, soil temperature and soil moisture did not show any significant differences. However, soil CO2 effluxes in post-harvesting years were lower than pre-harvesting years. A Gaussian-Gamma specification model determined that heterotrophic (autotrophic) respiration decreased (increased) post-harvesting and mineral-soil respiration was similar between pre- and post-harvesting. An increase in ecosystem respiration post-harvesting, despite soil CO2 efflux decreasing and being the largest component, was primarily caused by the increase in autotrophic respiration due to enhancement in forest growth. This study improved the understanding of forest carbon dynamics by highlighting the importance of accounting for all components, which may contribute to ecosystem respiration. Results can be useful for forest management practitioners, specifically those focused on carbon sequestration and forest conservation.

This study compared the effects of selective cutting (SC) and the first shelterwood (SW) cut in oak (Quercus)-dominated forests of western Virginia. The specific attributes compared were: (1) tree species composition; (2) seedling, sapling, and overstory tree density; (3) overstory tree quality and size; (4) sapling crown class; and (5) canopy closure. Seedlings, saplings, and overstory trees were sampled at 22 SC and 28 SW sites. Significant differences identified between the two harvest types included: biodiversity of overstory and seedling layers; species densities for seedlings, saplings, and overstory trees; species composition across forest layers; and average canopy closure. Regeneration was poorer on SC than on SW, especially among oak species where SC oak seedling density averaged 5,651 stems ha-1 and SW oak seedling density averaged 9,843 stems ha-1. Selective cutting and SW may both contribute to mesophication of oak-dominated forests in the southern Appalachian Mountains; however, SC resulted in a higher percentage of mesic species post-harvest, and the SW tended to have more oak regeneration. / Master of Science / Selective cutting in the form of high-grading (harvesting only the most valuable trees in a forest) and diameter-limit cutting (harvesting all merchantable trees in a forest above a designated diameter at breast height) is the predominant timber harvest practice in the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is contributing to a shift in forest composition away from oak species toward tree species of lower commercial and wildlife value. In this study, although there were fewer seedlings and saplings after selective cuts than after shelterwoods (a partial harvest of trees aimed at encouraging the regeneration of desirable tree species such as oaks in the future forest), there was higher tree species diversity among the seedlings and saplings at selective cutting sites than at shelterwoods. Oak regeneration remains a challenging goal to meet, but silvicultural systems such as shelterwoods that are designed to promote oak regeneration are likely to be more successful than selective cutting at maintaining oak dominance in this forested region.

Magistro darbe tiriama pušynų atvejinių kirtimų įtaka medynų žemutinių ardų augalijos formavimuisi. Darbo objektas: Tyrimo objektas – pomiškis, žolinė augmenija ir samanos neplynose pušynų kirtavietėse. Darbo tikslas: Ištirti pomiškio, žolinės ir samanų dangos formavimosi ypatumus pušynų atvejinių kirtimų kirtavietėse. Darbo metodai: Pušynuose, kuriuose buvo atlikti atvejiniai kirtimai buvo parinkti 4 pastovūs bareliai. Trijuose bareliuose atvejiniai kirtimai buvo vykdyti 2007 metais, o viename tyrimų barelyje – 2005 metais. Visuose bareliuose augavietės tipas buvo Nbl. Pomiškis, žolinė ir samanų danga buvo įvertinta 20 m ilgio ir 1 m pločio transektose. Pomiškis skaičiuotas nurodant rūšį ir skaičių. Samanų, žolinės augmenijos projekcinis padengimas įvertintas procentais. Darbo rezultatai: Vidutinis paprastosios pušies daigų kiekis 1 m2 antrais metais po atvejinių kirtimų sumažėjo, o karpotojo beržo daigų kiekis 1 m2 iš esmės nepasikeitė. Kai kuriose kirtavietėse antrais metais po kirtimų atsirado paprastosios eglės daigų. Kirtavietėse rastos 29 skirtingos žolių rūšys. Daugeliu atvejų antrais metais po atvejinių kirtimų kirtavietėse žolių rūšių skaičius padidėjo. Žolinės dangos vidutinis projekcinis padengimas antrais metais po atliktų atvejinių kirtimų ženkliai padidėjo. Daugiausiai vidutinis projekcinis padengimas praėjus metams po atvejinių kirtimų padidėjo kirtaviečių augalų – miškinio ir smiltyninio lendrūnų. Viso rastos 4 samanų rūšys. Vidutinis projekcinis samanų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The object of the study: Undergrowth, herbs and moss in pinewoods after shelterwood cuttings. The aim of the study: The main goal of this research was to find out influence of shelterwood cuttings on herbs, moss and seedlings in pinewoods. Methods: The research areas were established in 2007 year shelterwood cutting and in 2005 year shelterwood cutting of pinewood. Saplings, herbs and moss were counted in transect which was 20 meters length and 1 meter width. There were indicated saplings species and number. Average cover projection of herbs and moss was evaluated by percent. The results: The average the number of pine’s saplings decreased in one square meter in shelter wood cuttings of second year. The average the number of birch saplings didn’t change in one square meter in essence on the following year after shelterwood cuttings. In some shelterwood cuttings were found spruce’s saplings on second year. There were 29 different species of herbs in shelterwood cuttings. In most cases the number of herbs species increased on following year. Average cover projection of herbs signally increased on the following year after shelterwood cuttings. There were founded 4 species of moss. Moss average cover projection didn’t change in essence on the following year after shelterwood cuttings.

Magistro darbe įvertintos Varėnos rajone Na augavietėje augančių pušynų atsikūrimo galimybės praėjus 2-7 metams po atvejinių kirtimų pirmo atvejo. Darbo objektas – atvejiniais kirtimais išretinti 0,6-0,7 skalsumo pušynai Varėnos miškų urėdijos Zervynų, Ūlos, Marcinkonių ir Musteikos girininkijose. Į apskaitą pateko 7 sklypai, kurių plotas svyravo nuo 0,8 iki 22,7 hektarų. Pušies medynų amžius buvo 100-130 metų, bonitetas II-IV. Darbo tikslas – įvertinti pušynų žėlimo galimybes Varėnos miškų urėdijos pušies medynuose, kirstuose supaprastintais dviejų atvejų atvejiniais kirtimais. Darbo metodai. Matavimai buvo atliekami sistemiškai išdėstytose kvadratinėse 2x2 m apskaitos aikštelėse. Iš viso 7-iuose išretintuose pušies medynuose buvo išskirta 220 apskaitos aikštelių. Kiekvienoje tyrimo aikštelėje buvo nustatomas perspektyvių ir neperspektyvių 2-7 metų savaiminukų skaičius, miško paklotės storis, žolinės dangos agresyvumas žėlimui ir vyraujančios rūšys, trako rūšinė sudėtis ir kiekis aikštelėje, kitų medžių rūšių (B) žėlinių skaičius. Taip pat kiekviename tirtame sklype nustatytas paliktų priedangos medžių skaičius. Darbo rezultatai. Du tirti prieš 2-3 metus išretinti pušies medynai laikomi neatkurtais, juose perspektyvių pušies savaiminukų tankis siekė 1,1-1,4 tūkst. vnt./ha. Kiti trys prieš 4-5 metus išretinti pušies medynai laikomi atkurtais patenkinamai, juose perspektyvių pušies žėlinių skaičius buvo 3,2-3,6 tūkst. vnt./ha. Likę du prieš 6-7 metus išretinti medynai... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / In this Master's thesis were determined pine's forest capability to restore naturally in mineral soils of normal humidity in Varena district after shelterwood cuttings during 2-7 years period. Also shelterwood trees density, soil scarification, litter thickness and herbaceous plants cover influence to pine's regeneration were estimated. Object of work – pine's forests in seven different sites of Varena district. These pine's forests occupied from 0,8 to 22,7 hectars, were 100-130 years old, 0,6-0,7 stands density and II-IV bonitete. Aim of work – to estimate pine's forests capability to restore naturally in Varena district after shelterwood cuttings. Methods of work. The measurements were performed in 2 to 2 meters accounting fields. In each field perspective and nonperspective pine's seedlings, litter thickness, herbaceous plant's species, undergrowth density and other tree species seedlings were determined. Shelterwood trees density in all pine's forests were determined too. Results. Two pine's forests were not regenerated when 2-3 years period after shelterwood cuttings have passed. In these forests the density of perspective pine's seedlings were 1100-1400 units per ha. Other three pine's forests were regenerated sufficiently when 4-5 years period after shelterwood cuttings have passed. In these forests the density of perspective pine's seedlings were 3200-3600 units per ha. Last two pine's forests were regenerated well when 6-7 years period after shelterwood cuttings... [to full text]

The formation of dense understories in eastern forests has created low light environments that hinder the development of advance oak reproduction. Studies have shown that a midstory removal can enhance these light conditions and promote the development of competitive oak seedlings. Previous studies have been primarily focused on oaks found on productive sites, and there is little knowledge of this treatment’s potential on intermediate sites and the typically associated oak species. This study investigates the seven-year effects of midstory removal on natural and underplanted white (Quercus alba L.) and black oak (Quercus velutina L.) reproduction, as well as competing red maples (Acer rubrum L.), on intermediate sites within the western rim of the Cumberland Plateau. In addition to its effect on stand reproduction, this study also investigates the impact of this treatment on microclimate. Results from this study can provide a look at the long term success of midstory removal on intermediate quality sites and serve as a basis for future oak management in the region.

No description available.

No description available.