Field Performance of High-Quality and Standard Northern Red Oak Seedlings in Tennessee

Abstract

First-year performance of high-quality (HQ), high-quality cull (HQC) and standard (ST) northern red oak (Quercus rubra) nursery seedlings was compared in a study established in a recent clearcut in mid-March, 2000. Objectives were to test effects of 1) seedling type, 2) planting treatment, and 3) control of competitors on the growth, browsing, and survival of planted seedlings. HQ, HQC, and ST northern red oak nursery seedlings averaging 109, 58, and 23 centimeters in height, respectively, were planted in three planting treatments: 1) row planting, 2) random spacing, and 3) inter-planting with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Three of 6 replicates for each planting treatment were chosen at random to receive competition control. Analyses within seedling types indicated no statistically significant differences between planting and competition control treatments in the first year. Differences between seedling types were much stronger. Height growth of HO and HOC seedlings was significantly greater than that of ST seedlings. However, the incidence of browsing of HQ and HQC seedlings was also significantly greater than that of ST seedlings. Mortality of ST seedlings was significantly greater than HQC seedlings, but not significantly greater than HQ seedlings. It remains to be seen whether HQ seedlings will maintain their advantage over HOC and ST seedlings with continued browsing, and whether differences between planting and competition control treatments will strengthen as vegetation development and browsing continues.

Citation

Buckley, David S. 2002. Field Performance of High-Quality and Standard Northern Red Oak Seedlings in Tennessee. In: Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–48. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pg. 323-327