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Topographic Position and Site Index: An Oak Regeneratoin Relationship

Informally Refereed

Abstract

In 1996, a 10-year study was initiated in an upland hardwood forest in northern Alabama to assess establishment success and stocking levels of oak reproduction following three regeneration treatments: block clearcutting, strip clearcutting, and deferment cutting. Each treatment was applied to two 4-acre stands. In addition, two 2-acre uncut controls were monitored. All treatments were established on a north aspect with slopes ranging from 5 to 60 percent. Oak site index (base age 50 years) ranged from 64 feet on the upper slope positions to 88 feet on the lower slope positions. Data on operational and environmental variables were collected pre- and postharvest and analyzed to determine whether relationships exist with stocking or success of oak reproduction. Four growing seasons after the harvest, a relationship between topographic position, site index, and oak reproduction success was evident. Nonovertopped oak reproduction was found to be most abundant on the upper slope positions and least abundant on the lower slope positions, regardless of harvesting treatment.

Parent Publication

Citation

Shostak, David I.; Loewenstein, Edward F.; Dubois, Mark R. 2004. Topographic Position and Site Index: An Oak Regeneratoin Relationship. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 243-248
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/6652