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Interactions

The forces of change described above rarely act alone in their influence on the South’s forests. Rather, they interact and often have compounding effects. The population dynamics of insects can be influenced by climatic factors. For example, drought is linked to southern pine beetle outbreaks. Pollutants such as ozone may worsen the damage caused by insects. Acid deposition may cause tree species to be more susceptible to drought, insects, and diseases. Land use changes may shift forests toward developed uses. Increased human populations bring greater potential for invasive and aggressive exotic plants and animals, which can result in displacement or loss of native species. Increased scarcity of timberland results in upward pressures on timber prices and motivates landowners to intensify their management. Expanding pine plantations may help mitigate predicted increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide.