Low-cost regeneration techniques for mixed-species management – 20 years later
This article is part of a larger document. View the larger document here.Abstract
Four variations of the fell-and-burn technique, a low-cost regeneration system developed for pine-hardwood mixtures in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, were tested in the Piedmont of South Carolina. All variations successfully improved the commercial value of low-quality hardwood stands by introducing a pine component. After 20 years, pines were almost as numerous as hardwoods and more than twice their height. Summer site preparation burning reduced hardwood size and increased the number of pine volunteers but did not affect pine diameter, height, or volume. This study represents the first definitive measurement of volume resulting from low-cost regeneration techniques in the Southeastern Piedmont. Nonindustrial private forest landowners may find these techniques useful as a means of increasing stand value from a low initial investment.