Planted Shortleaf Responds to Prompt Release
Controlling competing hardwoods on the Cumberland Plateau increased the growth of planted shortleaf pine. Immediate release by girdling and cutting plus applying silvicide gave best growth of shortleaf pine planted under low-grade hardwoods near Sewanee, Tenn. Delaying the release for 1 and 2 years after planting did not significantly affect survival or growth after release, although development before release was retarded by competition with hardwoods. Release without silvicide resulted in poorer growth for the 5-year period. Shortleaf pine was hand-planted in February 1957 ona gently rolling area about 1,900 feet in elevation. The soil is_Hartsells fine sandy loam, which is low in organic matter, infertile, and well to excessively drained. The site was dominated by a low-grade stand of oak and hickory that had 68 square feet of basal area per acre in stems 3 inches d.b.h. and larger and a merchantable volume of about 2,000 board feet per acre in tie and local-use logs. The moderately dense under story was composed of oak, hickory, blackgum, sassafras, dogwood, hairy locust, and other species.
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Author(s): Thomas E. Russell
Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Issue 61 (1963)